Resources

“It’s changed the way I talk to my kids,” said one supporter of the Dignity Index.  Another said, “It made me take down a social media post I wasn’t proud of.” When people learn about the Dignity Index, they begin seeing life through a new lens, and they want to know more.

“Can you address our national conference?” 

“Can you launch the Index in our state?”

“Can you help us change the culture in our workplace?”

We receive requests like this all the time, especially after we give a speech or appear in the news. That’s why we’ve launched this on-line tool kit – to help people deepen their insight into dignity and contempt.

The divisions in our country are not caused by disagreements; they’re caused by contempt, and they can be healed with dignity. But we can’t change what we don’t talk about.  That’s why we created the Index – to stir up conversations about how we treat each other. When we put a spotlight on dignity and contempt, we use more dignity and less contempt. We see it happen over and over.  And when we reach a critical number of people who are changing themselves, we’ll have a constituency for dignity that can change the culture.

That’s why we’re sharing these materials online, to encourage the conversations that will drive the change. Thanks for checking it out. We’re excited to have your help.

GENERAL RESOURCES

The foundational pieces of our Dignity Index work. Start here.

The 10 Elements of Dignity
by Donna Hicks

The Eight Point Scale

The Dignity Index Scoring Guide

Dignity Phrases

Dignity Principles

Conversation Guide:
The Power of Dignity

What is the Dignity Movement?

Conversation Guide:
Cultural Addiction to Contempt

Dignity Index: Youth Edition
Suggested for grades 4-8

Dignity Index: Youth Edition
Suggested for grades K-3

COMMUNITY OR ELECTED LEADERS

Engage in community work? Elected official? These specific resources may help you see contempt more clearly and use dignity more in public service. Get a journal and pen handy, too.

Building Skills for Dignified Disagreement

Dignity Phrases

Honoring Dignity
by Donna Hicks

Conversation Guide:
Workplace

Conversation Guide:
Public Meetings

INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES

Want a guided discussion or self-assessment exercise on a few key topics? Get a journal and pen handy, too.

Honoring Dignity
by Donna Hicks

Conversation Guide:
The Power of Dignity

Conversation Guide:
Cultural Addiction to Contempt

Conversation Guide:
Talking to Your Kids about Dignity

Conversation Guide:
Personal Relationships

Conversation Guide:
Politics and the Media

EMPLOYERS & EMPLOYEES

These guided discussions, self-assessment exercises, and other resources may be beneficial in your workplace.

Building Skills for Dignified Disagreement

Dignity Phrases

Honoring Dignity
by Donna Hicks

Conversation Guide:
The Power of Dignity

Conversation Guide:
Cultural Addiction to Contempt

Conversation Guide:
Workplace

ADDITIONAL READING

From the right and the left, authors and experts agree on the need for dignity. These are the books we recommend most.

Love Your Enemies
Arthur C. Brooks

Dignity
Donna Hicks

High Conflict
Amanda Ripley

Them
Ben Sasse

Why Marriages Succeed or Fail
John Gottman