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 wellbeing 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.
Celebrating Diversity – we respect, value, and celebrate our differences.
Healthy Relationships – we show respect and empathy in all the ways we relate with people whether they’re strangers, acquaintances, or those close to us.
Helping and Healing – we reach out to show care and support for others and do positive things to support our own health & wellbeing.
Oranga Tamariki – we care for and are a positive role model to all children in our lives.
Social Connection – our interactions with one another create a sense of belonging and encourage community participation.
Gender Equity – we support the sharing of power and resources fairly, so all people can realise their full potential.
Cultural Identity – we know who we are and are proud of where we come from.
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 and ideas for how we could help grow these factors in our everyday lives.
