TULSA CHARTER FOR COMPASSION – RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council believe that every human being is capable of acting compassionately toward every living person regardless of race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, age, gender, disability, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation; and,

WHEREAS, Tulsa’s location and abundance of opportunities have attracted a diverse population of religious, political, and ethnic groups; and,

WHEREAS, the Charter for Compassion was unveiled internationally on November 12, 2009; and Tulsa commemorated the unveiling of the Charter for Compassion on November 15, 2009; and over 58 communities world-wide have endorsed the Charter for Compassion and over 275 communities world- wide are currently organizing a compassionate action plan; and,

WHEREAS, compassion can promote interest, growth, and economic development in Tulsa by solidifying our city as a state, regional, and national leader in the quest for a better world that includes justice, equity, and respect for every person; and,

WHEREAS, countless individuals and groups within Tulsa are already engaging in acts of compassion,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TULSA, OKLAHOMA:THAT the Mayor and City Council hereby affirm the message set forth in the International Charter for Compassion (attached hereto);

THAT the Mayor and City Council call on all citizens to live and act more compassionately in accordance with individual conscience and with the principles articulated by the International Charter for Compassion;

THAT Tulsa is the birthplace of the “Mother Road”, Route 66, which connected a nation; and Tulsa, Oklahoma is declared the “Mother Road of Compassion in America”;

THAT Tulsa welcomes all people from around the world to learn about the commitment to compassion that exists here;

THAT the Mayor and City Council call on the City of Tulsa’s Human Rights Commission to cultivate compassion in Tulsa by establishing a Steering Committee to partner with city-wide public and private entities to create a shared vision that will enhance positive change, civic engagement, and establish the City of Tulsa as a model “Compassionate Community” as designated by the International Campaign for Compassionate Communities;

THAT this Joint Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval.