How our Names Evolved

Contents

• Dignity Letter (2018)

• World Dignity University initiative (2011)

• Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies (2001 - 2005)

 

Dignity Letter (2018)

Linda Hartling's ideas for replacing the name of "Take a Look Letter" for our regular letters to our network, May 11, 2018:

Dignity for All Letter
Dignity Now Letter
Dignity Forever Letter
Dignity in Connection Letter
Dignity Journey Letter
Dignity Infinite Letter
Infinite Dignity Letter
Dignity Affinity Letter
Dignity Infinity Letter
Infinite Dignity Letter
Dignity Festivity Letter
Dignity Energy Letter
Dignity Electricity Letter
DIgnity Possibility Letter
Dignity Probability Letter
DIgnity Irresistibility Letter
360 Degrees of Dignity Letter
Dignity Unequivocally Letter
Dignity Responsibility Letter
Dignity Relativity Letter
4Dignity Letter
Imagine Dignity Letter
Images of Dignity Letter
Envision Dignity Letter
Realizing Dignity Letter
Organizing for Dignity
Co-Creating Dignity Letter
Energizing Dignity Letter
Dreaming Dignity Letter
Designing Dignity
Seeds of Dignity Letter
Unbounded Dignity Letter
Dignity without Borders Letter
Connecting in Dignity Letter
United in Dignity Letter
World Dignity Letter
Global Dignity Letter
Dignity & Dialogue Letter
Dignity + Dialogue Letter
Dignity Through Dialogue Letter
Dignifying Dialogue Letter


 

World Dignity University initiative / Verdensuniversitet for verdighet (2011)

(Also: Globalt universitet for verdighet, Ragnhild Nilsen's translation into Norwegian 25.1.2011)

Evelin Lindner, 10th February 2011
My first four choices:
- World Dignity University
- Global Dignity University
- Global/World Dignity University Community
- Global/World Dignity Learning Forum

Reflecting on more tag lines
- World Dignity University: Bringing Dignity into Learning, Globally and Locally
- World Dignity University: Learning Dignity, Globally and Locally (Learning in, and about Dignity, Globally and Locally)
- World Dignity University: A Multi-local and Global Space for Dignity Learning (Dignified Learning, etc.)
- World Dignity University: Dignity and Learning, Global and Local

Heidetraut von Weltzien, Ulrich Spalthoff, Linda Hartling, February 2011
- Global Dignity Learning Initiative
- Global Dignity Learning Network
- Global Dignity Learning Forum
- Learning Network for Global Dignity
- Learning Forum for Global Dignity
- Global Dignity University Community
- Global Dignity University Network
- Global Dignity University Forum
- Global Human Dignity Initiative
- Global Human Dignity Learning Initiative
- Global Human Dignity Forum

Linda Hartling, 22nd January 2011
-- Dedicated to bringing equality in dignity into the world.
-- Bringing equality in dignity into the world.
-- Building a world of equality in dignity.
-- Envisioning a world of equal dignity.
-- Creating a world of equality in dignity.
-- Advancing equality in dignity throughout the world.
-- Creating a world of equality dignity for all.
-- Building a world of equality dignity for all.

Michael Britton, 23rd January 2011
- Bringing equality in dignity into the world. 

Evelin Lindner, 2010
- World Dignity University: Learning that dignifies the lives of all people
- World Dignity University: Learning to dignify the lives of all people
- World Dignity University: Co-creating a new approach to learning that dignifies the lives of all people and their habitat (too long)
- World Dignity University: A new approach to learning that dignifies the lives of all people
- World Dignity University: Putting dignity at the core of sharing knowledge
- World Dignity University: Putting dignity at the core of co-creating knowledge
- World Dignity University: Giving dignity priority in learning
- World Dignity University: Giving dignity priority in co-creating knowledge
- World Dignity University: Putting dignity at the core of knowing
- World Dignity University: Equal human dignity in education
- World Dignity University: Putting human dignity at the core of education
- World Dignity University: Dignifying the lives of all people and animals through education
- World Dignity University: Equality in dignity at the core of learning/knowing/co-creating knowledge
- World Dignity University: Dignity at the core of excellence in co-creating knowing and learning
- World Dignity University: Dignity at the core of excellence in education
- World Dignity University: Dignity at the core of excellence
- World Dignity University: Dignifying the lives of all people and animals
- World Dignity University: Dignifying life on Earth
- World Dignity University: Dignity at the core of learning
- World Dignity University: A university that dignifies learning and the world
- World Dignity University: A university that places dignity at the core of learning for a dignified world
- World Dignity University: A university that puts dignity first
- World Dignity University: A university that brings dignity into the world
- World Dignity University: A university that defines excellence through dignity
- World Dignity University: A university that helps build a dignified world
- World Dignity University: A university that dignifies
...

Evelin Lindner, 23rd January 2011
"“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights"? and then in small letters "Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights":
"As to the tag line, I have noticed that many do not know the expression equality in dignity, or equal dignity. I often have to explain what that means. And I usually give them the first paragraph of Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, which reads:
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”
Perhaps we could have as tag line "“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights"? and then in small letters "Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights"? I know this would be even longer than now, but it would give our endeavor the legitimacy of human rights and place it in the wider frame of human rights?"

Ulrich Spalthoff, 23rd January 2011
Tag line: Putting human dignity at the core of education
Giving voice to equality in dignity

Ulrich Spalthoff, 8th February 2011
Starting point:
- World Dignity University: Feeling confused: What is "World Dignity"?; Isn't dignity a property of persons? "University" sounds a bit bloated to me. If I read it as World ... Dignity University, then I ask myself: What is the difference between a "Dignity University" and a "World Dignity University". Is this some sort of hierarchy, where the World Dignity University presides about other Dignity Universities?
Alternatives:
1. Global Dignity University: Somehow better, as "Global" tells me there is a global scope of a Dignity University. But also newcomers might ask: What means Global Dignity?
2. Dignity University: I always prefer shorter names, but ... Naked as it is now, another question appears: Is it valid to use the name "university", if it is about such a specific field of research and education? (don't misunderstand me: "specific" does not mean "less important".)
3. Global Dignity University Network: Firstly, it is very long. I would prefer a name with two words, max. 3 words. Apart from that, I could read it as a "network of universities, about global dignity matters". This would make sense, in a later stage, when such a network is established. Initially it would not reflect what we are doing.
4. Global Dignity Education Network: Sounds better than #3. Avoids "university", which can lead to mis-interpretations (as Heidi pointed out).
5. Global Dignity Learning Network, or Global Dignity Learning Forum: This I would prefer about #4. Education has a notion of top-down to me, which I dislike. Learning is more peer-to-peer, thus preferable to me.
6. Global Dignity Learning Initiative: For me, this fits better to our current status. But I admit, on the long run we want to achieve more than an initiative.
7. Learning Network for Global Dignity: If it would be shorter ... :-\
8. Global Dignity Network: Here the "Learning" aspect is missing. Could be confused with the mission of HumanDHS.
Let me now try to find shorter variants:
9. Dignity Learning: Sounds too "basic"?
10. Dignity Academy: Does it appeal to practitioners? (same for Dignity University)
11. Dignity Education Network: Sounds somehow "catchy to me", despite my feelings about "education". You see, I am not consistent. All these associations are very weak. :-[
My preferences: I like #11 best, then #7. But I could go with any name. Nothing is perfect...

Morton Deutsch, 10th February 2011
If you are not really a university with a set of undergraduate and graduate programs, I think I would call it: the Center for Promoting the Studies and Development of Global Dignity

Francisco Gomes de Matos, a peace linguist from Recife, Brazil, 10th March 2011
uniDIGNITY:
More rhymed reflections on WORLDDIGNITYUNIVERSITY
by Francisco Gomes de Matos, a peace linguist from Recife, Brazil, for students and teachers-to-be at WORLDDIGNITYUNIVERSITY( fondly abbreviated as uniDIGNITY):
   For DIGNITY educate
   By  DIGNITY elevated

   For DIGNITY created
   By  DIGNITY elated

   For DIGNITY connected
   By  DIGNITY perfected

   For DIGNITY humanized
   By  DIGNITY equalized

   For DIGNITY united
   By  DIGNITY ignited

   For DIGNITY globalized
   By  DIGNITY harmonized

   For DIGNITY motivated
   By  DIGNITY captivated

   For DIGNITY enlivened
   By  DIGNITY enlightened

   For DIGNITY realized
   By  DIGNITY vitalized

   For DIGNITY materialized
   By  DIGNITY spiritualized

   For DIGNITY  transcended
   By  DIGNITY  open-ended .......

Evelin Lindner, 10th March 2011
Taglines:
1. Bringing equality in dignity into the world"
or
2. "Bringing dignity into learning, globally and locally"

Michael Britton, 25th January 2011
Bringing equality in dignity into the world

Michael Britton, 9th February 2011
- Learning the Ways of Dignity From Each Other
- Learning the Ways of Dignity Together
- Learning the Path of Dignity Together.
I am struck by a pull in two directions that I think I hear in the pursuit of a right name: to create a name that people intuitively understand in the world of today (which was formed long ago) vs a name that pushes the frontier, defines a larger vision that will make sense fifty years from now -- and that speaks more to people at the leading edge of new thinking today.
World Dignity University to my mind can speak to people in established universities clearly today. It takes little thought to place it within one's existing mental frame and so begin to consider whether and how to relate to the people creating the WDU. For people in beaucracy, that's a virtue. For leaders of those institutions, it may not matter so much..?
Global at once pulls for the tomorrow that is emerging and says so. That too is easy to understand.
Replacing University with another phrase risks honoring the future but reducing easy and immediate comprehension by existing institutions, I would think.
I think Global Dignity University, and Global University in general, can seem pretentious -- but then World University apparently evokes the same reaction in others. Who we are and what we're about will have to be what speaks loudest, not just the name. The name, no matter what it is, will not be clear to everyone. That's where dialogue and conversation begin, which is where what we're about clarifies itself.
That being said, Human Dignity Global Learning Collaborative, Human Dignity Global Learning Network, come to my mind in addition to the other choices. As a logo-phrase, so to speak: Learning the Ways of Dignity From Each Other, Learning the Ways of Dignity Together, Learning the Path of Dignity Together.
A world of peoples and countries learning the ways of human dignity together, that seems to me to be the vision.
Or perhaps the word education should be in there. University makes clear that this is higher education, plugs into accreditation in today's world; if you want something that is for children and teens too, that's not so good. If you want people to get college credit, it is going to be on their mind: UNLESS you see, like the visions sweeping the streets of the mideast right now, that the old vision of accreditation is going to be swept aside in the decade or two ahead for something much more egalitarian, with people not focusing on accreditation...

Ragnhild Nilsen, 8th February 2011
Here comes Ragnhild's name vote: She strongly prefers "World Dignity University."
What Hroar writes about the advantages of "global" fits much better with the word "world" according to her intuition.
She does not associate an gathering of countries with "world" but a gathering of people. She also does not associate that we are arrogant when we say "world" or that we pretend to be something we are not. She feels it is a name into which we can grow.

Ulrich Spalthoff, 28th May 2011
Interesting! Now, having won some distance from our name discussion some months ago, Human Dignity University sounds not bad!
Kind regards,
Uli

Evelin Lindner, 27th May 2011
Dear All!
I increasingly notice that several people write to us and call our initiative "Human Dignity University"! (Just now Pierre Hassner.)
Perhaps this is the name we have been looking for?
JUST A THOUGHT!
Evelin

Evelin Lindner, 13th June 2011
Veldig kjære Dagfinn!
Jeg er umåtelig takknemlig for alt du skriver! Særlig det du skriver om dine tanker her: "Men jeg ble litt betenkt over at du nå har institusjonalisert dette som et universitet.... "!
Får jeg lov til å dele dine tanker med teamet vårt? Vi har faktisk diskutert både betegnelsen "world" og "university" i to år og er like grunnleggende skeptiske som deg, men har til syvende og siste bestemt oss for å gå denne veien med den store ambisjonen av å fylle begrepene med en ny verdighet. Dine tanker er meget viktige for oss, jeg takker deg også engang til for hva du skrev om Springer forlaget og at forlagsverden også "selger ut" verdighet. Vi har derfor begynt med å stifte Dignity Press of World Dignity University Press, som da skal gå en mer verdig vei. Min neste bøker skal komme ut i World Dignity University Press.
For å kunne dele dine tanker med de andre må jeg oversette de til engelsk, kan du kanskje ha en veldig rask titt på om dette er riktig oversatt?
"Jeg synes det arbeidet du gjør om ydmykelse er svært verdifullt. Ydmykelse er en av de viktige faktorer bak mye av den vold vi har i dag, særlig mellom den arabiske og den vestlige verden, og det er jo i seg selv noe ondt, selv når det ikke leder til vold. Men jeg ble litt betenkt over at du nå har institusjonalisert dette som et universitet. Universitetstittelen er jo svært ettertraktet og det er blitt en mengde "universiteter" som til og med tilbyr universitetsgrader. Jeg har lenge argumentert for at universitetsbetegnelsen bare bør brukes av institusjoner som tilbyr en bred og grundig doktorgradsutdannelse på flere områder, i det minste i humaniora, samfunnsfag og naturvitenskap. Man har jo tidligere i Norge et kvinneuniversitet, og jeg tror dette har skadet kvinnesaken, dels gir betegnelsen inntrykk av at man ikke vet hva som må inngå i en bred og grundig forskerutdanning, dels gir man unge, uerfarne studenter inntrykk av at papirer fra et slikt universitet gjør det unødvendig for dem å få en god forskerutdannelse på deres felt. En annen betegnelse ville utvilsomt bedre fremme saken: for eksempel: Institutt, Senter eller lignende."
"I think the work you do on humiliation is very valuable. Humiliation is one of the key factors behind much of the violence we have today, especially between the Arab and the Western world, and that is in itself evil, even when it does not lead to violence. But I was a little concerned that you now have institutionalized this as a university. The university title is highly sought after and it has been a lot of "universities" which even offer university degrees. I have long argued that the university designation should be used only by institutions that offer a broad and thorough doctoral education in several areas, at least in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Earlier, in Norway, there was a "women's university," and I think this has damaged the cause of women, partly, since the term gives the impression that they do not know what needs to be part of a broad and thorough research, partly, since it gives young, inexperienced students the impression that the degrees from such a university make it unnecessary for them to get a good education in their research fields. A different term would undoubtedly improve the matter: for example: department, centre or similar."
Dear Dagfinn, we make a point to call it World Dignity University initiative, since we do not wish to create something fixed now, but would like to invite all like-minded scholars into something that might be a university in the sense you write in 50 years or 100 years. We wish to start a long-term growth processs, rather than present a finished product now. We wish to launch an invitation to join a movement, not open a top-down ready-made structure. Perhaps this humility, and this processual and inclusive nature of an invitation, as core part of dignity, needs to be highlighted more?
Again, dear Dagfinn, you have no idea how deep my gratitude is for the time and energy you invest to share your reflections with us!
THANK YOU!!!
Evelin



Our Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies endeavour continuously struggles with our name

Please see here the list of names that we developed between 2001 and 2003
(to each name please think the motto "Breaking the Cycle of Humiliation" attached, replaced after 2015 with "Toward a World that Dignifies All - Healing and Preventing Cycles of Humiliation"):

"Columbia Center for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies"
"Center for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies"
"Working Actively Towards Confronting Humiliation (WATCH)"
"Humiliation WATCH (Working Actively To Confront Humiliation)"
"Humiliation or Peace (HOPE)"
"Global Network of Humiliation Studies"
"International Humaliation Studies"
"Center for the Prevention of Humiliation and Violence"
"Overcoming Humiliation - Center for the Study and Action"
"Center for the Prevention of Humiliation in Conflict"
"Center for the Prevention of Humiliation and Violence in Conflict"
"Center for the Prevention of Humiliation and Violence"
"Center (or Institute) for the Study of Humiliation and Conflict"
"Humiliation Focus Center"
"Center for the Study of Humiliation"
"Humiliation Action: Breaking the Cycle of Humiliation"
"Humiliation Action Center: Breaking the Cycle of Humiliation"
"Humiliation and Humanization - A Study and Intervention Center"
"Institute for the Study of Humiliation and Acknowledgment"
"Humiliation and Its Discontents - A Study and Intervention Center"
"EARTH Center - End All Regimes That Humiliate"
"Education Against Regimes That Humiliate"
"HELP: Humiliation Elimination Learning Program"
"Institute to investigate and eliminate acts of humiliation"
"Center for the Study of Humiliation and Violence"
"Center for Studying Acts of Humiliation and How to Overcome It"
"Center for Enhancing Dignity and Decreasing Humiliation"
"Institute for the Analysis and Prevention of Humiliation"
"The Institute for the Study of the Causes and Effects of Humiliation and Developing Remedial Strategies"
"Center for the Study of Humiliation and Facilitation of its Abolition"
"Ending of Humiliation Institute"
"Institute for the Ending of Humiliation"
"Humiliation Elimination Institute"
"Institute for the Discontinuation of Humiliation"
"Institute for the Abolition of Humiliation"
"Humiliation Abolition Institute"
"Humiliation Eradication Institute"
"Institute for the Eradication of Humiliation"
"POHS - Programme on Humiliation Studies"
"Program for the Study of Humiliation".
"The Program to Study the Causes of and Responses to Humiliation"
"Institute For the Study of Intergroup Humiliation, Hostility, and Violence"
"Program on Humiliation Studies and Transformative Strategies"
"Program - or Center - for the Study of the Alleviation (or Eradication) of All Forms of Humiliation"
"Institute for the Study of Intergroup Hostility and Humiliation
"Institute for the Study of Negative Human Interaction"
"The Institute for Studies of Human Rights and Humiliation"
"Center for the Study of Humiliation and Hostility"
"The Anti-Humiliation Institute"
"Institute for Anti-Humiliation Strategies"
"Humiliation Reduction Institute"
"Breaking the Cycle of Humiliation Institute"
"The Humiliation Management Institute"
"Moratorium on Humiliation Institute"
"Advancing the Science of Humiliation Reduction"
"Studies of Honor and Humiliation"

How "Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies (HumanDHS)" came into being in 2003

In June 2003, Elisabeth Scheper wrote:
Thought some more about the title. This is my favorite for today:
Center for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies
I think it sounds great, because:
        It has a nice alliteratie sound
        It is simple but dignified
        It combines subject and purpose in the title
        Center gives it status and intellectual ownership to you
        Studies indicates it is not training in humiliation and SM
        Human dignity as first word does the same: puts humiliation studies in context
        Decided against international in the title, because that is already embedded in human dignity, which has a universal appeal and an ethic value that is global."

How we tried to avoid terms as Institute, Center, or Program, in 2003
We subsequently decided to avoid words such as institute, center, or program, since we felt that these terms had too narrow connotations within institutional bodies such as Columbia University, which had invited us. Thus, when Eric Van Grasdorff started building our website in December 2003, we decided to merely omit words such as institute, center, or program and merely use "Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies" with the motto "Breaking the Cycle of Humiliation."

How we struggled with the name, again, in 2005
After our annual meetings in 2004, we discussed, how we could develop our group institutionally. We had decided to keep the word Humiliation in our name, after a discussion at our 2004 Paris meeting. Our decision was to develop our work in a global decentralized way. This would involve founding the global part of our endeavour, to begin with, as a non-for-profit organization in the US, and ask local groups to found their sub-groups wherever they are based.

Please see here the text that Lindner wrote at the end of 2004:
One view is that HumanDHS ought to be developed as one single organization, entailing all four agendas. The other opinion is that HumanDHS ought to develop in a de-centralized way, thus opening up for flexibility, the multiplication of ideas, and empowerment of people who adopt those ideas. This approach suggests that HumanDHS should keep its characteristic of being a global network that spurns ideas, and that those who "adopt" these ideas would then found sub-organizations, in a franchise-like approach, under the umbrella of HumanDHS.

When we envisage a decentralized organizational structure, in order to allow for flexibility and multiplication, the HumanDHS network/group does not carry out projects itself, apart from networking, having annual meetings, and generating ideas.

However, we encourage everybody to "adopt" the ideas generated by our HumanDHS network in a franchise-like way (read in this context our Call for Creativity, by Trevor Balance, at www.humiliationstudies.org/whoweare/callforcreativity.php). We encourage interested individuals to take over specific parts of the HumanDHS Agendas and realize them as directors/heads/coordinators by founding their own organizations, tailor-made to the specific task they are heading. Our Agendas, from Research to Education and finally to the numerous Intervention projects, require very different organizational and institutional solutions. Each subgroup is therefore encouraged to develop those most suitable institutional solutions for themselves, in cooperation with our HumanDHS network/group.

Each organization that is linked to HumanDHS commits itself to a certain framework of values (furthering equal dignity as opposed to humiliation) and to donating a certain part of profits (in case profits are generated) to our research scholarships, our annual meetings, and the position as Director/Head/Coordinator of our global network (in case Judit were to wish to take up this position, she is warmly invited).

The framework that we hold to be important is that we wish to work for and not against, namely for equal dignity for all. And, even though we aim at raising awareness for the destructive consequences of cycles of humiliation and the suffering of people who are being exposed to humiliating treatment, we do not wish to engage in violently humiliating humiliators, which would merely turn the spiral of humiliation further. We rather wish to promote respectful approaches also to humiliators and the non-violent humbling of humiliators. We furthermore believe that it is important for all of us to walk the talk. We wish to invite people into our group who are willing and able to promote our mission with humility and in a cooperative relational spirit of mutual support and respect. Competitive and adversarial behavioral styles that draw their strength from dominating and humiliating others have no room in our work. We wish to encourage "selfless leadership" and would wish to avoid including in our group autocratic "big-ego" leaders.

Nitza Milagros Escalera's reflections, February 2005
In your email you asked if the name for the organization could remain "Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies?" After some thought, we think that it is probably best to alter the name for the reasons enumerated below.

•  If HDS seeks tax exempt status with the IRS, careful consideration should be given to the implications the corporate name may have for tax-exempt status. For instance, if your organization seeks to serve a public/charitable purpose (501(c) (3)), then the name should reflect a broader constituency rather than a limited one. The word "Studies" is good, but it may be too limiting as the term on its own may be interpreted as servicing a particular group of students and scholars. However, because it appears that you want to serve and touch a diverse global community, it might be best to adopt a name that includes other qualifying terms such as Global, Universal, Alliance, Networks, Association, or Academy to better reflect this broader constituency.

•  In addition, from a non-legal perspective, "Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies" may not fully express the essence of what the group is all about. For instance, if your goal is not only to engage in studies, but to also act to help bring about change by working with member groups in various ways, then you may want a name that reflects this goal. Thus, a name that includes terms like Global, Universal, Alliance, Network, Association, or Academy might better serve HDS' goals.

•  Finally, have you thought of choosing a name that forms a good sounding acronym? For instance, "World Alliance for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies" sounds wonderful, but in its short form, WHADS, the name appears less attractive. In contrast, a name such as Universal Alliance for Human Dignity, short form UAHD or Global Alliance for Human Dignity, short form GHAD, are very pleasant to pronounce in both the long and acronym forms. We see from the emails that the group had previously considered names that form good acronyms - perhaps one way to help decide would be to list possible names along with their corresponding acronyms?

Evelin Lindner's reflections, February 2005
Evelin's first message, on the word global:
I would opt for "global" (or something equivalent) instead of "international," because I think that the word "national," even when used with "inter-" is emphasizing nationalities, while we want to emphasize globality, a sense that we all are part of One World and that nationalisms might rather be unhelpful, at least as long as they are used to put "national interest" first and "international" interest second. The current American administration, for example, drives a policy of American interest first, as if there were another planet waiting to be populated when this one is exhausted. The current American administration's notion of internationalism does not make clear that in an interdependent world common interest has to be adopted as self-interest. I am not sure, however, to my sense, the word global makes this more clear. What is your view?

A later message by Evelin:
I like a lot the following two names:
Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies - A Worldwide Alliance
or
Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies - A Global Alliance

I like Alliance since it expresses that we want to join forces and envisage a common goal/vision/mission. Forum and Association are less goal-oriented, at least to my understanding, even though I also appreciate Betty's experience.

Another advantage of having the name in the way you indicate is that we would not necessarily have to change the frame of our website.

Linda Hartling's reflections, February 2005
Linda's first message, on the word Alliance:
I would like to keep the "Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies" of our group's name. However, to give the group a more substantial identity, here are a couple of name possibilities to spark our thinking about this...
Alliance for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies
International Alliance for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies
Alliance =
1.      an association of two or more groups, individuals, or nations who agree to cooperate with one another to achieve a common goal
2.      the establishment of or participation in an alliance with somebody 3.      the nations, individuals, or groups that make up an alliance
4.      a close relationship, based on the possession of similar aims or characteristics, between two or more people or things, especially a love affair
Other word possibilities: Global, World, Partnership.

Another message from Linda:
Here are a few more ideas:
World Alliance for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies
Global Alliance for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies
Universal Alliance for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies
Worldwide Alliance for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies

And here are some ideas using our other word possibilities...

World Organization for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies
Global Network for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies
Universal Society for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies
Worldwide Forum for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies

Yet another message from Linda
It is not easy to balance the various factors that would give us an ideal title.  I agree with Betty that shorter is better whenever possible....At the same time, I think we want to offer a compelling description of the work (more brainstorming below).  After looking up the definitions, I tend to prefer "association" or "alliance" rather than "forum" (see below). 
Another possibility to consider is to use a graphic to symbolize the global nature of the organization, rather than using a word. Warmest wishes to all, Linda

More ideas...
Worldwide Association for Human Dignity & Humiliation Studies Global Association for Human Dignity & Humiliation Studies
Worldwide Human Dignity & Humiliation Studies Association Global Human Dignity & Humiliation Studies Association
Worldwide Human Dignity & Humiliation Studies Alliance Global Human Dignity & Humiliation Studies Alliance
Human Dignity & Humiliation Studies - Worldwide Alliance Human Dignity & Humiliation Studies - Global Alliance
Human Dignity & Humiliation Studies - Worldwide Association Human Dignity & Humiliation Studies - Global Association
HumanDHS - Worldwide Association HumanDHS - Global Association

DEFINITIONS
ASSOCIATION: 1. a group of people or organizations joined together for a purpose 2. a linking or joining of people or things 3. coming together and social interaction between people 4. a connection of ideas, memories, or feelings with each other, or with events.

ALLIANCE: 1. an association of two or more groups, individuals, or nations who agree to cooperate with one another to achieve a common goal 2. the establishment of or participation in an alliance with somebody 3. the nations, individuals, or groups that make up an alliance 4. a close relationship, based on the possession of similar aims or characteristics, between two or more people or things, especially a love affair

FORUM: 1. a medium, for example, a magazine or newspaper, in which the public may debate an issue or express opinions 2. a meeting to discuss matters of general interest 3. a public square or marketplace in ancient Roman cities where business was conducted and the law courts were situated 4. a law court or tribunal.

Yet another message from Linda
I like this option very much!!
Human Dignity & Humiliation Studies - A Global Alliance
It captures our message and our mission, and it allows us to clearly identify the work without redesigning the Web site....I think this is an excellent option.

Richard Slaven's reflections, February 2005
I strongly support the name:
Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies - A Global Alliance.
It keeps the primary focus of the organization first and says we are worldwide.

Bert Wyatt-Brown's reflections, February 2005
Bert's first message:
Usually societies, organizations, or whartever they are in their titles. Organization of American Hiiostoroian,. American Socilogical Association, Society for Studies in Human Dignity and Humiliation. That sounds more like the name of an organization, but I am no expert. Maybe you know comparable societies that lack that sobriquet. I belong to ones like American Historical Association,  Historical Society, Southern Historical Association, American Automobile Association, National History Center, Harvard University Club, etc.
Another message from Bert:
I think "Alliance for Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies" is short enough and does not rpeclude a global, worldwide, or Universal connection.

Elisabeth Scheper's reflections, advocating Forum, February 2005
I too agree with Evelin about 'international' and thanks linda for giving us various alternatives. However i am a bit concerned that the title is getting too long. I always prefer something simple that gets to the core of our work. We put human dignity before humiliation studies to reflect the positive spin of our work, so we have five words already. I would replace Center with only one word, but if you insist to reflect our multinational work in the title, intuitively i would chose global, as world doesn;t work and the others are too long and distracting from the HDHS.
I like both alliance and forum, but do have preference for the latter. Again it is intuitive. An alliance feels like a likeminded group joining for global change, for which others need to change. The in and out group thing. Contrary to Bert, I think it is much harder to be an active, open, democratic and inclusive Forum that gives room for everyone to participate and exchange, however diverse the opinions are. I have highest admiration for the few well functioning Forum organisations that I know.
Two examples: Forum Asia is the regional human rights organisation of South East and South Asia that was founded in Bangkok in the early 1990s with a first grant from my former Novib department. Governments in Asia were increasingly learning from eachother how to curtail critical voices in the society wihtout losing their international aid, but civil society had no regional network. Initially there was much resistence from national HR organisations, because they claimed that every country is unique and the state repression made HR work dangerous, something that could only be understood by incountry organisations. Now a decade later Forum Asia has done outstanding work to facilitate linking and learning, to undertake joint election monitoring missions in eachothers countries, to provide shelter for 'partner under fire' etcetc. Another example is Forum NL, the leading information and dialogue center on multi cultural integration in the netherlands. Another highly sensitive subject, nobody wanting to be represented by others, but with strong need for exchange and joint action in a safe place. I can send you their english websites if you like. If our network could move in such direction, we can be really pround.

Rebecca Ann Klein 's reflections, February 2005
"Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies - A Global Alliance":
I like it!

Donald Klein 's reflections, February 2005
I personally favor Human Dignity and Humiliation Network (HDH-net) but
clearly others favor Alliance over Network.  Of the two Alliance options, I
favor Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies- A Global Alliance.  I also have
some concern over the term "Studies," which appears to limit us to teaching
and research.  However, I don't have an alternative to propose.