Declaration of Virtues

We’re tired of waiting for change. We see the cracks in everything—our government, our planet, our future. It’s time to fix what doesn’t serve us and rebuild from the ground up. No one is going to fix it for us.

Declaration of Virtues for a Better Future.

Last updated March 16, 2025 (Downloadable PDF version here)

Introduction:

This Declaration embodies the shared morals and objectives embraced by the members, partners, collaborators, and all associated parties of the Activism Network. By endorsing this Declaration, individuals and organizations commit to upholding its principles and objectives. This commitment signifies a dedication to the values that define our collective missions.

Mission statement:
The Activism Network is dedicated to ending needless suffering and uplifting every individual by addressing urgent crises, systemic issues, and promoting human rights, dignity, and equity for all.

Vision Statement:
We envision a world where every person thrives with vast freedoms, supported by a society that values human well-being above all.


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Endorsement and Adoption:

All current members of the Activism Network will hold a vote to support this Declaration. Upon majority vote by current members, all existing members will be automatically considered signatories to the Declaration. Additionally, all new members, collaborators, partners, and other parties will be required to agree to the Declaration and the virtues listed herein prior to joining the network. This method ensures widespread endorsement of our values and objectives while streamlining the process for future members.

Circumstantial Adoption:

While all parties within the Activism Network are strongly encouraged to fully endorse and support the principles outlined in this Declaration of Virtues, we recognize that certain organizations may have specific mandates, charters, or bylaws that limit their ability to support the full Declaration. In such cases, while we encourage alignment with the entirety of our shared mission, we acknowledge that collaborative efforts may be maximized and tailored to still collaborate on the specific areas of expertise or advocacy of each participating organization. 

It is still expected that all participants remain committed to the overarching goals and values of the Declaration to the best of their ability within the scope of their organizational focus. Additionally, organizations with limited scope due to internal regulations are not permitted to actively oppose or work against the other missions and objectives outlined in the Declaration. This approach allows for the inclusion of diverse partners while maintaining unity in pursuit of our collective vision for positive change.

Accountability: 

Accountability mechanisms will be established to monitor adherence to these values. This may include regular reviews of organizational practices, opportunities for feedback and input from community members, and mechanisms for addressing concerns or grievances related to deviations from the agreed-upon principles. The focus will be on ensuring that all members and partners of the Activism Network remain steadfast in their commitment to our core values and objectives.

Funding & Donations:

All grants, gifts, donations and other funds or resources donated to the Activism Network will be used to aid our missions and objectives in regards to the virtues laid herein.

All donations that are dedicated to a specific cause will go to their intended cause, as long as there is no conflict with other virtues, and goes towards one of our virtues in some nature. 

If funds do not have a specific cause, or is otherwise a general resource, grant, or other funds/donation, the activism staff and financial managers/advisors appointed via community vote will delegate the funds to where they are needed the most, including general upkeep and management funding. 

Additionally we believe strongly in financial transparency, and will do everything in our power to allow members to view exactly where their money is being spent. 

The Activism Network and its staff vow to never use these funds for personal gain or interest, always putting the Declaration of Virtues and the missions outlined first.

Approval Process for Amendments:

This document is intended to be dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs and priorities of our community. Any proposed additions or modifications to the Declaration must be submitted for consideration by any group of individuals, partners or affiliated organization. Proposals for amendments will undergo a comprehensive review process, including consultation with all communities and supporters of the Activism Network.

For a proposed addition to be considered viable and incorporated into the Declaration, it must receive an overall majority vote from all associated parties. This ensures that any new commitments align with our shared values and objectives and have broad support within our network.

In the case of removing a virtue from the Declaration, a higher threshold is required to ensure careful consideration and consensus-building. Removal of a virtue must receive a two-thirds majority of all associated parties. In the scenario where there are 10 associated groups, with the Activist Network being the 11th party, at least seven out of the 11 parties must vote in favor of the removal for it to pass.

Veto:

In circumstances where a vote is held and passes with a majority, the Activism Network, along with its associated parties, reserves the right to convene and hold a veto. This veto power can be exercised if the vote is deemed to be directly against our established morals and values. If a veto is passed via the ambassadors and representatives from their respective associated parties, the vote will be terminated. In the spirit of our mission, any attempt to introduce amendments, policies, or actions that contradict or undermine these core principles will be considered invalid.

Intersectionality and Inclusivity:

The Activism Network acknowledges the interconnected nature of social, economic, and environmental issues, and affirms a commitment to intersectional approaches in addressing these challenges. We recognize that individuals and communities experience multiple forms of oppression and discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, sexuality, class, ability, and more. As such, we are dedicated to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equity in all aspects of our work, ensuring that the voices and experiences of marginalized and underrepresented groups are valued. We strive to create a space where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to contribute to our collective efforts for positive change.

Unified Action:

To maximize our impact and effectiveness, the Activism Network advocates for a unified approach in addressing shared goals. This means adopting a consistent strategy and method of action across all member organizations, ensuring that everyone is working towards the same objective in the same manner. Through campaign coordination, regular communication and collaboration, mutual support and solidarity, and ongoing evaluation and adaptation, member organizations collaborate effectively to maximize their collective impact and drive meaningful change. This unified approach enables us to mobilize resources, galvanize support, and effect change on a larger scale, demonstrating the power of solidarity and coordinated action in advancing our shared mission.

Commitment to Change:

This Declaration embodies our collective dedication to justice, equality, and transformative change. By joining forces under its guiding virtues, we pledge to harness our collective strength, fighting for a future where every individual thrives, with ample freedom and dignity. A future where no individual suffers from the burden of putting profit above people. A future where no individual is left to sleep out in the cold on a park bench. A future where your water is drinkable, and your food is healthy. Rooted in our mission to end needless suffering and address systemic injustices, the Activism Network stands resolute in championing human rights and equity for all. By uniting in purpose and action, we commit to upholding our core values and advancing towards a future where every person is valued and supported. 


DISCLAIMER

The Activism Network is dedicated to promoting peaceful community-building efforts in towns across The United States and globally. We firmly oppose all forms of violence, including but not limited to physical harm, property damage, emotional harm, hate speech, intimidation tactics, and incitement to violence. While our platform(s) may facilitate organizing for social justice causes, we strictly prohibit any actions including but not limited to promoting, inciting, or conducting violence. 

Additionally, The Activism Network does not endorse violent, illegal or otherwise prohibited actions or viewpoints expressed by individual users, affiliated groups with the organization, or other parties. The Activism Network additionally does not endorse messages expressed on behalf of the organization containing these actions, and The Activism Network is not affiliated with any actions listed herein. 

By using our platform(s), this document, and other resources provided by The Activism Network or otherwise associating with our organization, individuals and affiliated groups acknowledge and accept full responsibility for any and all personal, financial, or legal repercussions resulting from their actions, whether undertaken personally or on behalf of the organization. This includes, but is not limited to, any physical harm, property damage, harassment, legal, or penal consequences. Furthermore, it is understood that no single individual may represent the entirety of the Activism Network, given its grassroots structure. Any illegal or violent actions carried out by an individual member does not reflect the views or values of the whole group, and the organization as a whole shall not be held legally accountable for the actions of any single member. Additionally, users are of 18 years of age or have parents consent to participate.

The Virtues

1. Social Justice & Human rights

Every human deserves to live free from needless suffering. This includes ensuring every human has basic needs such as shelter, food, and clean drinking water. Beyond these essentials, we believe in the inalienable right to self-determination, which necessitates the abolition of child labor, child marriage, and exploitative working conditions like sweatshops, and poor wages. Our commitment is to eradicate these injustices and promote a world where all individuals can live with dignity, freedom, and security.

Self determination:

  • Ending Child Labor

  • Ending Child Marriage

  • Advocating for more equal suicidal support for all people regardless gender, removing the stigma around it, and creating more support networks;

  • Creating domestic violence facilities and support and facilities for everyone.

  • Support for the disabled (ranging from healthcare to infrastructure)

  • Advocating for universal human rights globally

Worker rights:

  • Ending Sweat Shops

  • Right to repair (including ending planned obsolescence)

  • Living wages (comparable to the EU)

  • Ample breaks (comparable to the EU)

  • Paid vacation time (comparable to the EU)

  • Parental /maternity leave for both parents, including adoption (comparable to the EU)

  • Abolishing tipping culture (tips should be used for exceptional service, not a requirement to make ends meet)

  • Support for unions

    • Unions need to actually support the workers they claim to support

    • Bolster unions representing oppressed workers

  • Ending monopolies and oligopolies (a few companies, even with the illusion of choice, is not okay)

Basic needs:

  • Ending Homelessness

  • Ending Starvation

  • Clean drinking water (and infrastructure, IE removing lead pipes, preventing chemical leaching, oil spills)

2. Health & Well Being

All humans deserve the right to quality healthcare. This includes everything from immunization and prenatal care, to end of life care and routine checkups. Universal healthcare for all, where people don’t go into crippling debt for life saving treatments. Where our food contains real ingredients, not synthetic mass produced ultra processed junk food. Our food shouldn’t contain microplastics, dyes that alter our brain, or known carcinogens to name a few.

Big Pharma:

  • Universal Healthcare (No human should have to suffer from not being able to pay for life saving treatment, or ration their medication due to lack of funds)

  • Reduce pharmaceutical prices (comparable to the EU)

  • Universal Reproductive Healthcare

  • Accessible & affordable LGBTQ+ healthcare, such as gender affirming care, including but not limited to hormone therapy, surgeries, etc.

  • Modernize health standards similar to EU: (food additives ranging from dyes, microplastics, and known carcinogens, to cosmetics. Overall putting humans health at the forefront, instead of profit)

The Right to Be Healthy:

  • Implement the precautionary principle in the FDA, EPA, among other agencies - 'when there is substantial, credible evidence of danger to human or environmental health, protective action should be taken despite continuing scientific uncertainty.'

    • The US currently uses a ‘innocent until proven guilty’ system for all chemicals of any kind; for any use. This means that a substance can be fatal, and until scientifically rigorously proven, the substance will not be banned or removed from products. 

    • This is incredibly dangerous, as it gives corporations a free pass on putting whatever they want in our food, air, water, and more just to pad their wallet. 

    • Eliminating ‘false’ advertising, where products can use loopholes to advertise for or against a claim on their product, that may confuse, mislead, or harm consumers

  • Removing lead pipelines, updating water infrastructure

  • Universally banning and removing dangerous chemicals and substances, ranging from formaldehyde and asbestos, to PFAS and microplastics among others

3. Political Reform

A government is supposed to represent the citizens that it governs. However, in America and around the world we consistently see politicians and our governmental bodies continue to fail to represent us. As quoted by Prince Ea, “. . . put profit over people, greed over need, the rule of gold above the golden rule.” Dear Future Generations Poem. While our government and politicians at large engage in insider trading, taking campaign contributions from PACs and other lobbying groups, diminishing your voice and vote to nothing unless you have the financial means to influence.

With systems like the electoral college and a wearing down of checks and balances, the very system itself becomes corrupt; unable to function as year after year congress continues to slow to a grinding halt. The bottom line is that if the government continues to prioritize corporations over its citizens, we will increasingly lose our rights and freedoms, the necessities for survival, and everything that makes life worth living.

Restoring Democracy:

  • Ending lobbying - politicians should not be allowed to take bribes, or money from big industries so that they put them over the people they are supposed to represent

    • In order to end lobbying, you have to fix the cause. In this case lobbying pays for the election via advertising, campaign directors, etc. In order to combat this we will work to put a system in place that provides each campaign with equal representation to advertise their platform

  • Repealing the Wolf Amendment - an amendment ensuring that NASA and other space agencies cannot work with Chinese space agencies without the express permission from congress, an inherently racist and restrictive policy

  • Allowing the FBI to do internal investigations for corruption in congress (Abscam)

Unrigging the System:

  • Repeal Citizens United - corporations lobbying the government should not be legal

  • Eliminating PAC groups - AIPAC and other lobbying groups

  • Ending insider trading (politicians should have the people they represent in mind first, not trying to make a quick buck off the bill they passed that helps their stock

    • This will go not only for the representative, but their immediate family as well. 

  • Ending gerrymandering 

  • Fixing the Electoral College - by establishing a national popular vote

  • Ensuring 3rd parties can actually win elections, and are guaranteed seats in congress (comparable to the EU and European countries)

    • In order to ensure 3rd parties can win the debates must not be owned by private corporations (DNC/RNC). It must be hosted by a 100% neutral party.

4. Environmental & Energy

To date, humans have only lived on Earth. This means that the intentional or unintentional harm of the only planet that we can live on, is a direct attack at humans, and nature at large. While humanity continues to grapple with climate change, we will not take a back seat and idly sit by while we watch corporations burn the world, and our politicians allow it to happen.

Protecting Our Planet:

  • Combating climate change

    • From promoting green energies to conservation efforts

  • Combat plastic pollution: While plastic has been a useful material, over-consumption and use of plastic is becoming dangerous, and unwise. With single use plastics being thrown away after mere minutes of use, to the overuse of plastic packaging. Combined with littering and plastics’ low level of recyclability, we believe fighting plastic pollution is imperative to a clean environment, and the health of humanity.

    • Reduce the production of plastics to levels seen in 2000, around 213 million tons

    • Eliminate single use plastics nationally

    • Clean up 10 million metric tons of plastics and other waste

    • Facilitate increasing plastic recycling

  • Ending fossil fuel subsidies and keeping the remaining fossil fuels in the ground 

    • In no world is continuing to burn fossil fuels beneficial to humanity, and even from an economic perspective is unsustainable for the long term. 

Ethical Consumerism:

  • Ending planned obsolescence

    • The intentional act of planning for a product to be poorly designed or poorly created with low grade products so that consumers must consume more products is harmful to the planet.

  • Ending greenwashing

    • Corporations should not be allowed to advertise, or announce that their products are environmentally friendly when they are in fact not.

Animal Welfare & Rights

  • Preventing animal cruelty and inhumane treatment

  • Ensuring animal rights - more humane practices for testing products on animals, or the elimination of testing products on animals.

  • Fighting for endangered species

    • humanity should not be the cause, directly or indirectly, in the extinction of a species. Humanity cannot be complicit in the mass extinction level event human made climate change is bringing to living organisms globally.

5. Social Services

Every individual, irrespective of their social class or financial status, encounters hardships at various points in their lives and deserves adequate support during these periods. Moreover, it is essential that all human beings have universal access to their basic needs and the resources necessary for participation in the society in which they reside.

Quality of Life:

  • Affordable housing via changes to zoning laws, renter unions, / ending corporate owned housing

  • Guaranteeing internet access for all

  • Quality Education where learning is put first, above becoming a 'good worker'

  • Universal free higher education for citizens (comparable to EU nations)

  • Universal guaranteed retirement, as Social Security is constantly under threat and with an uncertain future, we are fighting for workers rights, to not literally work to death

Stronger Cities:

  • Wide mass public transportation, making busing more accessible, reliable, and universal

  • Walkable cities, redesigning and improving road and parking infrastructure to make cities more walkable

  • Biking infrastructure - making biking a form of transportation, not just a leisure activity

  • Ending corporations throwing away edible food

    • In no moral nation should food be created to go straight to a landfill while we have people starving

6. Infrastructure

In a nation which teaches American exceptionalism, why is our infrastructure deteriorating? Our roads, bridges, water systems, electrical systems and more from the top down continue to be neglected. To that we say no more. It is our duty to actually invest in our infrastructure, in our communities, and get the job done.

Building A Better Future:

  • Dismantling hostile infrastructure (uncomfortable park benches you can’t sleep on, spikes under bridges, etc.)

  • Repairing and fixing road ways, potholes, etc.

  • Repairing bridges

    • Many of our bridges are known to be in poor condition, or even dangerous to drive on by experts

  • Waterways — As mentioned before, lead pipes are unacceptable. Among other issues, our water lines and systems are not at the quality they should be.

Sustainable Cities:

  • Wide spread high speed rail It is about time that America brings back our dead and dying rail industry, and connect economic hubs together with fast, affordable, and timely high speed rail (comparable to the EU or China)

  • Electricity:

    • Continue to build interstate electric lines that help connect renewable energies

    • Reduce reliance on all fossil fuels, including natural gas

    • Advocate for battery infrastructure as seen in California

    • Retire all coal power plants nationally

    • Expand renewables

    • Urban planning — work with cities to rezone and allow different styles of dwellings, ending urban sprawl, and encouraging higher density

    • Ending parking minimums We cannot live in a world designed only for cars

7. Freedoms

Protecting freedoms is vital for a fair and just society. They empower individuals to speak out, hold power accountable, and participate in shaping their communities. From freedom of speech to the right to protest and practice religion, these liberties are essential for fostering democracy, diversity, and equality. They serve as safeguards against oppression and ensure that every person can live with dignity and autonomy.

Protecting Our Rights:

  • Ensuring freedom of speech

  • Ensuring Freedom of press: free of bias, and lobbying; ending the monopoly on our media(s)

  • Ensuring the right to peacefully protest

  • Ensuring the right to religion

  • Ensuring the Right to self-determination

Expanding Our Freedoms:

  • Creating the right to roam in America

  • Equality and Equity for all: Ending systemic racism, promoting gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights and accessibility, etc

  • Humane and timely immigration and emigration

  • Creating national online privacy rights

  • Ensuring space is not privatized:

    • allowing all citizens the right to space, creating a renewed effort for space exploration, habitation, research, and more

8. Prison & Military Reform

Ensuring humane treatment for prisoners is fundamental to upholding the values of compassion and fairness in our society. Justice is not about sinking to our lowest lows or erasing others from existence. True justice is found in rising above tragedy and working to build a better world for all.

By prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment and abolishing practices that dehumanize individuals, we affirm our commitment to dignity and respect for all. Treating prisoners with empathy and providing opportunities for redemption not only fosters rehabilitation but also contributes to building safer and more inclusive communities. Embracing these principles reflects our collective aspiration for a justice system that upholds human rights and promotes positive social transformation.

Prison Industrial Complex:

  • Abolish the death penalty nationally

  • ending mass incarceration

  • Ending private prisons — profiting and demanding near full prisons perpetuates mass incarceration and racism

  • ending legalized slavery that is in our constitution:

    • Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted

    • This proves that while the 13th Amendment to the Constitution outlawed slavery, it did not outlaw all slavery.

    • No one shall be subjected to torture or other inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. We oppose any and all forms of torture, slavery, forced labor, and other forms of inhuman or degrading treatment.

    • Additionally we advocate for alternative means to punishment that do not fit the standard definition of incarceration but still ensure humane treatment. These alternatives may include restorative justice practices, community service, rehabilitation programs, and other measures designed to promote reformation and reintegration into society, rather than simply punitive measures.

    • Community service, in this context, must be structured to genuinely benefit the citizens of the community, ensuring that no specific business profits from the service. It should be designed to promote personal growth, skill development, and community improvement, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility and contributing positively to society. By prioritizing humane and effective alternatives, we aim to create a justice system that upholds human dignity and fosters genuine rehabilitation.

  • Dismantle the prison-industrial complex

  • Humane treatment for all prisoners, prisoners are people. If and when they get out of prison, they will be someone’s neighbor.

  • Reformation instead of reincarceration (Similar to Norway)

  • Abolishing solitary confinement

Military Industrial Complex:

  • Drastically reducing military spending - The US spends an extraordinary amount on our military, when not even a collection of the next 9 countries compete

    • This shall include ensuring the respective military branches are getting fair deals for every piece of equipment they use, from soap and bed sheets to weapons and vehicles

    • Defense contractors should not earn astronomical payouts from ripping off the government, especially our armed forces

  • Dismantling the military industrial complex

  • The US has an incredible amount of military bases globally. These should be reassessed by there needs and there usefulness, along with outdated equipment destroyed, not donated or sold to other nations to wage their wars

  • Ending arms trades

  • As mentioned above, we should not be funding other nations wars, as they are inhumane.

  • Dismantling the global nuclear arsenals

  • In no world, in no context is using nuclear weapons the just, and right thing to do. These weapons of mass destruction are a senseless deterrent, that relies on mutually assured destruction to have any utility. The world is more dangerous with nuclear weapons in them, they serve no form of protection, and highlight humanities deepest darkest hours.