Forum Post: Shared vision

Dear fellow human beings,

I've been following the movement from afar and am getting the sense that amidst all the demands and protestations, at the bottom of it all is the desire for a better society. The exact shape of that society has yet to be defined, but it's clear that there are a lot of things that people can point to about our present design that are no longer acceptable.

I would like to draw your attention to a well-defined vision of a just, peaceful, and sustainable society. This vision was developed over many years and, to date, is the world's most participatory writing exercise ever undertaken, with more than 100,000 people from all walks of life, from many countries, and a multitude of religions as part of the process. The document, articulating this shared vision, has been in existence since the year 2000 and since then it has informed many organizations, communities, governments, and movements that would like the societies we live in to be more inclusive and caring. That document is called the Earth Charter.

The Earth Charter is a declaration of fundamental ethical principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century. It seeks to inspire in all people a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility for the well-being of the whole human family, the greater community of life, and future generations.

I do not want to prescribe the Earth Charter to you, but only suggest that in its words you may find guidance in your present efforts to form the kind of society that you want. From what I hear from NYC, the movement there is strong in its desire to see some fundamental changes. I fully support your efforts and I hope that you will read the Earth Charter and allow it to inform the debates and discussions you are having.

As a native New Yorker living abroad, I wish I could be there with, but I know that I most certainly am in spirit. I wish you continued strength and stamina in your demonstration.

Douglas