National Walk for Values

National Walk for Values - 2008

National Walk for Values - Overview

The Sathya Sai Organisation of Australia and PNG cordially invites you to participate in a National Walk for Values on Saturday, April 12, 2008. Walks are being held in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

First National Walk for Values in Canberra nearby Old Parliament House

The First National Walk for Values in Canberra
At Old Parliament House, 12 April 2008

Why have a Walk for Values?

We live in anxious times with many people concerned about the future of their families, communities and the environment we live in. For example, it is a well researched fact that pressures on family life are increasing; that there is concern about the impact of technological changes on our daily lives and that we see an increasing number of people finding solace in various addictions to escape their daily reality. The values of tolerance, understanding, respect, and other virtues such as strength of character, and concern for others are gradually being eroded by negative forces. If we stand by and allow these to continue, what future do we offer our children, and our children's children?

Those of us who long for a more caring and kinder world can make a difference. By walking together as like-minded people, we can achieve two things: we can raise awareness of positive human values such as love, truth, non-violence and peace; and more importantly, we can bring attention to the urgent need to practice them. As Nelson Mandela said, "The construction of that house of peace needs my hand. It needs your hand."

How is this Walk different?

Unlike other walks, this is not a money-raiser. You will not raise a cent for any cause by soliciting contributions of money! Rather, you will make the world richer by giving your commitment to practice values, and character-building. You may also be motivated to serve your community through volunteer work, or by donating blood or by visiting the elderly or feeding the needy, or just striving to be an exemplary citizen.

If it's not a money-raiser, what do I do?

Mahatma Gandhi said: "Be the change you want to see in the world." Your contribution is not monetary, but a pledge or commitment to practice one value of your choice. This gives you an opportunity to walk under the unifying theme of the five universal human values, that is, Truth, Love, Peace, Right Conduct and Non-Violence.

The five human values of Love, Peace, Truth, Right Conduct and Non-violence encapsulate the teachings of Sai Baba and can easily be communicated to the wider community whilst respecting the differences in religions, cultures and lifestyles. Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations said, "People of different religions and cultures live side by side in almost every part of the world, and most of us have overlapping identities which unite us with very different groups. ... We can thrive in our own tradition, even as we learn from others, and come to respect their teachings".

National Walk for Values in Perth, 2007