- The Charter for Compassion has developed the Community Tool Box, which is a four-part model or framework for building a Compassionate Community.
In many ways, the model is similar to other models for organizing a community-building effort. The objectives of various efforts are usually related to the well-being of the community, e.g., improved healthcare, decreased crime, increased assets for youth, economic improvement, and increased resilience. The Charter, too, is interested in the well-being of communities and applauds all of these efforts since many of them do indeed address pain and suffering within the community.
The difference in the Charter’s model may be understood as a difference in perspective and intention. Those working to create Compassionate Communities are moved through empathy to compassionate action - a desire to address pain and suffering wherever it occurs - not only in their own communities but in all communities and for all living beings everywhere.
Grounded in the concepts of the Charter for Compassion this model is intended to guide your process, and to provide a place to begin. It can and should be adapted to the unique circumstances of any community that seeks to become a Compassionate Community.
Each of the four broad phases includes more specific steps along with stories and examples that you may find helpful and even inspiring.