和omoiyari FOUNDATION
A kinder Australia starts with us

The Australian Kindness & Respect Pledge

A national, voluntary invitation to turn empathy into action — inspired by the Japanese idea of omoiyari (思いやり).

Take the pledgeRead the commitment
Kindness is a strength. Respect is a choice.

My commitment

I believe every person deserves kindness, dignity and respect, regardless of background, beliefs, occupation or circumstances. I recognise that words and actions have consequences and that small acts of consideration can make a difference.

I pledge to:

  1. Treat others with dignity. Show courtesy and compassion, including to people whose beliefs differ from mine.
  2. Disagree without disrespect. Challenge ideas and decisions without personal abuse, threats or intimidation.
  3. Think before I speak or post. Consider how my words, including online comments, may affect others.
  4. Respect people who serve our communities. Treat teachers, health workers, emergency services, elected representatives and all others with dignity.
  5. Practise thoughtful kindness. Notice when someone may need help and offer it without expecting reward.
  6. Listen with an open mind. Seek to understand another person before judging.
  7. Stand against bullying. Respond safely and constructively to harassment and intimidation.
  8. Lead by example. Show respect at home, at work and in my community.
  9. Acknowledge mistakes. Take responsibility, apologise and try to do better.
  10. Help build a kinder Australia. Make consideration, empathy and respectful disagreement everyday habits.

Respect does not require agreement. Kindness does not mean avoiding difficult conversations, accepting unacceptable behaviour or surrendering the right to criticise those in authority.

I pledge to make kindness a daily practice, respect a personal responsibility, and consideration for others a defining Australian value.

Small acts. Stronger communities. A kinder Australia.

Join the movement

Take the pledge

Choose an individual or organisation commitment. You can create a personalised, printable certificate on your own device. Your name and organisation details stay on your device; only an anonymous count is sent when you complete the pledge.

—pledges made across AustraliaLoading the national pledge total…

Your name and organisation are not uploaded or published. Only one anonymous pledge event is sent to update the national counter (requires PHP hosting).

Three ways to take part

Individual pledge

Make kindness part of your daily conversations, decisions and online interactions.

Organisation pledge

Invite your school, business, sporting club or community group to discuss and adopt the principles.

Community champions

Recognise thoughtful action in everyday life. Celebrate thoughtful action in your community.