In order to become a more perfect union, the United States must constantly strive to be an inclusive democracy that treats all people fairly and fully embraces the unique contributions of its diverse residents.
Yet, there are some who-because of beliefs rooted in fear, ignorance, prejudice, and hate-would effectively shut the door on economic opportunity, legal protection, and democratic freedoms for those whom they consider different.
We must restrain these regressive forces if America is to reach its fullest potential.
Towards this goal, we the people of the United States of America of every race, color, creed, class, ability, gender identity, and sexual orientation, commit ourselves to advancing an Inclusion Revolution® that centers the value of diversity and inclusion in our democracy and reinforces it through the economic, political, policy, cultural, and social systems that shape our nation.
In order to achieve this vision, our country’s leaders must also commit-in word and deed-to promoting enlightened understanding that our nation’s diversity is our promise, not our problem, and the basis of our democracy’s strength and prosperity.
Accordingly, we call on candidates for public office to pledge support for this Declaration of Inclusion, which demonstrates their commitment to advancing a fair and inclusive society through policies, programs, and practices that:
- Affirm our democratic principles by encouraging voter participation and rejecting voter suppression and disenfranchisement.
- Promote diverse and inclusive schools, organizations, communities, towns, and cities.
- Champion job, business, and ownership opportunities that close income and wealth disparities.
- Strengthen access to quality public education and affordable post-secondary training options.
- Support a culture of health by advancing equitable, health-promoting options for all people and communities.
- Stand for equal justice under the law through police, prison, and legal reforms that guard civil liberties and protect human rights.
- Foster cross-cultural understanding through education and collaboration and by avoiding divisiveness.
Americans of all backgrounds deserve to live in a country where they are secure in their constitutional right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They also deserve to have leaders who truly believe that these fundamental rights are universal.
A candidate worthy of holding public office in the United States of America should also be willing to demonstrate his or her commitment to fairly representing all people by endorsing this declaration.
Sincerely,