Ten Principles of Action for The Society for Love & Social Justice (SLSJ) 1. Human Dignity Dignity of the human person is the ethical foundation of a moral society. The measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. SLSJ shall work to enthrone a government that respect the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals. A government that will treat each person in a caring, respectful manner mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity. We shall seek to promote the responsiveness of organizations, communities and social institutions to individuals’ needs and social problems. We shall constantly call on government to act to prevent and eliminate domination of, exploitation of, and discrimination against any person or group on any basis. 2. Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers In a marketplace where profit often takes precedence over the dignity and rights of workers, it is important to recognize that the economy must serve the people, not the other way around. If the dignity of work is to be protected, the basic rights of workers must be respected – the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to organize and join unions, to private property and to economic initiative. SLSJ shall challenge injustice related to unemployment, workers’ rights and inhumane labor practices. We shall engage in organized action, including the encouragement of the formation of and participation in labor unions, to improve services to clients and working conditions. 3. Community and the Common Good All individuals by virtue of their human nature have social needs. Human relationships enable people to meet their needs and provide an important vehicle for change. The family, in all its diverse forms, is the central social institution that must be supported and strengthened. The way in which society is organized – in education, economics, politics, government – directly affects human dignity and the common good. SLSJ shall promote the general welfare and development of individuals, families and communities. We shall seek to strengthen relationships among people at all levels to promote the well being of all. 4. Solidarity We are our brother’s and sister’s keeper. We are one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. An ethic of care acknowledging our interdependence belongs in every aspect of human experience including the family, community, society and global dimensions. SLSJ understand that relationships between and among people are an important vehicle for change. We shall engage people as partners in the helping process and seek to strengthen relationships among people to promote well being at all levels. 5. Rights and Responsibilities People have a right and a responsibility to participate in society and to work together toward the common good. Human dignity is protected and healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Accordingly, every person has a fundamental right to things necessary for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are responsibilities to family, community and society. SLSJ, mindful of individual differences and diversity, respect and promote the right of all individuals to selfdetermination and personal growth and development. We shall provide education and advocacy to protect human rights and end oppression. We shall empower individuals/groups to function as effectively as possible. 6. Stewardship It is incumbent upon us to recognize and protect the value of all people and all resources on our planet. While rights to personal property are recognized, these rights are not unconditional and are secondary to the best interest of the common good especially in relation to the right of all individuals to meet their basic needs. Stewardship of resources is important at all levels/settings: family, community, agency, community and society. SLSJ shall strive to ensure access to needed information, services and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful participation for all people. We shall promote the general welfare of people and their environments. 7. Priority for the Poor and Vulnerable A basic moral test of any community or society is the way in which the most vulnerable members are faring. In a society characterized by deepening divisions between rich and poor, the needs of those most at risk should be considered a priority. SLSJ shall advocate for living conditions conducive to the fulfillment of basic human needs and to promote social, economic, political, and cultural values and institutions that are compatible with the realization of social justice. We shall pursue change with and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups to: address poverty, unemployment, discrimination and other forms of social injustice; expand choice and opportunity; and promote social justice. 8. Governance/Principle of Subsidiarity Governance structures in all levels/settings have an imperative to promote human dignity, protect human rights, and build the common good. While the principle of subsidiarity calls for the functions of government to be performed at the lowest level possible in order to insure for self-determination and empowerment, higher levels of government have the responsibility to provide leadership and set policy in the best interest of the common good. SLSJ shall engage in social and political action in order to promote equality, challenge injustice, expand opportunity and empower individuals, families and groups to participate in governance structures at all levels. 9. Participation All people have a right to participate in the economic, political and cultural life of society. Social justice and human dignity require that all people be assured a minimum level of participation in the community. It is the ultimate injustice for a person or a group to be excluded unfairly. SLSJ shall strive to ensure access to equal opportunity and meaningful participation for all. We shall empower individuals and groups to influence social policies and institutions and promote social justice. We shall advocate for change to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources and opportunities required to meet basic needs and develop fully. 10. Promotion of Peace In light of the human dignity and worth of all and the ethical imperatives of solidarity and stewardship, we are called to promote peace and non-violence at all levels – within families, communities, society and globally. Peace is the fruit of justice and is dependent upon the respect and cooperation between peoples and nations. SLSJ shall promote peace and the general welfare of society from local to global levels.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Jul 2014 00:22:28 +0000
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