A central goal of the Compassionate Action Network is to enable rapid development of compassion-based programs within political entities (cities, nations, etc.) while supporting a growing culture of compassion that fosters positive, effective, and caring shifts in interpersonal relationships.

Beginnings

The work towards affirming compassionate cities began in Seattle in April 2010. The mayor and city council affirmed the Charter for Compassion and proclaimed support for a 10-Year Compassionate Seattle campaign. Since then, the number of confirmed Compassionate Cities and new Candidate Cities has grown.

The Cost and the Benefits

So what does it cost to become a Compassionate City? The answer: not much. It takes a brief time for the mayor and city council to draft and pass a proclamation affirming the Charter and declaring support for a 10-Year Campaign. CAN International Institute can provide sample wording for a proclamation, if needed.

There are no out of pocket expenses. The city doesn’t pay fees, dues, or anything else. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. A city, region, or country making a proclamation benefits in ways that are often priceless.

Affirming the Charter and proclaiming support for a 10-Year Campaign means that the city, region, or nation values its citizens as well as its visitors.

• It sends the message to all of its citizens that challenges are not just the responsibility of government, but of all of us and that we can work together to meet those challenges.
• It tells visitors, “We welcome you and value your presence.”
• And it sends a message to our children that we’re working together to leave them a better world.

This can translate into tangible, measurable benefits for a city, region, or nation:

• It encourages better relationships between a government and its citizens, helping to eliminate the rancor, distrust, and cynicism that have become all too common.
• It can lower government operating costs by having citizens and citizen groups jump in to provide educational, social service, conflict resolution, and other assistance.
• The Institute provides on-site and online educational programs that show individuals and groups how to support their communities and governments.
• The Institute has a growing body of resources that can take up some of the slack. For example, we can help with grants and other funding for citizen group projects.

By becoming a compassionate city, region, or nation, citizens become empowered, develop a sense of cooperation, and reinvigorate hope. The result is an improved outlook, quality of life, and “can-do” attitude.