The Dignity Index Resources
A complete collection of tools, guides, and conversation starters to help you understand dignity, recognize contempt, and build more respectful dialogue in your life and community.
When people learn about the Dignity Index, they begin seeing life through a new lens. "It's changed the way I talk to my kids," said one supporter. Another said, "It made me take down a social media post I wasn't proud of."
The divisions in our country are not caused by disagreements — they're caused by contempt, and they can be healed with dignity. But we can't change what we don't talk about. That's why we created the Index: to stir up conversations about how we treat each other.
When we put a spotlight on dignity and contempt, we use more dignity and less contempt. We see it happen over and over. And when we reach a critical number of people who are changing themselves, we'll have a constituency for dignity that can change the culture.
Below you'll find conversation guides, assessment tools, and practical resources organized by audience. Whether you're an individual, a community leader, an educator, or working in a business, these materials will help you deepen your understanding of dignity and contempt.
Why The Dignity Index Matters
We're living through an epidemic of contempt. Political discourse has devolved into personal attacks. Social media rewards outrage over understanding. Family gatherings end in shouting matches. Workplace teams fracture along ideological lines. This isn't just uncomfortable—it's dangerous. Studies show that contemptuous language creates division, erodes trust, and can even lead to violence.
But here's the hope: dignity is the antidote to contempt. When we treat others with dignity—even those we disagree with—we open pathways to connection, collaboration, and problem-solving. The Dignity Index gives us a common language to identify contempt when we see it and choose dignity instead. It's not about agreeing with everyone; it's about treating everyone as fully human, worthy of respect, no matter what.
This matters because culture change starts with individual change. When you learn to recognize the difference between a "4" and a "5" on the Index—the line between contempt and dignity—you begin to notice it everywhere. In your own words. In media headlines. In political speeches. In workplace emails. And once you see it, you can't unsee it. You start making different choices. You pause before posting. You rephrase before speaking. You model something better for your children.
Imagine a critical mass of people committed to dignity. That's not naive optimism—it's how movements work. When enough individuals change how they communicate, they create new expectations in their families, workplaces, and communities. They refuse to accept contempt as normal. They demand better from leaders, media, and institutions. They become a constituency for dignity powerful enough to shift our entire culture. That's why these resources matter. Because the change we need starts with each of us.
Get the Complete Dignity Index Report
Start with the foundational document that explains the full methodology and 8-point scale.
Download the ReportGeneral Resources
The foundational pieces of our Dignity Index work. Start here to understand the core concepts of dignity and contempt.
The 10 Elements of Dignity
by Donna Hicks — Understanding the fundamental components that make up dignified treatment.
The Eight Point Scale
Learn the complete 8-level scale from contempt to respect and how to apply it.
The Dignity Index Scoring Guide
Step-by-step instructions for evaluating communication using the Index.
Dignity Phrases
Examples of language that demonstrates dignity in everyday conversation.
Dignity Principles
The fundamental beliefs and values that guide dignified communication.
The Power of Dignity
Facilitated discussion guide for exploring why dignity matters in public life.
What is the Dignity Movement?
Understanding the broader effort to restore dignity in American discourse.
Cultural Addiction to Contempt
Exploring how contempt has become normalized in our society and media.
Dignity Index: Grades 4-8
Age-appropriate version of the Index for middle school students.
Dignity Index: Grades K-3
Simplified version designed for elementary school children.
Community and Elected Leaders
Resources for those engaged in community work or public service. These materials help you see contempt more clearly and use dignity more effectively in leadership roles.
Building Skills for Dignified Disagreement
Practical techniques for maintaining dignity even during intense policy debates.
Dignity Phrases
Language examples specifically chosen for public servants and community leaders.
Honoring Dignity
by Donna Hicks — Deep dive into how to honor dignity in professional relationships.
Workplace Dignity
Facilitating discussions about respect and communication in professional settings.
Public Meetings
How to maintain dignity in town halls, city council meetings, and public forums.
Individuals and Families
Guided discussions and self-assessment exercises for personal growth and family conversations. Grab a journal and pen for these reflection activities.
Honoring Dignity
by Donna Hicks — Personal application of dignity principles in relationships.
The Power of Dignity
Exploring how dignity transforms personal relationships and family dynamics.
Cultural Addiction to Contempt
Understanding how media and culture influence how we treat each other.
Talking to Your Kids about Dignity
Age-appropriate ways to teach children about respect and dignified communication.
Personal Relationships
Applying dignity principles to friendships, partnerships, and family connections.
Politics and the Media
Navigating political discussions and media consumption with dignity.
Employers and Employees
Resources designed for workplace culture and professional environments. These tools help create more respectful and productive organizations.
Building Skills for Dignified Disagreement
Managing workplace conflicts and disagreements while maintaining professional dignity.
Dignity Phrases
Professional language that demonstrates respect in business communications.
Honoring Dignity
by Donna Hicks — Building workplace culture rooted in mutual respect.
The Power of Dignity
How dignity transforms organizational culture and team performance.
Cultural Addiction to Contempt
Recognizing and addressing contemptuous patterns in workplace culture.
Workplace Dignity
Creating environments where all employees feel respected and valued.
Ready to Learn More?
Visit the Dignity Index website for additional materials, case studies, and ways to get involved in the dignity movement.
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