Manifesto: Embracing Joy, Empowering Change

We believe human touch is a conduit to joy: Touch is a universal language that transcends barriers, connecting us all. With a simple embrace, we unlock the potential for joy to ripple through hearts and minds, igniting a flame of happiness and healing.

We believe everyone deserves to feel joy: Joy is not a luxury reserved for a select few but a fundamental right that should be accessible to all. We are committed to creating a world where every person, regardless of their background, experiences the warmth, comfort, and elation that joy brings.

We believe economic freedom fuels joy: To truly embrace joy, we must address the systemic obstacles that hinder individuals from experiencing fulfillment and happiness. Breaking free from student loan debt, advocating for affordable housing, and ensuring livable wages and healthcare are vital steps on this path.

We believe in breaking free from student loan debt: Education should empower dreams, not shackle them, enabling all to pursue their passions without financial barriers. We advocate for accessible education and a fair system that liberates individuals from the burden of suffocating student loan debt.

We believe affordable housing is essential for joyful lives: Everyone deserves a safe and nurturing space to call home, where joy can thrive and dreams can take flight. We stand for affordable housing as a foundation for joyful lives.

We believe livable wages empower flourishing spirits: Fair wages provide a dignified livelihood, empowering individuals to experience joy in their work and meet their basic needs. When financial worries are eased, the path to a more fulfilling and joyful life becomes attainable.

We believe universal healthcare fosters well-being: Accessible and comprehensive healthcare is a fundamental right for all. When physical and mental well-being are prioritized, individuals can embrace joy with vitality and resilience.

We believe in nurturing supportive communities: We foster inclusive communities that uplift and support one another. Through compassion, understanding, and unity, we create spaces where joy can flourish and every person feels seen, heard, and valued.

We believe in embracing diversity and equality: We celebrate the beauty of diversity and advocate for equality in all its forms. By embracing differences and dismantling barriers, we create a world where joy is not constrained by prejudice or discrimination.

We believe in inspiring joy-based activism: Spreading happiness and positive change in our communities is at the heart of our mission. Through acts of kindness, empathy, and the power of touch, we ignite a global movement of joy and make a lasting impact. We also engage in activism that strengthens individual and collective economic freedom for all people.

Even an economic system can be very violent. Although you don’t see guns and bombs, it is still utterly violent because it’s a kind of prison that prevents people from being included. The poor have to be poor forever, and the rich people rich forever because of the institutional violence in the system. We have to abolish that kind of economic system in order to include everyone and give everyone a chance for education, a job, a chance to develop their talent. That is applying non-violence in the realm of economics. When a business leader practices non-violence in their enterprise, not only will everyone around them profit from it but they will profiit, too. It’s not by having a large Gross Domestic Product that society can be happy; it’s by producing compassion. You have the right to pursue economic growth, but not at the expense of life.

~ Thich Nhat Hanh