Our Humanity
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” ~ Mother Teresa.
If someone were to ask you “what is humanity?” what would you say? Would it be love, compassion, empathy or kindness? Would it be how you are with others or with yourself? Do you think of what it means to be human or about how human we are with each other? Is it individual or is it how we are together?
The Auckland Humanity Project began as a small idea with a group of Aucklanders who wanted to rediscover their and our humanity. They formed a ‘collective’ so that together they could create an action plan to promote the well-being of Aucklanders.
The idea is simple. Each month we ask Aucklanders a question. Via social media, we share your responses, your humanity, with others. Together, your experiences tell a bigger story and help us all understand Our Humanity.
Auckland is a vast, diverse and changing place. It shares similar challenges to many large cities of our world: homelessness, poverty, inequity, violence and crime. We are also home to 1.4 million humans, who exercise extraordinary yet simple acts of humanity toward ourselves and each other every day.
We hope that by growing this humanity we can in turn grow opportunities for kindness, compassion, empathy and hope, encourage healthy relationships, safer communities, and more connection and caring in our neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools and homes.
Your story of humanity matters, no matter how big or small. We hope that this much-loved project might be the ticket to a brighter future…Time will tell, and so will you. Thank you for sharing.
*These stories deal with both sides of humanity and may be distressing to some. If you would like some help or information, visit the Family Services Directory or phone Lifeline on 0800 543 354.
What we know about humanity
Research shows these eight factors help build safer, happier and healthier people, families, whānau and communities.
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Celebrating Diversity –we respect, value and celebrate our differences.
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Healthy Relationships – we show respect, empathy and equality in all the ways we relate with people whether they’re strangers, acquaintances or those close to us.
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Helping and Healing – we reach out to show care and support for others, and do positive things to support our own healing and well-being.
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Oranga Tamariki – we care for, and are a positive role model to, all children in our lives.
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Social Connection – our interactions with one another that create a sense of belonging and encourage community participation.
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Gender Equity – we support the sharing of power and resources fairly, so all people can realise their full potential.
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Cultural Identity – we know who we are and are proud of where we come from.
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Non-Violent Social Norms – we resolve conflict peacefully and speak out against beliefs and actions that support using violence.
The Auckland Humanity Project aims to help grow these by sharing:
Stories that provide insights into how these factors are already happening across Auckland
Simple actions for how we could help grow these factors in our everyday lives
We discovered these websites and resources when creating this project, and we wanted to share them with you too.
We hope you find them useful as you explore the concept of humanity and find ways of helping each other in Auckland! Please help us grow this list – share new ideas with us here.
Love Has No Labels
Before anything else, we’re all human. It’s time to embrace diversity and help end bias. Spread the word. #LoveHasNoLabels – Visit Website
White Ribbon
We all want to have respectful relationships. Download information from the White Ribbon Toolbox for handy hints – Visit Website
Five Ways to Wellbeing
NEF conducted a review of the most up-to-date evidence and found that building five actions into day to day lives is important for the wellbeing of individuals, families, communities and organisations – Visit Website
Neighbours Day Aotearoa
Join in NZ’s biggest celebration of neighbourliness on 25-26 March 2017. Taking place on your street, nationwide – Visit Website
Glen Eden Stories
Sharing stories, building connections, creating communities – Visit Website
Inter-generational Learning Center
Seattle Preschool in a Nursing Home ‘Transforms’ Elderly Residents – Visit Website
The Mask You Live In
The Mask You Live In follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity – Visit Website
Happy (the Documentary)
Does money make you HAPPY? Kids and family? Your work? Do you live in a world that values and promotes happiness and well-being? Are we in the midst of a happiness revolution? Learn more about this documentary / project – Visit Website
The Compliments Project
Each student in class takes a turn being in the “hot seat.” While the hot seat student sits, facing away from the board, his classmates take turns writing positive statements about him on the board behind him. When they are all finished, the hot seat student stands and reads what has been written about him – Visit Website
How To Be ‘Good Help’
We know that New Zealanders DO want to help. We also know that people want to be helped and want others to know what is going on. What’s important is HOW we approach people who are living with violence – Visit Website