"Let Peace Begin With Me..." The Respectful Speech Pledge

This is an agreement that is strictly between you and yourself. It is no one else's business unless you choose to share it with them. It is an oath to respect others with your speech. Its creation is based on concerns about the amount of violence, hatred and disrespect in America today. It is meant to change our country - one person at a time. 

Your signature will indicate that you agree that hatred and violence is not the answer to our problems. You understand that violence can be verbal and that verbal violence can also cause harm. You will agree to avoid all verbal violence and disrespectful speech. 

This agreement does not ask you to stop expressing opinions or speaking out about a situation that violates your values. That is your right and sometimes even your responsibility. It does not ask you to suppress or stop expressing anger or other negative emotions. Anger, in and of itself, is not a bad thing, when it is managed appropriately. Talking about feelings can be therapeutic. The agreement just asks you to do all of these things in a way that is respectful to others. 

                                        "Let Peace Begin with Me..." The Respectful Speech Pledge 

I, _____________________________, agree that as of the date below, I will abide by the principles below when speaking to others in person, in writing, or on-line. 

                                     I will avoid speech that promotes hatred and prejudice.                 

I will avoid using slurs or derogatory terms that are associated with others because of their race, ethnicity, creed, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

I will avoid statements that attribute negative qualities or negative motivations to all members of any particular group. 

I will avoid telling jokes that target particular groups. 

I will avoid statements that suggest or condone violence as a solution to our problems. 

                                         I will avoid speech that is disrespectful 

I will avoid statements that are aimed at making others look or feel "stupid" or "crazy".

I will avoid statements that mock, belittle or insult others. 

I will avoid making snide, snarky or sarcastic comments to or about others 

I will avoid all kinds of name-calling.  

I will avoid negative speech toward or about people with opinions that differ from mine

                                            I will avoid speech that distorts the truth

I will avoid spreading rumors or gossip or making rash judgments without getting all the facts.

I will separate fact from opinion.

I will "own" my own opinions and feelings by expressing them with an "I" statement.  

I will state ALL the facts and not just the ones that support my opinions and agenda

I will also avoid _________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________                 ____________________________

 Signature                                                                                       Date

What to do after signing this agreement   

Pass a copy of this document onto at least one other person and ask them to pass it onto at least one other person. Report your participation at info@darcys-creative-endeavors.com so a tally can be kept on the number of people signing this pledge. Print a copy of yours and put it on your refrigerator or somewhere that you will see if often. Display it where others can see it.       

What to do if you violate this agreement 

This agreement may at first seem easy to follow, but it is not. You will probably violate some aspect of this within 24 hours of signing it. Here is what to do about it:

Resist the temptation to justify what you just said. Admit that it was a mistake. Correct your statement. Apologize to anyone adversely affected by it. Forgive yourself. Recommit to the pledge and start over.