Dignity The Essential Role It Plays in Resolving

Dignity The Essential Role It Plays in Resolving Conflict Dr. Donna Hicks

Why Dignity? Universal Source of Well-Being Universal Source of Suffering Universal Source of Reconciliation

What is Dignity? Inherent value and vulnerability. It’s not something that comes and goes. It is a part of our DNA. We all have it, but we need to learn how to act like it. It’s our internal barometer indicating how we feel about ourselves It’s what gets injured when we are treated as if we didn’t matter. It’s the glue that connects us to others—it’s what makes relationships work.

When dignity is violated…

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“I” Self-Knowledge Two Parts of the Self “ME” Unconditionally worthy of dignity by virtue of one’s birthright Conditionally worthydependent on validation from others Internal validation of selfworth External validation of selfworth Invulnerable to criticism and judgment Vulnerable to criticism & judgment Sense of well-being comes from within Seeks praise and approval for sense of well-being Reflective in social settings Reactive in social settings

Ten Elements of Dignity Acceptance of Identity Fairness Recognition Independence Acknowledgement Understanding Inclusion Benefit of the Doubt Safety Accountability

Ten Temptations to Violate Dignity Don’t Take The Bait Don’t Save Face Don’t Shirk Responsibility Don’t Be Lured By False Dignity Don’t Be Lured By False Security Don’t Just Sit There And Take It Don’t Assume You Are The Innocent Victim Don’t Resist Feedback From Others Don’t Blame And Shame Others Don’t Be Lured By False Intimacy

Donna Hicks Harvard University Weatherhead Center for International Affairs dhicks@wcfia. harvard. edu www. Declare. Dignity. com www. Dr. Donna. Hicks. com