The 30-day Gandhi challenge (August 15-September 15)
My object is only to show that he who would go in for novel experiments must begin with himself. That leads to a quicker discovery of truth, and God always protects the honest experimenter.  -Gandhi

The basic 30-day Gandhi challenge asks people to give up intoxicants for 30 days, with two 24-hour fasts. Change starts with ourselves, and additional self-improvement offerings are part of this program as well, reinforced by regular blog posts on Gandhi's life and lessons. (This challenge actually runs 32 days.)

This project serves within a framework of a larger constructive program - a positive program of self-improvement for individuals and communities - to address social, cultural, electoral and legislative issues in America. Part of the purpose of this challenge is to become uncomfortable voluntarily, and open ourselves to stepping outside of our political comfort zone. For members of the American Union, completion of these 30 days can qualify them to take on other roles like organizer.

This is a community building project, and we'll meet together on Zoom 2-4 times for each challenge. The regular sessions are the 1st and the 15th of each month. We'll open with a look at the principles of nonviolence that the American Union is built on, and then we'll reflect on our expectations and experiments as a group. For those interested in the political side of the project, Zoom sessions on the 8th and 22nd will offer more details on how all of these pieces connect within the American Union, and contain an opportunity for shared reflections. Got questions? Reach out to GandhiGuy30@gmail.com. 

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What is your name?
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Are you a member of the American Union using this challenge to qualify for advanced roles?
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What is your phone number?
Sobriety  (essential) -
In 2020, more than a quarter million Americans died prematurely because of alcohol or drugs. Prohibition has been tried and is a failure. A better solution is addressing the roots causes of abuse. As Gandhi wrote, “It is the man who of his own free will avoids drinking that is really virtuous.” The same logic applies to the recreational use of any inTOXICant, whose very root word demonstrates that it is poison.
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Fasting (essential + optional)
Gandhi used group fasts to unite the divided people in his country, asking them to abstain from food for 24 hours, and only drink water. (He suggested a dinner-to-dinner fast.) His final call came in August 1947, when he said, "The 15th is the day of our trial. Observe a fast on that day." This fast for peace is still observed each month, and bookends this month's challenge. (Medical exemptions are available for all who need them.)

The optional challenge this month commemorates Gandhi's 1947 fast in Kolkata, September 1-4.
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An ethical diet (optional) -
Gandhi observed a vegetarian diet out of respect for life, and wrote, “a bloodless diet should prove very beneficial in every way, apart from its immeasurable superiority to flesh foods on grounds scientific, sanitary, economic, ethical and spiritual.”
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Walking (optional) -
As a practical matter, the average American normally walks several miles each day: this challenge is for intentional walking. As a young man, Gandhi developed a lifelong habit of walking. Some of his more notable accomplishments include the 241-mile Salt March in 1930 (over several weeks) and, while living in South Africa, walking 50 miles in a single day.
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Beverage change -
Many people have a drink of choice, such as soda, coffee, tea or beer. For 30 days, pick something else, or go very simple with water only. (Thanks to djelf7 for the suggestion.)
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Complimentary skills

Everyone appreciates a compliment; this optional challenge is to compliment a different person each day. The goal should be to project sincerity. In person, this is pretty straightforward; anything nice you say about a stranger ("I like your shirt!") will probably be well received.

For virtual compliments, the internet is a noisy place, and so more effort will probably needed. Compliments for a random stranger should be just that, not critiques. ("I liked your post, but it should be 'your,' not 'you're.') Comments directed to the 'internet famous' probably won't be noticed; consider targeting the underdogs of the internet.

What about friends and family? Sure, brighten their day as well. With 32 days in the challenge, though, you'll probably go through a mix of all these.
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Is there another challenge you are undertaking and would like to share for accountability, or would you like to suggest an experiment for future 30-day challenge?
Which emails would you like to receive?
The Zoom meetings for this challenge fall as follows: Tuesday, August 15, Friday, September 1 & 15. Depending on responses, multiple time slots may be offered. Which of the following would you be interested in? (Please check all that apply.)
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