Ethical Charter

Ethical Charter

The Ethical Charter and the Social Projects are statutory documents expressing the key objectives of the Union of Buddhist Relief Organizations (USB), for which affiliated Buddhist Relief associations may receive support. Outside of these statutory USB documents, the activities of each Buddhist Relief organization remain under their own initiative.

The Ethical Charter is a reference document expressing all the ethical principles that the Union and its member associations (“SB Associations”) must respect in all circumstances.

Preamble

The Union of Buddhist Relief Organizations (USB) was created from the desire to build synergy among the various local Buddhist Relief associations in order to provide them with additional support for their activities. This charter defines the vision, purpose, fundamental principles, and values that guide our collective action. It serves as internal regulations until a specific document is drafted if necessary.

Vision

The vision of the Union of Buddhist Relief Organizations is founded on the universal human values of solidarity, mutual assistance, and cooperation. Wisdom and compassion, as a common basis shared by all schools of the Buddha Shakyamuni tradition, form its core. The ethical and spiritual vision of the USB is universalist; it recognizes unity within the diversity of all authentic humanist and/or religious traditions. Its spirit is one of non-dogmatic openness, altruism, non-violence, non-sectarianism, and impartiality. Buddhist Relief services are open to all people of goodwill without discrimination, regardless of their beliefs.

Purpose

The living tradition of Buddhism, in its many aspects, has been integrated into our environment for nearly half a century, inspiring the sympathy or commitment of hundreds of thousands of people. It fully contributes to the ethical and spiritual diversity and richness of society. The presence of the Buddha’s tradition within society naturally calls today for the emergence of an organization such as “Buddhist Relief.” The assistance these services can provide to people in difficulty is thus an expression of Buddhist engagement in society.

Article 1: Purpose

The mission of the Union of Buddhist Relief Organizations is to:

  • Unite and coordinate the actions of local Buddhist Relief associations
  • Promote mutual support and the sharing of experiences among member associations
  • Strengthen the effectiveness of assistance provided to people in difficulty
  • Develop a network of skills and expertise in service of the most disadvantaged

Article 2: Fundamental Values

Our actions are guided by the following values:

  • Unity within the diversity of humanist and religious traditions
  • Altruistic compassion and non-violent kindness toward all beings
  • Respect for human dignity
  • Non-discrimination
  • Active solidarity
  • Ethics and transparency in our actions

Article 3: Commitments of Member Associations

Each member association commits to:

  • Accepting the commitments specified in the USB Statutes
  • Contributing to the Social Project
  • Respecting the principles and values stated in this charter
  • Actively participating in the mutual support network
  • Sharing experiences and best practices
  • Maintaining regular communication with the USB
  • Working in a spirit of cooperation and goodwill

Article 4: Priority Areas of Action

Initially, the USB focuses its efforts on the “Housing” Social Project, which is part of the statutory documents to which Departmental Buddhist Relief organizations are affiliated. See the document “Housing Social Project.”

The USB therefore focuses its efforts on:

1. Housing Assistance

  • Searching for accommodation solutions
  • Support in accessing housing
  • Mediation with landlords

2. Development of a Skills Network

  • Legal
  • Social
  • Administrative
  • Professional

Article 5: Network Operations

The USB commits to:

  • Organizing regular meetings among member associations
  • Establishing effective communication tools
  • Facilitating the sharing of resources and expertise
  • Coordinating joint actions
  • Representing collective interests before public authorities

Article 6: Membership Status

To become a member of the USB, an association must:

  • Be legally established
  • Adhere to the values and principles of this Charter
  • Be actively engaged in helping people in difficulty
  • Participate regularly in network activities

Article 7: Ethics and Transparency

Member associations commit to:

  • Respecting the ethics of universal human values
  • Complying with the current legal framework
  • Acting in a non-violent and selfless manner
  • Ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Reporting regularly on their activities
  • Using resources responsibly and transparently

Article 8: Amendment of the Charter

This Charter may be amended in order to adapt to the evolving needs of the USB and its members, according to the procedures defined in the USB statutes.