A project to map, measure, and deploy
dignity to make it usable in policy and practice.
Let's uncover the
strategic terrain of
HUMAN DIGNITY.
Why do those who care least about human wellbeing understand DIGNITY best?
Manipulative actors exploit and capture DIGNITY to gain allegiance
Digital systems distort DIGNITY for profit
And institutions are failing to recognize,
let alone defend, DIGNITY
What if we saw DIGNITY
in a new light?
Research from neuroscience to philosophy to peacebuilding
has already shown that dignity has biological and social significance, that indignities fuel global conflict and systemic decay,
and some of the ways dignity can be measured.
DIGNITY binds
How people feel about themselves
influences what they are willing
to accept and defend.
DIGNITY motivates
People react to who makes them feel seen, valued, or secure—or humiliated, ignored, or excluded.
Recognizing people’s inherent worth is the cornerstone of successful peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
DIGNITY repairs
Conceptual development to identify core components
and the forces shaping dignity
What we're building
01. Map
Our vision is a world where human dignity is
understood, protected, and valued for the public good.
Follow us on Substack as we build this in public.
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We want to help show policymakers and organizations
working for the public good that dignity can be
practical and strategic.
To do so, we are developing an iterative, people-centered
think-and-do process. Get in touch for more information!
02. Measure
Create tools to assess dignity and show its viability for policy and practice
03. Deploy
Practical blueprint for embedding dignity in policy design
Get Involved
We work with institutions, funders, and practitioners who want to use dignity for the common good.
Team
Leanne Erdberg Steadman
Leanne Erdberg Steadman is the founder of The Dignity First Project and an international security practitioner who has spent nearly two decades working on global conflict, governance, and peace in senior roles at the White House National Security Council, State Department, the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Open Society Foundations, and elsewhere. She has extensive experience developing strategy, organizing research, and creating initiatives that are innovative, rigorous, and norm-shifting.
Founder & Lead
Genna Mazor
Genna Mazor has almost twenty years of experience in communications, marketing, brand development, and project management. She has honed messaging and built audiences for cable networks, startups, and consumer products companies. She is an expert in translating complex concepts into clear, compelling narratives.
Communications Chief
Research, Data, and Project Support
Research & Data Support will provide rigorous analysis anchoring the conceptual and measurement work.
Project Administration will coordinate operations across all efforts.
Advisory Network
coming soon
The project will draw in a wide range of thinkers to stretch the work, challenge assumptions, and generate inventive solutions.