Dignity Day
The Dignity Model
The Dignity Model was created by Donna Hicks, a conflict-resolution researcher, professor, consultant, and international advisor who has facilitated dialogues between communities in conflict for nearly three decades. After witnessing seemingly intractable conflicts play out across the globe, Hicks realized that experiences of dignity and indignity were at the heart of many international disputes and dysfunctional organizational cultures. Hicks has defined dignity as “the glue that holds all of our relationships together” and “the mutual recognition of the desire to be seen, heard, listened to, and treated fairly; to be recognized, understood, and to feel safe in the world.”
Putting Dignity into Action
Through partnership with Dr. Donna Hicks and Global Dignity, a number of resources are available free of charge to anyone interested in learning more about the dignity model and how to put it into action.
- Global Dignity Day website — Learn more about how to share in the Global Dignity Day celebration
- Harvard Law Program on Negotiation — Discover how conflicts can be resolved by addressing dignity concerns
- Dignity Phrases (PDF) — Key phrases to use to help diffuse tensions during difficult conversations
- The Dignity Index (PDF) — A measurement tool to understand how language choices can incite conflict
- Ten Essential Elements of Dignity — The components of the dignity model
- Ten Temptations to Violate Dignity — Common ways that dignity is violated
Explore the Dignity Index
- Visit The Dignity Index website to learn more.
- Reflect on its principles for personal growth.
- Consider where dignity practices could make an impact (e.g., classrooms, community organizations).
- Share the Dignity Index with others using resources like the video by Ray Block, a Penn State professor involved in its development.
Penn State Dignity Days
- 2024 PA Dignity Day: - Leading with Dignity in Divided Times - by Penn State Outreach
- 2023 PA Dignity Day: - Coming Together to Honor the Dignity in Everyone - by Penn State Outreach
PA Dignity Day Student Project
WPSU intern Sydney Wetzel created a digital short about the community-wide dialogue event as part of WPSU’s “short digital stories highlighting the arts, culture, science, and activities in central Pennsylvania and beyond.”