THE OATH FOR COMPASSIONATE HELPERS
I will never do for others what they have the capacity to do for themselves.
I will limit one-way giving to crises and seek always to find ways for legitimate exchange.
I will seek ways to empower by hiring, lending, and investing and offer gifts as incentives to celebrate achievements.
I will put the interests of those experiencing poverty above my own even when it means setting aside my own agenda or the agenda of my organization.
I will listen carefully, even to not what is being said knowing that unspoken feelings may contain essential clues to healthy engagement.
And, above all, to the best of my ability,
As a veteran in urban ministry, FCS Founder, Bob Lupton, had seen how his own and others’ best intentions had unintended consequences for the materially poor. He felt there should be a commitment one has to make, much like the Hippocratic Oath, before one is allowed to work alongside the materially poor.
Thus, the Oath for Compassionate Helpers was born. We invite you to watch this video, take its principles to heart, and sign below to join a growing nationwide network of people committed to a healthier engagement amongst the materially poor.
TAKE THE OATH
If you are ready to commit to The Oath for Compassionate Helpers, please sign below!