112525 Charter for Compassion 2.0
Charter for Compassion
A global movement bringing compassion to life through concrete, practical action across all sectors of society.
From Inner Healing to Planetary Flourishing — Making compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world.
Explore Charter 2.0 →
A Transformed World
The Charter for Compassion envisions a world where all life flourishes with compassion. Founded by scholar Karen Armstrong after receiving the TED Prize in 2008, the Charter was unveiled on November 12, 2009, with support from thousands of contributors worldwide.
The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions—the Golden Rule that calls us to treat others as we wish to be treated. The Charter translates this ancient wisdom into a living, breathing movement for our times.
The Charter is not simply a statement of principle—it is a summons to creative, practical and sustained action to meet the political, moral, religious, social and cultural problems of our time.
Network of Networks
Charter for Compassion operates as a network of networks, connecting organizers and leaders from around the world. We provide educational resources, organizing tools, and communication platforms to help create and support compassionate communities and institutions.
🌐 Global Reach
Supporting movements across 10 sectors: arts, business, education, environment, healthcare, peace, interfaith, science, social justice, and restorative justice
🏘️ Local Action
Helping communities bring compassion to life in practical ways through the Compassionate Communities framework
🤝 Collaboration
Providing an umbrella for conferences, events, collaborations, and initiatives worldwide
📚 Resources
Sharing lessons, stories, inspiration, and practical tools for compassionate transformation
The Compassionate Communities Model:
- Phase 1: Discover and Assess — Identify community needs and existing compassion work
- Phase 2: Focus and Commit — Build diverse coalitions and prioritize actions
- Phase 3: Build and Launch — Implement compassion-driven programs and initiatives
- Phase 4: Evaluate and Sustain — Measure impact and ensure long-term vitality
Charter for Compassion 2.0
Launched November 12, 2025, Charter 2.0 represents a deepening and expansion of the original Charter—a bold next chapter calling us into the "Great Turning" of our times.
The Great Turning: We stand at a threshold moment in human and planetary history. Authentic compassion begins with inner healing and extends outward through just relationships, regenerative systems, and reverent care for all life.
Education
Teaching compassion in schools, universities, and lifelong learning environments
Learn More →The Living Promise: This Charter is our sacred promise to life itself—a commitment to embody the change we seek, heal wounds we have inherited, and plant seeds of flourishing for generations yet to come.
Join the Movement
Individuals can:
- Sign the Charter for Compassion and join 2 million+ global signatories
- Download the Charter 2.0 Guidebook as a companion for personal practice
- Share stories of compassionate action in your community
- Attend global webinars and local events
- Practice the Golden Rule in daily life
Communities can:
- Register as a Compassionate City or Community
- Use the Charter Community Tool Box to guide transformation
- Build diverse coalitions addressing local challenges
- Connect with 600+ cities already enrolled worldwide
- Access educational resources and organizing tools
Organizations can:
- Partner with Charter for Compassion across 10 sectors
- Integrate compassion into institutional culture and practices
- Join the Global Compassion Council or regional networks
- Host Charter-inspired events and initiatives
- Contribute to the global knowledge base
About Charter for Compassion
📅 Founded
Launched November 12, 2009; became 501(c)(3) in 2014
👤 Founder
Karen Armstrong, TED Prize winner and religious scholar
👥 Leadership
Marilyn Turkovich (Executive Director), Global Board of Trustees
🌐 Structure
Charter Teams, Board of Trustees, Global Compassion Council with 37 members
Vision: A transformed world where all life flourishes with compassion.
Mission: To support the emergence of a global movement that brings the Charter for Compassion to life through connecting, cultivating, and encouraging networks of compassionate action.
Key Partners: TED, Fetzer Institute, Compassionate Action Network, Parliament of World Religions, Earth Charter, and hundreds of communities worldwide.
