According to Bruce Weinstein, PhD and author of Ethical Intelligence: Five Principles for Untangling Your Toughest Struggles at Work and Beyond, the five principles that form the core of our ethical intelligence are: Do No Harm, Make Things Better, Respect Others, Be Fair, and Be Loving. These principles, while simple to understand, can be challenging to live by, especially when faced with complex social issues like homelessness.
It’s easy to fall into patterns of judgment and indifference. We gossip, complain, and criticize. We dehumanize others with labels and stereotypes, forgetting that behind every struggle is a human being with a story. In the context of homelessness, this can manifest as fear, revulsion, or a “not in my backyard” mentality.
My work in the homeless-serving sector in Calgary brought me face-to-face with these challenges. I witnessed firsthand how the label “homeless” can evoke a tsunami of negative emotions, overshadowing the individual’s humanity. In community meetings, I often heard the phrase “those people,” a subtle but powerful form of othering that violates the principles of Respect, Fairness, and Love.
Whether it’s in a bustling city or a quiet island community like the one I live in now, homelessness exists. It might be hidden in tents in the forest or vans parked on remote dirt roads, but the underlying issues remain the same. The lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health support, and dwindling social safety nets push people to the margins.
There’s no single solution to homelessness, but we can all play a part in making things better. Since moving to the island, every Thursday afternoon I volunteer with The Grub Huggers, a group that prepares meals for people needing food support. This simple act, fueled by community donations and a desire to help, embodies the principles of ethical intelligence. By providing a basic necessity like food, we’re not only preventing harm but also taking active steps to improve the lives of others.
Each act of kindness, no matter how small, creates a ripple effect. Whether it’s volunteering at a food bank, donating to a shelter, or simply treating someone experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect, we can all contribute to a more compassionate and just society. Let’s commit to doing our little bit, radiating kindness outward and creating a world where everyone feels valued and supported.
Namaste
Dare Boldly 