ABOUT US
The image in this header is produced by an AI interpretation of the words on this page. It aims to evoke the themes of global unity, diversity, and peace.
The image in this header is produced by an AI interpretation of the words on this page. It aims to evoke the themes of global unity, diversity, and peace.
The World House Project, Inc. (WHPInc) is a continuing initiative launched at Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute’s (FSI) Center for Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law in 2022, as a global network of organizations and individuals committed to realizing the ideals of a “world house” where humanity learns to live together in dignity, liberty, and community. Today, the initiative operates as an independent international nongovernmental organization through its flagship initiatives, The World House Institutes (WHPInstitutes), the World House Global Network (WHPNetworks), and The World House Forum.
The World House Project was initially conceived when Dr. Clayborne Carson and Dr. Johnny J. Mack joined forces at FSI with their combined 60 years of work on the legacy and work of Dr. Mrtin Luther King Jr. and nonviolent social change. In 1985, Mrs. Coretta Scott King selected Carson to edit the papers of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1991, she invited Mack to serve as the Director of Administration and Finance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Carson's work expanded as he created the Martin Luther King Institute at Stanford University. At the same time, Mack became The King Center's chief Administrative officer. He joined forces with Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young to found Realizing the Dream and Communities Without Boundaries.
At FSI, Carson and Mack led the project, with Carson as its director and Mack as its associate director. They would teach, research, and write about nonviolence in their respective roles. As a historian and author, Carson would focus principally on the history of social movements and the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., emphasizing his idea of "show, not tell" in an annual film festival celebrating King's birthday. Mack would focus primarily on the contemporary relevance of nonviolence by organizing the World House Global Network through a weekly convening of academics, scholars, and practitioners around the globe. In 2023, the project transitioned from FSI with Carson's continuing focus on history and education. Mack launched the project as The World House Project, Inc. - an independent nonprofit organization, continuing its focus on a global network and institutionalizing its research, education, and social action work.
WHPInc. remains a platform for local, international, and global deliberation, decision-making, and nonviolent social action toward realizing a just and peaceful world through research, education, and social action. Specifically, we seek
to institutionalize a network of individuals, groups, and organizations who share the fundamental values of human dignity, liberty, and community
to realize those values throughout the global social order; and
to inculcate nonviolent principles that foster social action against forces that diminish human rights, deny social justice, and deter positive peace.
WHPInc envisions a world where every individual's inherent dignity and worth are recognized and celebrated. These values are ideals and lived experiences guiding how we interact with one another, social structures, and the planet. Our vision extends beyond mere coexistence to a global society actively building a global edifice of peace, justice, and an equitable future for all.
The governance of the World House Project, Inc. is designed to reflect our commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Our governance structure comprises three principal bodies:
Board of Trustees. An independent board providing fiduciary oversight, ensuring that WHPInc operates in a way that is aligned with our mission and values.
Board of Network Advisors. This board advises and counsels the WHP Trustee Board. Its diverse composition ensures a wide range of perspectives and expertise to guide our strategic direction.
Council of Working Group Directors. This council offers advice and support on the Network's day-to-day operations, facilitating the implementation of our projects and initiatives. Their work is critical to the smooth functioning and success of WHP's endeavors.
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