Posted on January 23, 2008 by Kathy McManus in All, Welcome to the Project Comments (11)
Welcome to The Responsibility Project
Most of us think of ourselves as responsible. We do our work, pay our taxes, and lend a hand to a friend or neighbor when asked.
But when—and how—do you decide to accept responsibility beyond the status quo? To step in and stop a fight. To come forward as a witness. To comfort someone else’s child, when it means you won’t be home to comfort your own.
Responsibility has no playbook. But with The Responsibility Project, we hope to create a place where questions, challenges, victories, failures, and lots of other aspects of doing the right thing—the responsible thing—are shared and discussed in an ongoing dialogue with you.
As a long-time journalist, I’ve seen the issue of responsibility debated and contested all over the world, by the powerful and the powerless…in refugee camps, palaces, courtrooms, prisons, hospitals, churches, and homes…in war and peace. Some ignore it with ease. Others spend a lifetime pondering. Each defines it in his own way.
So join the conversation. Bring along your own experiences and expectations. Test yourself. Debate with others. Get inspired. Give inspiration to others. Let us know what you think.
You might surprise yourself about what responsibility really is, and means, to you.
Comments (11)
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Positive influence
It’s so nice to see a website focus on something positive for a change. In today’s busy world, I see so many people turning their backs when people need help because it’s the easy thing to do. I hope the message behind this website catches on.
RE: Positive influence
Thanks Kellie
We really appreciate the comment. And we hope you’ll tell your friends and family about the site. Responsibility is such an important thing and the more we all discuss it, the better off we all will be. Thanks Kellie and don’t be a stranger!
Responsibility is relative
Responsibility, like happiness, is an intangible, and relative to a host of personal issues. You can’t really buy it, or legislate it.
Mail
I had a small responsibility moment the other day. I was delivered mail that wasn’t addressed to me so I decided to put it in the proper mailbox. I’m happy to be insured by a company that acts in a similar manner.
RE: Mail
Matthew,
I love your phrase “responsibility moment.” It implies that responsibility happens in ordinary segments of time. It’s the same message that the Liberty Mutual ads convey. It also helps us to realize that every day there may be a new way to be responsible. Thanks.
Transit
The film brought back my last Christmas in New York City, a few years ago, when I was double-teamed by a pair of thieves and lost all the cash I had just taken out of the bank for Christmas tips. I would truly have loved to have had someone, anyone, call the police or face them down – the bus driver just pulled away. Though I know the safety of the other passengers had to be his first responsibility, I wish there had been a bit more to go around.
Igniting the fire of responsibility as a virtue.
This site is a great step forward for Liberty Mutual in demonstrating responsibility. Now, please figure out a way to get this into the school systems and really pull social value from the concept.
This Is A GREAT Idea!
When I was growing up in central Florida in the 50’s and 60’s, what we now call “responsibility” was normal behavior. Everyone contributed to the common good.
When family or a neighbor was ill, we prepared a meal for his/her family to help them “get by,” and then followed up to see what else we could do to help.
With death came family, friends, and neighbors with food, housework, baby or pet sitting, lawncare, grocery shopping, and/or anything else to help the bereaved.
When you had a flat tire on an unknown street, strangers stopped to help you get back on your way. And it was safe to do so.
Today these common kindness are part of the past … or so I thought. I’m encouraged that this new sense of responsibility for self and others is being discussed, taking root, and (hopefully) flowering once again.
Responsibility breeds self-esteem and then a sense of community … the antidotes for what is so wrong with the world today!
And this project makes me very proud to work for Liberty Mutual. Kudos!!!
Responsibility Taken A Step Further
Recently I drove to a video store to return a rented video. It was pouring down rain, and while I was fumbling around looking for my umbrella, there was a knock on my car window. There stood a lady, soaked to the skin. As I rolled down my window a few inches, she reached for the video, commenting that since she was already wet, she would return it for me.
No, she didn’t have a responsibility for such a selfless act, but her kindness to a stranger will never be forgotten!
RE: Responsibility Taken A Step Further
How Special
This sort of kindness is so rare. Thank you for posting about that lady, and reminding me to take an extra minute from time to time to see how I could help. What can I lose?
Untitled
I have never been so moved by a company motto. From top to bottom, Liberty Mutual shows they truly CARE about not only their customers, but people in general. The video is a wonderful example of an situation we’re all put in at one point in time or another. This “responsible” campaign reminds us of the basic instincts we need to use more frequently in our daily lives.