Who We Are and Why This Matters

Calgary on Purpose is a group of nonpartisan volunteers who believe we can live well together while respecting our differences. We think most people in Calgary want to live well together, too - over coffee, at the dog park, in our classrooms, on our campuses, at our recreation facilities and in all public spaces. Concerningly, dialogue in recent election campaigns and even everyday conversations is becoming increasingly polarized, and is causing divisiveness: we reject that division is inevitable. We know politics especially can get heated, but that’s not who Calgarians are. Calgarians are hospitable people, who help each other in times of need, and want everyone to succeed. 

The Calgary on Purpose pledge is intended to strengthen our civic culture and champion a city synonymous with honesty, compassion, and respect. This does not mean avoiding discomfort. Respectful engagement is about showing up for honest conversations, especially when they’re hard.

We can all put the pledge into practice in so many different ways! Perhaps one of the most important ways is building relationships with people who have different opinions, perspectives, and political stances - maybe that’s your neighbour or a colleague at work - and bringing compassion, curiosity, and respect into these interactions. 

The upcoming civic election on October 20, 2025, is an opportunity to put this pledge into practice. Try it! Let’s create space for civic dialogue, and together we will build a city where everyone can prosper.

Support the Pledge

This is your invitation to:

• Take the Pledge — as a Calgarian, candidate, or organization.

• Sign below — so we can share the growing list of people building Calgary on Purpose.

• Share it — online or in person. Let people know you stand for respectful dialogue.

• Practice it — in conversations, debates, and everyday moments. 

• Invite others — Encourage your workplace, school, or campaign team to take the pledge.

If you are a candidate in the 2025 municipal election, we invite you to sign this pledge, then campaign in a way that upholds your commitment to these values. 

If you are a Calgarian, we invite you to sign this pledge and participate in conversations about the election – with candidates and others – in a way that upholds and encourages a commitment to these values. 

Next steps

If you sign, we ask that you spread the word, inviting others to join you. For example, post your signature on social media, forward the pledge link to others, and stay tuned for our upcoming events.

If you are a candidate who has signed the pledge, please contact hello@calgaryonpurpose.org to verify your commitment and ensure we add your name to a list of candidate signatories on the pledge site.

Collection of Information:

Names added to the pledge will be used to tally and share the number of signatories. With your consent, your name may also appear in a growing public list of supporters. Your email will never be shared, however, it will be added to our mailing list for future Calgary on Purpose events or initiatives. You can opt-out at any time.