Charter for Compassion: 2024 Impact Report Aswereflecton2024,itbecomeseverclearerthattheneedforcompassioninourworldhasneverbeengreater.Compassion4the intentionalactofrecognizingthesufferingofothersandworkingtoalleviateit4isnotmerelyanobleideal.Itisatransformativeforce groundedinscientificevidenceandpracticalapplication.
Researchshowsthatcompassionstrengthensrelationships,fostersresilience,andbuildscommunitiescapableofaddressing challengeswithcreativityandcollaboration.AttheCharterforCompassion,weareinspiredbythisevidencetoactdecisivelyand globally,promotingcompassionasanessentialingredientforathrivingworld.
Thisyear,theCharterhastakensignificantstridestodeepenourimpactandexpandourreach.Webegan2024byrevisingand enhancingtwocornerstonecoursesinourEducationInstitute:TheEssenceofCompassionandTheScienceofCompassion. Thesecoursesbringtogetherthelatestresearch,tools,andpracticestosupportindividualsandcommunitiesincultivating compassionintheirdailylives.Theupdatedcurriculareflectourcommitmenttolifelonglearningandourbeliefthateducationisa powerfulpathwaytochange.
TheCharter¾sworktobuildcompassionatecommunitiescontinuestogrow.In2024,wewerehonoredtowelcomenewcitiesand townsintotheCompassionateCommunitiesInitiative,demonstratingasharedglobalcommitmenttocreatingenvironmentswhere compassionthrives.AttheAnnualSisterCitiesInternationalConference,weledanengagingsessionwithmayorsfromSanAntonio, TX,USA;RichmondHill,ON,Canada;andLondrina,PR,Brazil.Together,weexploredhowcitiescanweavecompassionintotheir policies,practices,andcivicidentity,creatingrippleeffectsthatextendbeyondtheirborders.
Thisyearalsomarkedapivotalmomentinourcommitmenttoyouthleadershipandvoices.InOctober,wehostedourinaugural GlobalYouthConference,whereyoungleadersfrom42countriesgatheredtosharetheirvisionandactionplansforacompassionate future.Theircreativity,courage,anddeterminationleftusprofoundlyinspired.Recognizingtheimportanceofyouthperspectives,we inviteddynamicyoungleaderstojoinourBoardofTrusteesandfacilitatedyouthpanelsattheWorldSummitofNobelPeace Laureates.Theseinitiativesaffirmourdedicationtofosteringintergenerationalcollaborationandempoweringthenextgenerationto leadwithcompassion.
Aswelookahead,wearefilledwithhopeanddetermination.Thechallengeswefacegloballyareimmense,buttheyarenot insurmountable.Withcompassionasourguide,wecanaddresssystemicinjustices,healdivisions,andcreateaworldwhereeveryone belongs.TheCharterforCompassionisproudtostandalongsideyouinthisjourney,andwearedeeplygratefulforyoursupport, partnership,andsharedbeliefinthetransformativepowerofcompassion.
Together,wecanbuildamorecompassionateworld4onecommunity,oneconversation,oneactionatatime.
Withgratitudeandhope,
Marilyn MarilynTurkovich,ExecutiveDirector
InternationalCharterforCompassion
Our Vision: A World Guided by Compassion Imagineaworldwhereeverypolicy,decision,andinteractionwasrootedincompassion4notasanafterthought,butastheprimary guidingprinciple.Whatifgovernmentsmeasuredsuccessnotjustbyeconomicgrowth,butbythewell-beingoftheircitizens?Whatif schoolsprioritizedemotionalintelligencealongsideacademics?
Compassionate Leadership Leaderswholistenbeforedeciding
Community Support
Nooneleftbehind
Restorative Justice
Healingoverpunishment
Holistic Education
Nurturingmindsandhearts
Compassionasacorevaluecouldreshapehowweapproachjustice,education,healthcare,andsocialstructures.Insteadof competitionanddivision,wewouldcultivatecollaborationandunity.TheCharterforCompassionenvisionsthisfuturebecausea worldledbycompassionisnotjustanideal,butanattainablepossibility.
The Reality Inaworldfacingunprecedentedchallenges4fromescalatingglobalconflictstotheexistentialthreatofnuclearwar4compassionhas neverbeenmorecritical.TheDoomsdayClock,asymbolicmeasureofhowclosehumanityistoself-destruction,remainsatitsmost periloussettinginhistory,highlightingtheurgencyofourcollectiveresponsibility.TheCharterforCompassionhassteppedintoa leadershiprolewithVoicesforaWorldFreeofNuclearWeapons,advocatingforglobalpeaceandtheabolitionofnucleararms.
Compassionisnotaloftyideal;itisanecessityforoursurvival.Wemustfostergrassrootsmovementsthatencourageindividualsto worktogetherinsmallgroups,sharingideasandcommitmentsthataddresslocalissueswhilecontributingtoglobalchange.The Charter¾sroleinglobalpeacebuildingdemonstratesthatwhencommunitiesuniteincompassion,theycreateripplesofchangethat extendfarbeyondtheirborders.
Compassionate Communities Initiative TheCharterforCompassion'sglobalmovementofCompassionateCitiesandCommunitiesreachedanimpressivemilestonein2024, withover560citiesactivelyengagedinembeddingcompassionintogovernance,education,healthcare,andsocialjustice.
Global Expansion Over560citiesworldwidenowactivelyparticipatein theCompassionateCommunitiesInitiative,tailoring approachestolocalchallenges.
Camino de Paz y Compasión Launchedin2024,connectingSanAntonioto Monterreyasasymboloftransnationalpeace, inspiringsimilarprojectsintheUK, SouthAfrica,andCanada.
Mayoral Leadership AttheAnnualSisterCitiesInternationalConference, mayorsfromSanAntonio,RichmondHill,and Londrinaexploredintegratingcompassionintopolicies andcivicidentity.
Community Coalitions Structuredframeworkforpeacebuilding,engaging localgovernments,universities,interfaith organizations,andNGOsincoalition-building activities.
Eachcitytailoreditsapproachtoaddressinglocalchallengesthroughcompassionateaction,demonstratingthatcommunity-led initiativescandrivemeaningfulchange.TheCaminoinitiativeunderscoredtheimportanceofpeople-to-peoplediplomacy,showing thatcompassioncanbridgedivideseveninareasaffectedbyhistoricaltensions.Let'slookatsomehighlights!
Compassionate Communities Around The World Australia CompassionateAustralia¾s"Deep DreamingAustralia:AContinentfor Compassion,"isavisionaryprogram aimedatfosteringcompassionacross thenation.Thisinitiativeemphasizes theintegrationofIndigenousAustralian perspectives,recognizingtheirprofound contributionstothenation'scultural andspiritualfabric.
TheDeepDreaminginitiativealsoaligns withtheannualAustralianNationalDay ofCompassion,heldonSeptember21st, whichcoincideswiththeInternational DayofPeace.Eachyear,thisday featuresaspecifictheme;forinstance, the2024themewas"Compassionand DeepConnection."Theday'sevents includedonlinelaunchesandsessions exploringvariousaspectsofconnection, suchasIndigenousjustice,peace culture,andrepairingrelationships.
Netherlands In2024,theBewegingvan Barmhartigheid,theDutch CompassionateMovementcelebratedits anniversarywithvariousactivities promotingcompassionandconnection. OnApril6,theyorganizedanatelier lecturebyvisualartistCarenvan Herwaardenfocusingontheintersection ofartandcompassion.
InhonorofthenationalPeaceWeekon September14,themovementheldthe 'WalkofPeaceandCompassion'in Utrecht,aimingtofosterpeaceand empathywithinthecommunity.The anniversaryyearconcludedon December16withafestivegathering, reflectingondedicationtocompassion andexploringitssignificancein contemporarysociety.
Canada OnApril5,2024,CompassionateRichmondHillcelebrated GoldenRuleDayattheCentralLibrary'sPeacePole, emphasizingkindnessandrespectinalignmentwithglobal compassionefforts.
Ongoinginitiativesincludedweekly"Connectingthe Community"meetingseveryTuesdaymorningattheRichmond HillCentralLibrary,providingresidentswithaplatformfor meaningfulconversations,communityupdates,andevent promotionstostrengthencommunalbonds.
OnMay26,2024,thecommunityparticipatedintheannual WalkforHillHouseHospice,a2.8kmwalkthroughtheMill Pondarea,fosteringcommunityspiritandraisingfundsfor compassionateend-of-lifecareservices.
InSeptember2024,MarilynTurkovich,ExecutiveDirectorofthe CharterforCompassion,visitedWinnipegtoadvancethecity's compassionateinitiatives.
OnSeptember11,shedeliveredapresentationtitled"Charter forCompassionRevisited"atSaintBonifaceCathedralHall, highlightingtheCharter'sworkandencouragingWinnipegto embraceapathofcompassion.
Thefollowingday,September12,Turkovichledasessiontitled "CharterforCompassion"attheDr.RajPandeyHinduCentre, providinginsightsintotheglobalcompassionmovementand discussingwaysindividualsandorganizationscancontributeto makingtheworldamorecompassionateplace.
TheseengagementsunderscoredtheCharter'scommitmentto supportingWinnipeginitsjourneytowardbecominga recognizedCompassionateCity,emphasizingtheimportanceof compassionincommunitydevelopmentandglobalinitiatives.
South Africa In2024,CapeTown,SouthAfrica,embracedthespiritof compassionthroughvariousinitiatives,notablytheUbuntu FestivalheldinMarch.Thisfestival,sponsoredbytheCharter forCompassion,celebratedtheAfricanphilosophyofUbuntu, emphasizinginterconnectednessandsharedhumanity.
Thefestivalcommencedwithabenefitconcertsupportinglocal NGOs,featuringperformancesbyartistssuchasTumiPheko, PatoBanton,CraigLucas,andMthandazo.Theseconddayof thefestivalwasdedicatedtostorytelling,andincluded screeningsoflocalfilmsandtheaward-winningdocumentary "TheSpiritofUbuntu,"followedbydiscussionswiththe filmmakers.Thefinalfestivaldaywasfocusedoncommunity engagementthroughofferingsofworkshopsanddialogues, includingtheCapeTownlaunchoftheNelsonMandela Foundation'sexhibition<MandelaisDead=andapanel discussionwithDr.RichardRose,KneoMokgopa,andDr. WanelisaXaba.
Mexico InSeptember2024,Compassionate Monterrey,NuevoLeón,Mexico,hosted the19thWorldSummitofNobelPeace LaureatesfromSeptember18to21.This significantevent,organizedbythe Charter¾sStrategicPartner,Encuentro MundialdeValores(WorldMeetingof Values)incollaborationwiththe GovernmentofNuevoLeón,convened morethan15NobelPeaceLaureates andnumerousinternationalfiguresto discusspeaceandconflictresolution.
Duringthesummit,theCharterfor Compassionconductedaworkshop titled"WorldPeaceBuilding,"offering insightsintoglobalpeaceinitiativesand strategiesforfosteringcompassion worldwide.Additionally,theCharter hostedtheKarenArmstrong HumanitarianAwardsGalaBanquet, honoringdistinguishedindividualsand organizationsfortheirexceptional contributionstohumanityandthe promotionofcompassion.
Pakistan Inrecentdevelopments,CharterforCompassionPakistanhas beenactivelypromotingcompassionandinclusivityacrossthe nation.AsofSeptember2024,theorganizationhasbeen preparingtoembracenewchallengesandreachgreaterheights in2025,aimingtocreateamorecompassionatePakistan,one stepatatime.
Inrecognitionofhisefforts,Mr.AminHashwani,Presidentof CharterforCompassionPakistan,wasamong135Pakistanis awardedthecountry'scivilawardinAugust2024.
Additionally,WajahatKarim,aGoogleDeveloperExpertin Android,hasbeenadvocatingforacompassionatePakistan throughhis"1%Edhi"mindset,emphasizingsmall,consistent actsofkindnesstofosteramorecompassionatesociety.
Inaddition,CharterforCompassionPakistanisactivelyengaged ininitiativesaimedatwomen'sempowermentandeducational development.TheMumkinProjectfocusesonempowering womenwhohaveexperienceddomesticviolence,abuse,and trauma.IncollaborationwiththeUnitedStatesInstituteof Peace(USIP),theprogramprovidestrainingtohelpthese womengainskillsandconfidence,facilitatingtheirreintegration intosociety.
United Kingdom Taunton,Somerset,intheUnitedKingdomofficiallybecamea CompassionateTownin2024.Thisinitiativereflectsthe community'scommitmenttofosteringcompassionand inclusivityamongitsresidents.Tomarkthisachievement, variouseventswereorganized,includingmeditationgatherings aimedatpromotingmindfulnessandunitywithinthe community.Theseeventsweredesignedtoberelaxedand uplifting,welcomingindividualsofallexperiencelevelsto participate.
TheCompassionateTauntoninitiativehasgarneredsupport fromlocalleaders,suchasCouncillorVanessaGarside,who haveactivelyparticipatedineventspromotingthetown's compassionatevalues.Communitymembersareencouragedto jointheseeffortstohelpTauntonflourishasaCompassionate Town.
Compassionate Communities in the USA Atlanta, Georgia CompassionateAtlantahasbeen instrumentalinpromotinginclusivity andempathywithinthecommunity. Recentinitiativesincludeworkshopson racialequity,mentalhealthawareness campaigns,andcommunitydialogues aimedatbridgingculturaldivides.The organizationcontinuestocollaborate withlocalpartnerstoaddresspressing socialissuesandcultivateacultureof compassionthroughoutthecity.
Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas CompassionateDFWhasbeenfocusing oninterfaithdialoguesandsocialjustice initiatives.Recenteventshaveincluded virtualforumsonhomelessness, educationalworkshopsonsystemic racism,andcollaborativeprojectswith localnonprofitstosupportunderserved communities.Theorganizationremains committedtofosteringunderstanding andcooperationamongdiversegroups intheDallas/FortWortharea.
Las Vegas, Nevada In2024,CompassionateLasVegascontinueditsmissionto fostercompassionandcommunityengagementthroughvarious initiativesandrecognitions.Ahighlightoftheyearwasthe CompassionateCityAwards,whichhonoredindividualsmaking significantimpactsacrosseightpriorityareas:ClimateChange, EnvironmentalSustainability,Education,HealthandWellness, HousingSecurity,HumanTrafficking,StrengtheningtheFamily, andRestorativePractices.NotableawardeesincludedBillyAllen forEducation,AshleyNickersonforEnvironmental Sustainability,andRichardEganforHealth&Wellness. Theorganizationalsocelebratedtheachievementsofits2024 cohort,acknowledgingayearfilledwithdeepconnectionand compassion.Thiscohortengagedinvariouscommunity activities,contributingtotheorganization'smissionoffostering compassionintheLasVegasarea.
Additionally,CompassionateLasVegascontinuedtoproduceits podcast,hostedbyWillRucker,featuringconversationswith communityleadersandexpertsontopicsrelatedtocompassion andsocialwell-being.Episodesfrom2024includeddiscussions onpublicservicewithShelleyBerkley,thepowerofcompassion injusticewithKaraJenkins,andinsightsintobuildinga sustainablefutureforchildrenwithDr.DebraHendrickson.
Pomona, California CompassionatePomonahosteditsannualKindnessCarnivalat WashingtonPark.Theeventfeaturedgames,livemusic,special activitiesforchildren,andparticipationfromover50 organizations,civicleaders,andcommunitymembers,all celebratingcompassionandupliftinglocalyouth.
TheCompassion101:(Re)ConnectingtoOurHumanity¾s programwasheldinJuneandincludedworkshops,aspring breakcamp,andculminatedinaHumanLibraryeventatthe PomonaPublicLibrary,withmorethan30youthparticipants. Theinitiativeaimedtoinspireyoungmindstorespondwith compassionandcourage,fosteringamorecompassionate community.
Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County, California InSeptember2024,theSantaBarbaraCountyBoardof SupervisorsadoptedaresolutionrecognizingSantaBarbara CountyasaCompassionateCommunity.
Thisdesignationreflectsthecounty'scommitmenttofostering inclusivity,equity,andjusticeforallresidents.
InJanuary2025,theBoardreaffirmedthiscommitmentby emphasizingtheimportanceofproactivemeasurestoensure thesafety,well-being,anddignityofallresidents,particularly theLGBTQ+community.TheBoardcondemnedhatefuland discriminatoryrhetoric,highlightingthecounty'sdedicationto standingfirmagainstdivisivelanguageandactions
Houston, TX CompassionateHoustonhasbeen engagingthecommunitythrough programsthatemphasizepersonal developmentandsocialresponsibility. Recentactivitiesincludemindfulness workshops,youthleadershiptraining, andpartnershipswithlocalschoolsto integratecompassion-basedcurricula. Theorganizationstrivestoempower individualstoactwithcompassionin theirdailylivesandcontributepositively tothebroadercommunity.
St. Augustine, Florida In2024,CompassionateSt.Augustineadvanceditsmissionto fosteracultureofcompassionthroughseveralkeyinitiatives.
ThePurpleBenchInitiative,launchedinApril,encouraged communitymemberstoengageincompassionatepractices acrossdiversebackgrounds,promotingempathyand understanding.TheGiftGardensprojectaddressedfood insecuritybyestablishingcommunitygardenstoprovidefresh producetothoseinneed.
TheCompassionateWomenprogramunitedwomenfrom variousethnicitiesandideologiestofostercompassionand collaboration.Similarly,theCompassionateYouthgroup engagedyoungindividualsinvolunteer-focused,interfaith activitiestoinspirechangeanddevelopleadershipskills.
Additionally,theGoodTroubleadvocacygroupbuiltcoalitions withlocalleadersandorganizationstotackleissuessuchas affordablehousingandinternationalhumanitarianefforts.
San Antonio, Texas TheCompassionateSanAntonianAwardwaspresentedto individualswhodemonstratedexceptionalactsofkindnessand servicewithinthecommunity,recognizingtheircontributionsto makingapositivedifferenceinthelivesofothers
Furthermore,thecitylaunchedtheCompassionateUSA campaign,asix-partcurriculumdesignedtopromote compassionandfosterhealing.Developedinpartnershipwith theAlamoCollegesDistrict,thisinitiativeprovidedresources andguidanceonemotionalawareness,self-compassion,and collectivehealing,aimingtodecreaseviolenceandaddress collectivetrauma.
St. Louis, Missouri FromJuly21to26,2024,St.LouishostedtheConscious DisciplineInstitute,animmersiveexperienceforeducators, administrators,andchildadvocates.Theeventfocusedonselfregulation,creatingcompassionatelearningenvironments,and fosteringemotionalintelligenceamongparticipants
CompassionateSt.Louiscontinueditseffortstopromote compassionthroughvariousprogramsandevents,including participatingintheCompassionGamestoencourageactsof kindnessandcommunityservice.
In2024,compassionatecommunitiesworldwidedemonstratedthepoweroflocalaction.FromAustralia'sDeepDreaminginitiative incorporatingIndigenousmindsetstoSouthAfrica'sUbuntuFestivalcelebratinginterconnectedness,eachregioncontributed uniquelytoourglobalmovement.
NotableachievementsincludedMonterreyhostingthe19thWorldSummitofNobelPeaceLaureates,LasVegashonoringcommunity leaderswithCompassionateCityAwards,andTaunton,UKofficiallybecomingaCompassionateTown.Thesediverseinitiatives demonstratehowcompassionmanifestsuniquelyacrosscultureswhileaddressinguniversalhumanneeds.
The Spirit of Ubuntu & Global Partnerships In2024,theCharterforCompassionco-sponsoredtheSpiritofUbuntudocumentaryfilm,facilitatingitstouracrossAfrica,theU.S., Canada,andMexico.TheprojectincludedacomprehensivecurriculumguidebooktodeepenunderstandingofUbuntu'sprinciplesof interconnectedness.
The Baobab Tree Story Ashortfilmexploringthesymbolismof thisiconicAfricantreeanditsconnection tocommunityvaluesand intergenerationalwisdom.
Spirit of Ubuntu Documentary Afull-lengthdocumentaryfeaturing visionaryleadersacrosstenAfrican countrieswhoembodyUbuntuintheir dailyeffortstouplifttheircommunities.
Ubuntu Now! Music AmusicvideobyGrammy-nominated artistPatoBanton,celebratingthe philosophyof"Iambecauseweare" throughuniversallanguageofmusic.
We also formalized a landmark five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Permanent Secretariat of Nobel Peace Laureates, ensuring participation in annual Peace Summits, developing educational programs, and facilitating dialogue between Laureates and grassroots initiatives worldwide.
Youth Leadership & Intergenerational Collaboration Thisyearmarkedapivotalmomentinourcommitmenttoyouthleadership.InOctober,wehostedourinauguralGlobalYouth Conference,whereyoungleadersfrom42countriesgatheredtosharetheirvisionandactionplansforacompassionatefuture.
Global Network
Establishedyouthnetwork providingongoing mentorshipandsupport
Youth Projects Initiativestacklingclimate change,socialjustice,and mentalhealth
Annual Summits Commitmenttoregular intergenerationaldialogue andcollaboration Board Inclusion Youngleadersinvitedtojoin theBoardofTrustees
Theircreativity,courage,anddeterminationleftusprofoundlyinspired.Recognizingtheimportanceofyouthperspectives,weinvited dynamicyoungleaderstojoinourBoardofTrusteesandfacilitatedyouthpanelsattheWorldSummitofNobelPeaceLaureates.These initiativesaffirmourdedicationtofosteringintergenerationalcollaborationandempoweringthenextgenerationtoleadwith compassion.
2024 Educational Initiatives Thisyear,theCharterhastakensignificantstridestodeepenourimpactandexpandourreach.Webegan2024byrevisingand enhancingtwocornerstonecoursesinourEducationInstitute:TheEssenceofCompassionandTheScienceofCompassion.
Global Reads Webinar Monthlydiscussionswithauthors whoseworksdelveintothemesof compassionandsocialjustice, includingnotablesessionslike"A CaseforCompassion,"whichexplored theimportanceofempathyin education.
EdNet Forums Connectededucatorsworldwideto sharebestpracticesandresources aimedatintegratingcompassioninto educationalsettings,servingasa platformforcollaborativelearning andinnovativestrategies.
40 Days of Peace
HonoringDr.MartinLutherKingJr.'s legacy,thiscampaigninvited individualsandcommunitiesto committodailyactsofkindnessfrom January15toFebruary23, emphasizingbuildinga"Beloved Community."
Thesecoursesandwebinarseriesbringtogetherthelatestresearch,tools,andpracticestosupportindividualsandcommunitiesin cultivatingcompassionintheirdailylives.Theupdatedcurriculareflectourcommitmenttolifelonglearningandourbeliefthat educationisapowerfulpathwaytochange.
The Road Ahead: Our Vision for 2025 TheCharterforCompassion's2024achievementsreflectagrowingglobalmovementcommittedtoembeddingcompassioninall aspectsoflife.Aswelookaheadto2025,ourfocusremainsondeepeningourimpactandensuringthatcompassionguidesglobal peaceandjusticeefforts.
Cognitive-Based, Compassion Training (CBCT) Introducingneurosciencebackedcompassionpractices incollaborationwithEmory University,bringingevidencebasedapproachestodiverse groupsworldwide.
Peace Highways Expansion Buildingonthesuccessofthe CaminodePazyCompasión withnewinitiativesin California,Florida,and Canadatocreatephysicaland symbolicpathwaysofpeace.
Regional Hubs Development Establishingstrategiccenters tocoordinatecompassionate actionandpreparingforthe 2026WinnipegConferencein partnershipwiththe InternationalMuseumfor HumanRights.
Nobel Laureate Collaborations DeepeningworkwithNobel PeaceLaureatesand partneringwiththeKids RightsFoundationtoexpand youthoutreachprogramsand intergenerationalleadership.
We invite you to join us in this journey, as together, we create a world where compassion is the driving force behind every decision, every community, and every life transformed. With your support, we can continue to build a more compassionate world4one community, one conversation, one action at a time.
