This is the best kind of news for members of the dignity movement, because it points to simple, concrete actions we can all take to encourage more dignity and less contempt in our public and political discourse.
What does taking action look like?
It can be as simple as responding to a fundraising pitch the way this person did upon first learning about the Dignity Index:
"I just texted an organization whose position I support, however I felt that their communication vilified elected officials to raise funds. I recommended that they review the Dignity Index, evaluate their contemptuous marketing and align their messaging with their values and increased dignity."
Or it can mean contacting a candidate seeking your support and ask for their commitment to dignity, like this person did just last month after attending a Dignity Index event:
“[A] Congressional candidate told me one of the [event] attendees met with her, Dignity Index card in hand, and asked if she would commit to staying above a FIVE on the scale.”
It takes a little more courage—at least in my experience— to write a letter to the editor or speak up during a local city council meeting, stating your support for dignity and asking for others to join you. But take heart! Remember that an overwhelming percentage of citizens feel the same way you do. Speak with dignity, and your message will resonate.
And let me be clear: it’s not just voters who are hungry for more dignity in political discourse—thousands of elected officials are working to lead with dignity as well. They want meetings that encourage rather than shut down diverse opinions. They want their interactions to model active listening and robust debate. They want to be effective problem-solvers—and they’re discovering dignity as a practical tool. But they need us: constituents who will support those who lead with dignity.
Last October, the U.S. Conference of Mayors launched a declaration, signed by 230 mayors from 41 states and Puerto Rico, committing to “de-escalate our nation’s political tensions and reject violence and dehumanizing rhetoric. And in March, the National League of Cities—representing 19,000 cities, towns, and villages—passed their own resolution, to “Lead with Dignity, Civility, and Respect.”
