Principles of Unity
1. We work in solidarity with each other’s struggles. In order to best accomplish this and in recognition of the interconnections between local and global struggles, we strive to build relationships with other movements for social change and to cooperate in coalition with other groups struggling for justice within all communities and campuses, local, regional, and international.
2. We are committed to the principle of human equality, and struggle against racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, and other forms of oppression within our society, within our organizations, and within ourselves. Therefore, we shall not discriminate, including discrimination based upon race, gender, age, class or sexual orientation. Recognizing the vast cultural traditions within the network, we are committed to building diversity within our organization. We also recognize the need for individuals to confront the prejudices they have internalized as the result of living and learning in a flawed and oppressive society.
3. We must overcome divisions within our own membership, such as those of generation, region, and occupation. We must forge a common language that is accessible and relevant.
4. We are committed to caring for one another and our respective communities both collectively and as individuals and will promote the sharing of resources including knowledge, skills and equipment. We strive to act in coordination with one another to mobilize resources and build a national network while reserving the autonomy of individuals and organizations. We do not impose a single ideological position, practice, or approach; rather, we aim to support one another in a spirit of respect for difference, shared purpose and hope.
5. We strive to act democratically. With the understanding that we live and learn in a state of imperfect government, we attempt to achieve truer democracy in making decisions that affect our collective work. Furthermore, we strive to empower one another as individuals and as a collective through trust, patience, and an open spirit. We must be democratic and inclusive in our dealings with one another, making room for constructive criticism and honest disagreement. There must be open venues for civil debates to occur.
6. Our work should be informed not only by a critique of what now exists, but also by serious efforts to forge a creative vision of a new society. The power of these principles to unify us as members of the Democracy Center ultimately rests with the individual. Self-evaluation and personal responsibility are critical to the effectiveness of our work. We all must continue to struggle as individuals in order to struggle in concert, thus we strive for compassion and support for one another as we continue this endeavor together.
The power of these principles to unify us as members of the Democracy Center ultimately rests with the individual. Self-evaluation and personal responsibility are critical to the effectiveness of our work. We all must continue to struggle as individuals in order to struggle in concert, thus we strive for compassion and support for one another as we continue this endeavor together.