Shakertown Pledge

"Recognizing that the earth and fulness thereof is a gift from our
gracious God, and that we are called to cherish, nurture, and provide
loving stewardship for the earth's resources;

And recognizing that life itself is a gift, and a call to responsibility,
joy, and celebration.

I make the following declarations:

1.  I declare myself to be a world citizen.

2.  I commit myself to lead an ecologically sound life.

3.  I commit myself to lead a life of creative simplicity and to share
my personal wealth with the world's poor.

4.  I commit myself to join with others in reshaping institutions in
order to bring about a more just global society in which each person
has full access to the needed resources for their physical, emotional,
intellectual, and spiritual growth.

5.  I commit myself to occupational accountability, and in so doing, I
will seek to avoid the creation of products which cause harm to
others.

6.  I affirm the gift of my body, and commit myself to its proper
nourishment and physical well-being.

7.  I commit myself to examine continually my relations with others,
and to attempt to relate honestly, morally, and lovingly to those
around me.

8.  I commit myself to personal renewal through prayer, meditation,
and study.

9.  I commit myself to responsible participation in a community of
faith."


--From Taking Charge by Simple Living Collective and American Friends
Service Committee (1977), one of precursors to the Voluntary
Simplicity movement.