The 2025 Compassion Report, released by The Muhammad Ali Center, emphasizes the critical need for compassion in America, especially in light of rising polarization and division within communities. The report commemorates Muhammad Ali’s legacy as a champion of compassion, urging individuals to actively participate in fostering kindness and understanding, emphasizing that compassion is not merely a sentiment but a vital skill that can be cultivated to bridge divides.
The report introduces the Muhammad Ali Index, a national research initiative designed to measure and analyze the state of compassion across diverse communities in the United States. The initiative utilizes a combination of cultural and behavioral studies, along with a comprehensive survey conducted in 12 cities, to provide insights into how compassion manifests at various levels—toward self, interpersonally, between groups, within local communities, and as a nation.
Key findings highlight six “Compassion Sweet Spots” where compassion is particularly vital and can be strengthened, including self-care and education. The authors outline objectives focused on rooting out hate and division, informing public discourse on unity, empowering community leaders, and galvanizing partnerships aimed at creating compassionate initiatives. The report suggests several community-focused initiatives aligned with CCARE’s mission, most notably a call for schools and community organizations to implement programs that teach the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution skills in order to cultivate a culture of compassion.
