Globalization of information, political-economic, cultural, and environmental concerns force the issue of "one world" and "one humanity" to the forefront. The question is not globalization per se, since it already exists and cannot be undone. The question is, "What is humanity to intend for itself and to act upon: endless commercial growth -- or something greater that calls to us from all our hearts and souls to grow beyond our perceived limitations?"
It is the desire and hope of this publication that many people will reach for something new that calls to them from all our hearts and souls -- a higher potential to grow beyond the narrow confines we may have set for ourselves as individuals and as a species. Aiming for the lowest common denominator (something ingrained in our current society) holds everyone back. Why not aim for our highest common denominator? How could that happen? One high-level approach is to use "connection," "service," and "spirituality" to help us attain higher common ground. To this end, we would like to introduce three simple, statistical indexes and graphics to illustrate their relationships:
- The Connection Index represents a range of values and beliefs from personal connection to one another, to connection with creation and nature, to connection with the cosmos and a higher consciousness.
- The Service Index represents a range of values and beliefs from helping one another, to making a difference in the world, to nations helping nations.
- The Spirituality Index represents a range of values and beliefs from traditional and alternative churches, to a sense of the sacred in all life, to connection to higher consciousness or God.
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Connection, Service, and Spirituality: Vital Elements to Social and Political Strategies
This diagram shows the level of voting likelihood and percentage of total U.S. households for each of the single elements as well as their combination. While 16% of households did not identify strongly enough with any of these important elements, they do provide a set of basic common denominators that bridges 84% of U.S. households.
It is also important to note that, where all three elements are strongly present, the likelihood to vote is very high.
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