First, our beliefs

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” - Article I, UN Declaration of Human Rights

Any approach to life must be flexible enough to allow for differences to coexist while also being strict enough to defend all human rights.

These are the 6 beliefs guiding BKSJ.

  • We all share the same needs for food, water, air, housing, safety, and health.

  • We are social creatures and we deserve to live in healthy, supportive communities.

  • Laughter allows us to forget ourselves, forget the world, and exist in a moment of joy.

  • Increased automation of labor through robotics & AI should translate into reduced human labor needs to keep society functioning. We should research how many hours of work are required to keep our global society functioning, meet everyone’s basic needs, and ensure everyone has access to the fundamental requirements for a happy life.

  • You are a tiny yet necessary part of the universe, and we are glad you are here.

  • You have the right to all these things.

    So do they.

Second, our goals

We advocate for kindness and justice. We encourage everyone to consider what that means for them.

For us it means to be good to those around us while advocating to increase the minimum quality of life for everyone.

What does it mean for you?

  • Global Citizenship is the belief that we are all one people, one tribe. Global Citizens recognize the inalienable right of everyone to exist and the need to create a global system that is flexible enough to allow for cultural differences but strict enough to maintain a minimum standard of living for all people.

    Regardless of who you are or where you were born, you have the right to a good life.

  • We advocate for structural changes that address the root causes of inequality. These causes include tax havens, tax avoidance, unequal trade relations, debt servicing, corruption, illicit trade, and structural adjustment programs. These are among many financial services and international norms that keep wealth flowing from poor countries to rich countries.

    This flow of wealth from poor to rich is ignored by many traditional aid institutions.

    In order for international aid to be effective, it must recognize the impacts of colonialism on the current global economic structures. Structural changes are needed, and International Non-Governmental Organizations must have the courage to advocate for real solutions.

  • There is always something you can do.

    Your every action becomes a permanent part of the history of the universe.

    We choose to use our autonomy to be kind to those around us and seek justice from the institutions above us.

    What will you do?

  • With humility and humor, even difficult work can be fulfilling and uplifting.

    If BKSJ were to add two more words, they would be “Have Fun”.

Finally, our work

We partner with communities in need to carry out projects addressing their most immediate needs. This partnership focuses on what really matters.

Our approach supports individual autonomy, highlights systemic issues, & builds international solidarity. Our work supports the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

With billions of humans, each with their own beliefs, dreams, traumas, and abilities, there is no silver bullet. Whoever you are, whatever you do, we recommend you Be Kind and Seek Justice.

  • We partner with local Community Organizers to identify their community’s most pressing needs.

  • We provide support to the Community Organizers in carrying out a local project. It is designed and carried out by the community.

  • We connect the situation that we see on the ground to the broader socio-politico context. With trillions of dollars being extracted from the Global South every year, it is crucial to highlight the harm caused by inequality.

  • After we’ve met with community organizers, supported a local project, and spoken with experts about the larger context, what’s next?

    Become a volunteer with us and help us answer that question.

Meet the Team

  • Katherine Duke

    Board Member

  • Livia Hauck

    Vice President

  • Tessa Yumbe

    Treasurer

  • Emily Whitton

    Secretary

  • Caroline Willian

    Board Member

  • Michael Bussiere

    Board Member

  • Zach Jaffe

    Board Member

  • Sabina Ahmed-Post

    Board Member

  • Peter Stewart

    Founder & President