Educational Resources

This resource contains 21 do-it-yourself meditation exercises featuring texts of the Golden Rule from various religions. These contemplative activities can be used with individuals or groups.

The Golden Rule Project in Salt Lake City (USA) promotes the principle of the Golden Rule in schools and communities using story cards, posters, curriculum, bookmarks and tetraflexagons. One of the project’s most successful programs features the work of Steffan Soule, a professional magician, who teaches anti-bullying and the Golden Rule using magic.

With the approval of state authorities, auto license plates bearing a Golden Rule message, have been available to the people of Arizona since 2007. The plate is a project of the Arizona Interfaith Movement (AIFM). The colorful license plate, which can be found on vehicles throughout Arizona, features a golden sun casting its rays as it rises above the Grand Canyon. A saguaro cactus sits on the right side of the plate. The word “Arizona” is inscribed at the top of the plate and the words “Live the Golden Rule” at the bottom. AIFM sees the license plate as a travelling billboard which encourages individuals, communities and schools to practise the Golden Rule. For more information, check this link:
http://www.azifm.org

This chronological history of the Golden Rule is authored by Dr. Harry Gensler S.J., one of the top Golden Rule scholars in the world. This amazing 30-page document chronicles the history of the Golden Rule from ancient to modern times. Essentially, the paper charts the ethical history of humanity through the lens of the Golden Rule. This chronology is an ideal teaching tool with the capacity to reach a multitude of diverse audiences. It also has interfaith content.
http://www.harryhiker.com/chronology.htm

This DVD features students in several Toronto high schools embodying Golden Rule values by way of skits, artwork, music, movement and rap. The film eloquently demonstrates how character education can be engendered in young people using play, creativity and the arts. The movie is ideal as a complementary resource to this curriculum unit.

Running time: 23 minutes plus valuable DVD extras. Ideal for teachers, classrooms, and youth groups. To view the entire movie, click here

This article profiles Scarboro Mission’s ground-breaking world religions workshop which reaches 5,000 high school students annually. Using the Golden Rule as a reference point, the workshop engenders character education in young people using play, creativity, meditation and the arts. To learn more, click here:

http://theinterfaithobserver.org/journal-articles/2012/9/15/animating-interfaith-culture-for-5000-teenagers-a-year.html

What would the world be like if every person lived according to the Golden Rule? In this art exercise, young people are invited to envision a world in which every person lives according to the Golden Rule. Next, they are asked to depict what they have imagined or envisioned by creating a piece of art. We at Scarboro Missions have found this exercise to be very helpful in supporting young people to imagine and create a world characterized by cooperation, social justice, non-violence and a sustainable environment.

Golden Rule Art Exercise Lesson Plan

In 2006, Scarboro Missions sponsored a Golden Rule Art Contest for young people that attracted submissions from around the world. Youth were invited to create a piece of art that depicts their vision of what the world would be like if every person lived according to the Golden Rule. If you are interested in sponsoring a similar contest, click here to view some contest instructions: Golden Rule Art Exercise Lesson Plan Some submissions to the 2006 Art Contest can be viewed by scrolling Golden Rule Art Exercise & Lesson Plan

To learn about Golden Rule activity and teaching models around the world, visit these important Golden Rule websites and social media.

http://www.scarboromissions.ca/golden-rule/golden-rule-curriculum-1/36

The following three links on the Scarboro Missions website contain numerous trigger questions that are helpful in promoting discussion, reflection and journaling in workshops, classrooms, youth groups and meditation groups:

http://www.scarboromissions.ca/golden-rule/guidelines-for-golden-rule-workshop/5#golden_message

http://www.scarboromissions.ca/golden-rule/guidelines-for-golden-rule-workshop/5#golden_message_you

http://www.scarboromissions.ca/golden-rule/guidelines-for-golden-rule-workshop/5#golden_rule_society

These 12 lectures provide a comprehensive introduction and orientation to the Golden Rule. The presenter, Dr. Harry Gensler S.J, is one of the world’s leading authorities on the Golden Rule. The set of lectures, entitled, The Golden Rule: A Moral Ideal for the World, examines the Golden Rule in four essential areas: history, applied ethics, personal practice and religion (including interfaith). While some of the content is geared to Christian audiences, this exploration of the Golden Rule can benefit people of all faiths.

To view one of these lectures which focuses on the history of the Golden Rule before 1900, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVhw3QSc8lw&feature=youtu.be The lectures are available in three formats: Video DVD set, Audio CD set or Audio MP3. For more information including purchasing information about the entire set of 12 (including electronic study guide), click here:

https://www.nowyouknowmedia.com/the-golden-rule-a-moral-ideal-for-the-world.html

This rich collection of golden rule stories and anecdotes is an excellent resource for teachers and educators. These stories enable educators to inspire, challenge and inform their students on an ethical level. The editor, Dr. Harry Gensler S.J., also explains the logic of the stories. This compilation provides links to helpful references for both students and teachers.

http://www.harryhiker.com/stories.htm

Would you like to have fun exploring the many different expressions of the Golden Rule that are found around the world? You can spin the wheel of this interactive Golden Wheel. Ideal for schools and youth groups. To spin the Golden Wheel, Click here:

http://spwheel.businesscatalyst.com/index.html

This article chronicles the creation and evolution of the Scarboro Missions Golden Rule Poster which has achieved international renown as a tool for peace, education and interfaith dialogue. To read more, click here:

http://www.scarboromissions.ca/golden-rule/the-golden-rule-poster-a-history

Classrooms, schools, school boards, school districts, local communities and other organizations can celebrate International Golden Rule Day by sponsoring events and projects. To learn more about Golden Rule Day, contact Mussie Hailu at mussiepeace@yahoo.co.uk.

On April 5 of 2014, an amazing Interfaith & Golden Rule event took place in a region of northern Nigeria where there is much conflict between Muslims and Christians. To view a photo-journalistic account of this ground-breaking gathering, click here:

http://traubman.igc.org/nigeriadialoguegoldenrule.pdf

The Golden Rule, Jeffrey Wattles, New York: Oxford University Press, 1996

Ethics and the Golden Rule: Do Unto Others, Harry Gensler, Routledge, 2013

The Golden Rule, Ilene Cooper, New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers (for children aged 4 to 8)

La Règle d’or, histoire d’une maxime morale universelle, Olivier du Roy, Les Éditions du Cerf, 2012

The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule by the Berenstain family; for more information or to order, click here: http://www.amazon.com/Berenstain-Bears-Golden-Living-Lights/dp/0310712475

This compilation features commentaries on the Golden Rule from a number well-known scientists, philosophers, politicians, writers, business people, religious leaders, companies and organizations. Here is the link:

http://www.scarboromissions.ca/golden-rule/commentaries-on-the-golden-rule

The Scarboro Missions Golden Rule Poster is now on permanent display at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. On January 4, 2004, Gillian Sorensen, Assistant Secretary-General of the UN, accepted the poster as a gift from the North American Interfaith Network. Read more….

With the approval of state authorities, auto license plates bearing a Golden Rule message, have been available to the people of Arizona since 2007. The plate is a project of the Arizona Interfaith Movement (AIFM). The colorful license plate, which can be found on vehicles throughout Arizona, features a golden sun casting its rays as it rises above the Grand Canyon. A saguaro cactus sits on the right side of the plate. The word “Arizona” is inscribed at the top of the plate and the words “Live the Golden Rule” at the bottom. AIFM sees the license plate as a travelling billboard which encourages individuals, communities and schools to practise the Golden Rule. For more information, check this link:
http://www.azifm.org

The Golden Rule Institute is a service of International Cities of Peace. The Institute is dedicated to forging a new relationship between our global society and the ancient ethic of the Golden Rule. The Institute encourages, promotes, and publishes scholarly and personal writings, thoughts, articles, and life stories on innovative ways that application of the Golden Rule can foster a culture of personal and societal peace. Check out their website:

http://www.internationalcitiesofpeace.org/programs/golden-rule-institute/

In this section, members of the Jewish, Unitarian and Native American traditions reflect on the meaning of the Golden Rule as expressed in the sacred texts of their respective faith groups.

http://www.scarboromissions.ca/golden-rule/golden-rule-interfaith-commentaries

The Golden Rule Petition emphasizes that the unifying principle of the Golden Rule lives within all individuals, organizations and groups who serve the world in many different ways. Inspired by the Golden Rule Project in Salt Lake City, USA, this petition is finding support among partners worldwide. The petition belongs to everyone. The goal is to widen the influence of good around the world. As the number of signatures grows, the petition naturally gains strength as a tool supporting universal values. Who knows what we can do with one million signatures?

To read more or to sign the petition, click here:

http://goldenruleproject.org/live-by-the-golden-rule-petition/

A Peace Mala is a symbolic bracelet focusing on the Golden Rule. It promotes friendship and peace between all cultures and faiths and cuts through every type of prejudice. Peace Mala Accreditation is a prestigious educational award for youth promoting global citizenship for world peace.

www.peacemala.org.uk

The Compassion Games feature a host of creative methods to make our communities safer, kinder, more just and better places to live. Participants around the world are called upon to performs acts of kindness in three areas: compassion for others, compassion for the Earth and compassion for ourselves. The Compassion Games enable civic leaders, community organizers, educators, parents, non-profits, religious groups and business leaders to co-operate – in a fun and inspiring way – in creating sustainable and healthy communities. The Compassion Games can be played by people of all ages.

http://compassiongames.org

This site is one of the most extensive sources on the Internet for parents, teachers or anyone involved in character education for children. The site uses a storytelling method to enable children to learn and understand character-building principles and values.

www.teachingvalues.com

The Green Rule Poster features ecological teachings from sacred texts in 14 religious traditions. The 14 statements are presented against the visual backdrop of “the tree of life” and a variety of leaves from around the world. The poster is complemented by a very useful 20-page study guide. For more information or to order these products, click here:

http://www.greeningsacredspaces.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=4