Global Dignity for a Better Tomorrow

By Emily Liebtag and Janice Walton

Each day we are inundated with a multitude of stories–some good and some bad–from the news, social media, and word of mouth. Existing at the core of many of these stories is an element of dignity. To be more exact, human dignity is almost always interwoven into each story we read or hear. We see and hear stories of human dignity being elevated or destroyed. Unfortunately, far too often the stories are of instances when people are not demonstrating dignity towards one another. So what can we do–what can our students do–to ensure that human dignity is being elevated throughout the globe? One answer lies within an organization called Global Dignity.

Why Dignity

Since 2006 Global Dignity has engaged individuals, particularly young people, in powerful and immersive learning experiences focused on the universal values of our shared humanity: dignity.

When hearing the word “dignity” it is likely that many ideas and definitions pop into mind and as such it can be difficult to put into words what dignity actually means. The Global Dignity organization and leadership team believe, “every human being has a right to lead a dignified life, and that we all have a common responsibility, and opportunity, to strengthen the dignity of others.” They also believe every human being has the right to lead a dignified life and that leading a dignified life means having the opportunity to fulfill one’s potential, which requires an adequate level of healthcare, education, income and security. Listen and learn more from Co-Founder John Hope Bryant:

Global Dignity has grounded their work in what dignity means for oneself and for others. Over the past eleven years, they have engaged with over 1.4 million young people from more than 70 countries on how to do this through their signature event Global Dignity Day. Yesterday, October 18th, was official Global Dignity Day (see examples from participants below). Young people from around the world (and even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau) explored what dignity meant to themselves and how they could extend dignity to others.

@MakAishaSchool #aisha Junior #DignityDay # educational play showing how to treat others and to feel toward others pic.twitter.com/0qZeBBi6ju

— Hanin (@YounisHanin) October 16, 2017

Journalist @Mafi_oficial shares her Dignity story with students at a Lisbon school. Over 4000 Portuguese students celebrating #GlobalDignity pic.twitter.com/VlDc9sYxoK

— Stephan Morais (@StephanMorais) October 18, 2017

Happy Dignity Day 2017!  Sharing a beautiful experience at EARTH University! Part 2/2 @GlobalDignity @EARTH_Uni pic.twitter.com/oUzRw5PdaG

— Arturo Condo (@arturocondo) October 18, 2017

The Global Dignity organization recognizes that people all over the world ought to be exploring what dignity is throughout the year. Therefore, Global Dignity is working to provide resources and learning experiences for educators or facilitators seeking to work on dignity (stay tuned for future posts on these resources and how to get involved).

Consider how you already extend or teach dignity, join the conversation at #GlobalDignity and stay tuned for more soon:

• How do you address dignity in your setting or context?
• How are you working to lead a more dignified life?
• Why is teaching dignity to young people important to all of our futures?

For more, see:

• Equipping Young Leaders to Take on the 32 Most Important Issues of Our Time
• Teaching Core Values
• Opt for Dignity | Teach Children to Value Themselves and Others

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