When systems in the United States fail to uphold human rights, they undermine our human dignity. Sharing our stories and claiming our dignity is part of how we fight back; it reminds us that we have innate, irrevocable value.
We invite you to interact with the stories on this page and to share your own.
Explore Our Stories
Human Rights and Dignity Are Ours To Claim
Our voices, stories and experiences can spark change and bring truths to light for a brighter future for us all.
What does dignity mean to you?
Jesus Cuauhtli Payan
“Human dignity means to me to always do the best, even when nobody’s watching.”
“Starting with dignity means centering the inherent worth of all people and starting the conversation from a place of respect and honor for those in our community and ourselves.“
Michelle Celleri
“To me, human dignity is about self-worth. Each of us is worthy of dignity because we are human.”
Tomás Perez
“Starting with dignity means when we talk about solutions, we are starting at the root. It means we commit to grounding ourselves in honoring and recognizing each other's humanity from the very beginning.”
Mallory Adamski
“Human dignity is the inherent worth and value that every person possesses simply by being human. It is the foundation for human rights and the idea that every person should be able to live a life free from fear, discrimination, and oppression.”
Ted Womack
“It means being able to hold everyone, including myself, with respect. Coming to the realization of my own dignity has been a journey. The moment I recognized it, I knew no one could take it from me.”
Andrea Tecpoyotl Tepale
“Human Dignity is the universal truth that all humans deserve dignity and respect on the basic foundation of being human, regardless of any characteristic that has divided humans throughout our history.”
Itzel Maganda Chavez
Erin Tsurumoto Grassi
“To me, starting with dignity means recognizing the humanity in each and every person, regardless of the issue.”
