Humanist Terms of Service

Preamble

By agreeing to these Terms of Service, you acknowledge your responsibility as a participant in society and the shared global community. These terms are not legally binding in a traditional sense but are grounded in a commitment to human dignity, the well-being of others, and the pursuit of a just and fair world. We ask that you engage with these principles as moral and ethical guidelines for your actions within and beyond the use of this service.

1. Respect for All Beings

We believe that every human being is worthy of respect and dignity. In agreeing to this ToS, you commit to the following:

• Empathy: Strive to understand and respect the experiences, feelings, and beliefs of others, even when they differ from your own.

• Non-Harm: Refrain from actions, words, or behaviors that could cause harm—physical, emotional, or psychological—to others.

• Equity: Work toward fairness and equality, ensuring that your actions contribute to reducing inequality, injustice, and oppression wherever encountered.

2. Stewardship of Truth

Truth is the foundation of trust and social harmony. In this agreement, you pledge:

• Honesty: Speak truthfully and act with integrity in all your communications and dealings.

• Accountability: Take responsibility for your actions and words, and strive to correct misunderstandings or falsehoods when they arise.

• Curiosity and Learning: Seek knowledge and wisdom, remain open to new perspectives, and challenge your own assumptions in pursuit of a more complete understanding of the world.

3. Commitment to Compassion

Compassion is essential for fostering a caring society. By agreeing to these terms, you agree to:

• Kindness: Engage with others with kindness and patience, recognizing the shared humanity in everyone you encounter.

• Support for the Vulnerable: Advocate for and support those who are marginalized, oppressed, or disadvantaged, recognizing that true compassion requires action.

• Generosity of Spirit: Be generous not only with material resources but also with your time, attention, and empathy.

4. Fostering Environmental and Social Responsibility

We are stewards of the planet and each other. You agree to:

• Sustainability: Make choices that promote the well-being of the Earth and its ecosystems, reducing harm to the environment whenever possible.

• Collective Good: Prioritize the common good over personal gain, especially when your actions have consequences for the community or future generations.

• Responsible Technology Use: Use technology and information ethically, ensuring your actions contribute to societal well-being and do not exploit or harm others.

5. Promoting Justice and Equity

You agree to advocate for justice and fairness in all areas of life:

• Anti-Discrimination: Stand against racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, and all forms of discrimination and intolerance.

• Fairness: Treat everyone with fairness, recognizing the inherent worth of every individual regardless of their background or status.

• Activism for Change: Where injustice exists, seek peaceful means of advocating for change, promoting fairness, and protecting the rights of all.

6. Moral Courage

Standing up for what is right can be difficult but is a cornerstone of ethical life. You agree to:

• Speak Up: Use your voice to call out injustice, dishonesty, or harm wherever you see it, even when doing so is uncomfortable or comes at personal cost.

• Defend the Vulnerable: Protect those who are vulnerable, speaking on their behalf when they cannot, and using your influence for their benefit.

• Self-Reflection: Regularly evaluate your own actions and beliefs, recognizing that moral growth requires continual learning and change.

7. Commitment to Peaceful Conflict Resolution

Disagreements are inevitable, but you commit to handling them with dignity and respect:

• Non-Violence: Refrain from engaging in or promoting violence in any form, physical or verbal.

• Diplomacy and Dialogue: Strive to resolve conflicts through open, respectful dialogue, and seek peaceful, constructive solutions to disagreements.

• Forgiveness and Understanding: Practice forgiveness and seek understanding where conflict or hurt has occurred, prioritizing reconciliation over retribution.

8. Humility and Growth

A commitment to being good is a commitment to growth. You agree to:

• Humility: Acknowledge that no one is perfect and that we are all in the process of learning and evolving. Admit mistakes and learn from them.

• Encouraging Growth in Others: Help others grow by offering support, guidance, and opportunities for them to improve, while recognizing that everyone’s path is unique.

• Gratitude: Practice gratitude for the opportunities, relationships, and knowledge you are given.

9. Participation in the Common Good

By being part of this global community, you agree to:

• Civic Engagement: Participate in society with the intention to improve it for all people, not just for yourself or a select group.

• Volunteerism: Where possible, offer your time and resources to causes that serve the public good.

• Collaboration: Seek collaborative, cooperative approaches to solving problems that benefit the many rather than the few.

Conclusion

By accepting these terms, you affirm your commitment to live ethically, act compassionately, and promote the well-being of all. Though this document does not carry the weight of legal enforcement, it carries the weight of moral responsibility. Together, we can build a world that prioritizes goodness, fairness, and the flourishing of all beings.

Do you agree to uphold and strive toward these values and principles?

[Yes] / [No]