A
Declaration of Interdependence
We hold these truths to be self-evident:
That all things are interconnected, that all things of
creation have inherent worth apart from
their current or anticipated market value, and that the
worth of all things is enhanced and
enriched through the abundance of love, community, and
trust that arises from honoring
our interdependence.
That in accordance with universal and inviolate laws of
Nature and humanity, the quality
and sustainability of life on Earth depends on harmonious
relationships among all peoples
and nations, and between humans and our natural
environment, both now and into the
distant future.
That humanity's pursuit of unlimited self-interest has
created great inequities and
disharmony among people and between humans and Nature; it
has depleted and degraded
natural resources; and it has denied vast numbers of
people fair access to resources and
opportunities required to sustain present and future
generations.
That the dream of justice for all has grown dim, and that
Earth and its people are imperiled.
The blessings of liberty and prosperity for the
privileged few cannot be sustained unless
meaningful opportunities for Life, Liberty, and Happiness become
accessible to all.
Therefore, we declare our interdependence with all people
and with the Earth, of which we are an
integral part. We acknowledge and embrace our
responsibilities for ourselves, for each other,
and for the Earth. We accept the responsibility for wise
decisions in view on this
interdependence. We dedicate our lives to sustaining the
Earth, and to sustaining the well being
and harmony among all peoples, not just for ourselves, but for all generations.
Alphabetical List of Participants at the Looking Glass Inn Workshop, Koskia, ID; June 27-29, 1998
Peggy Adams, Moscow, Idaho
Ian Blythe, Kooskia, Idaho
Gerry Campbell, Madison, Wisconsin
Colette DePhelps, Potlatch, Idaho
John Gerber, Amherst, Massachusetts
John Ikerd, Columbia, Missouri
Richard Levins, Northfield, Minnesota
Patrick Madden, Glendale, California
Lee Meyer, Lexington, Kentucky
Kate Smith, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
For information on the creation of this document, see: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cced/preposal.html