Saturday, 11 October 2008

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A Voter�s Guide based on the Earth Charter

This Voter’s Guide was prepared by Earth Charter Indiana & Kat Gjovik in Seattle for League of Earth Charter Voters

We choose our future every day.� As citizens we have an important opportunity & responsibility to help shape our future by casting informed votes in local, state & national elections.

How do we, as ordinary citizens, make informed decisions?� What are the important issues, & how do we determine which candidates will make the best government leaders?� Who speaks – & acts – for the values we believe are key to a positive future?
�� �

  • Respect & Care for the Community of Life
  • Ecological Integrity
  • Social & Economic Justice, Democracy, Nonviolence & Peace
Questions to research or ask, in person and/or via e-mail:

Questions to Ask Your Candidates

Candidate’s position
What are his/her basic values and beliefs regarding issues that are important to you?
What are his/her priorities?� His/her “world view?” �
What life experiences and hopes for the future have informed his/her position on important issues?

Candidate’s leadership record
What is his/her voting record related to the environment, social & economic justice, peace, nonviolence & democracy? �
What legislation has he/she initiated or sponsored? �
What specifically has he/she accomplished?

Candidate’s plans
What new & innovative ideas does the candidate bring to the table? �
How will he/she ensure that people’s voices will be invited & honored? �
How will he/she integrate social, environmental & economic principles in policy & procedure?

Earth Charter Principles and Current Issues

Respect and Care for the Community of Life -
  • ��� Connection with Earth����������������� �
  • �� �Democratic Societies
  • �� �Sustainability
  • �� �Interdependence
  • �� �Compassion and Respect
Ecological Integrity
  • �� �Environmental Protection
  • �� �Conservation & Consumption
  • �� �Production & Reproduction
  • �� �Energy�� �
  • �� �Sustainability
  • �� �International Cooperation
Social and Economic Justice -
  • �� �Civil Rights/Equality/Equity
  • �� �Eradicating Poverty
  • �� �Economy/Trade
  • �� �Education
  • �� �Health Care
  • �� �Social Security
  • �� �Global Citizenship�� �
Democracy, Nonviolence and Peace -
  • �� �Democratic Institutions/Process
  • �� �Foreign Policy
  • �� �Tolerance and Cooperation
  • �� �Nonviolence and Collaboration

Rate the Candidate

Consider these Earth Charter principles as one way to assess what you know about a given candidate for public office. Based on what you’ve observed or read would the candidate work to…

Rate the Candidate

���� 1 – Strong

����� 5 – Weak

Don’t Know

��������� Protect & restore the integrity of Earth’s ecological systems, with special concern for biological diversity & the natural processes that sustain life

1---2---3---4----5

�

��������� Prevent harm as the best method of environmental protection &, when knowledge is limited, apply a precautionary approach

1---2---3---4----5

�

��������� Adopt patterns of production, consumption, & reproduction that safeguard Earth’s regenerative capacities, human rights, & community well being

1---2---3---4----5

�

��������� Advance the study of ecological sustainability & promote the open exchange and wide application of the knowledge acquired

1---2---3---4----5

�

��������� Eradicate poverty as an ethical, social & environmental imperative

1---2---3---4----5

�

��������� Ensure that economic activities & institutions at all levels promote human development in an equitable & sustainable manner

1---2---3---4----5

�

��������� Affirm gender equality & equity as prerequisites to sustainable development & ensure universal access to education, health care, & economic opportunity

1---2---3---4----5

�

��������� Uphold the right of all, without discrimination, to a natural & social environment supportive of human dignity, bodily health, & spiritual well being, with special attention to the rights of indigenous peoples & minorities

1---2---3---4----5

�

��������� Strengthen democratic institutions at all levels & provide transparency & accountability in governance, inclusive participation in decision-making, & access to justice

1---2---3---4----5

�

��������� Integrate into formal education & life-long learning the knowledge, values, & skills needed for a sustainable way of life

1---2---3---4----5

�

��������� Treat all living beings with respect & consideration

1---2---3---4----5

�

��������� Promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence & peace

1---2---3---4----5

�


Voters’ Resources

  • www.thomas.loc.gov - Legislative information provided by The Library of Congress; roll call votes, status of bills, connection to directory of US Senators and Representatives.
  • �www.congress.org - “A private, non-partisan company that specializes in facilitating civic participation…”�� Find and contact Congressional representatives; learn about issues and candidates. �
  • www.lwv.org - League of Women Voters; link to "Questions Every Candidate Should Answer to Win the Votes of 18-to-30-year-olds in 2004," and “The ABC’s of Women’s Issues.”
  • www.dnet.org - DemocracyNet, a project of the League of Women Voters Education Fund; focused on candidates - “an interactive platform designed to improve the quality of voter information and create a more educated and engaged electorate.”
  • www.publicagenda.org - “A nonpartisan opinion research organization helping Americans explore and��� understand critical issues.”� Includes link to “First Choice 2004 - Know What You Want Before You Choose Who You Want”


“Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace, and the joyful celebration of life.”

- The Way Forward from the Earth Charter


Please acknowledge and express appreciation to all who represent and work for Earth Charter principles.




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