The 2025 Compassion Report: Muhammad Ali Index on Compassion

1 THE 2025 COMPASSION REPORT 2 DEAR AMERICA, IN OUR DARKEST MOMENTS, OUR HUMANITY SHINES BRIGHTEST. When disasters strike or conflict rages, our communities show up, with love and resolve, guided by the unwavering light of collective compassion. When a child falls, we don’t stop to ask how they look, live, or pray. We lift them up, because that’s the very soul of who we are. Muhammad believed in every one of us. He showed us that true greatness is defined not by who we knock down, but by how many we lift up. As he said, “SERVICE TO OTHERS IS THE RENT YOU PAY FOR YOUR ROOM HERE ON EARTH.” When we feel fractured by fear, compassion isn’t just an option – it’s a necessity. Compassion invites us to face our fears with curiosity, fostering the courage and empathy to truly step into someone else’s shoes. Compassion is a bridge, helping us move forward by finding common ground and understanding across divides. Our collective decision to act with compassion is the antidote to division, polarization, and hate. Compassion is more than a feeling; it’s a skill we can measure – a muscle we can strengthen. As Muhammad knew, even the smallest act of kindness is a spark, powerful enough to ignite a flame that can transform the world. Now is the time to ignite that flame. Join me in signing the Ali Compassion Pledge. EVERY HAND WE LIFT, HONORS THE GREATNESS WITHIN US ALL. Commit to meeting hate head-on with compassion. It never failed Muhammad, and it won’t fail you. With compassion LonnieAli Chairof theMuhammad AliIndex Co-FounderoftheMuhammadAliCenter 3 For some, it may seem ironic that a man who built a living by knocking people out in the boxing ring would be the impetus for a national study on compassion. Yet, Muhammad Ali was much more than a boxer. The legacy he established outside the boxing ring was so fully dedicated to lifting people up that the Muhammad Ali Center, a cultural institution established in his name, is now leading an effort to strengthen communities across America. . The Champ died on June 3, 2016. His week-long memorial service attracted the greatest demonstrations of respect and admiration many of us have ever seen for one man. Vastly diverse groups of people from all around the world journeyed to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky to publicly say goodbye to a man who was known for embodying compassion. Unfortunately, the unity the world witnessed during Muhammad’s memorial services has faded. Since then, we’ve watched our nation become more polarized. People have anchored themselves in singular ideas, hate speech has risen to alarming levels and offensive behaviors seem to be increasingly more common. Our nation cannot continue down this path. It is imperative that we pause to recognize the perilous trajectory we find ourselves on and make the necessary corrections to collectively serve as our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. That’s why we launched the Muhammad Ali Index. This ambitious research study by the Muhammad Ali Center not only reveals the state of compassion in our nation, but it also offers recommendations on how we can begin moving in healthier directions. Like Muhammad Ali, we believe that people are deserving of a hand-up when they stumble even if they have different beliefs than our own. We believe that people who look differently than us should not be given a cold shoulder when their load in life gets too heavy to carry. Nor should people be disqualified from our sincere concern just because they don’t always see life the way we do. IN THE SPIRIT OF MUHAMMAD ALI, COMPASSION IS ABOUT TO SHAKE UP THE WORLD! COMPASSION MATTERS. As a result, the Muhammad Ali Center is committed to establishing kindness, generosity and concern as common core values; values that the Muhammad Ali Index will regularly measure, nurture, and celebrate. Additionally, because this initiative is being done in the name of a man who never backed down from a righteous fight, this work won’t be done in the shadows. The Muhammad Ali Center will use this initiative to collaborate with cities, community organizations, legislators and common citizens to take bold steps to promote agendas that undermine hate, dismantle polarization and unite us all. In this inaugural Compassion Report are research findings that make a strong case for our nation to establish a compassion agenda. It also identifies hopeful responses from a wide variety of people who are ready for America to move in a more caring direction. The 2025 Muhammad Ali Index findings are clear: the time is now for more compassion. Fortunately, demonstrating compassion doesn’t require money, degrees or prestige. Everyone can do it – including you. Don’t’ wait to join this movement. Visit our website to sign the Ali Compassion Pledge. Encourage your organization to become one of our Impact Partners. Consider donating to support our activation strategies. Or more importantly, share the news about the Muhammad Ali Index with someone who needs to know about this work. Whatever you do, do not sit on the sidelines. Get up and get involved because compassion needs you in the game. Gratefully yours, DeVone Holt President & CEO Muhammad Ali Center AliCenter.org DEAR FRIEND, 4 The power to use our voices, take action, and build bridges is the power to change the world. Change is not impossible—it is within our grasp. In today’s world “us versus them” ideologies are thriving. People are stuck – unable to find tools to bridge their differences. It feels too hard, too big, too complex...but that is not a fact. It is an opinion. We can cross divides. I have seen it first-hand. In my role as Special Representative to Muslim Communities, and in other roles across three presidential administrations, I had the honor of talking with and learning from people all over the world. I was inspired by the power of young people who wanted to see change. They sought a better world through a more compassionate way of

versus them” ideologies are thriving. People are stuck – unable to find tools to bridge their differences. It feels too hard, too big, too complex...but that is not a fact. It is an opinion. We can cross divides. I have seen it first-hand. In my role as Special Representative to Muslim Communities, and in other roles across three presidential administrations, I had the honor of talking with and learning from people all over the world. I was inspired by the power of young people who wanted to see change. They sought a better world through a more compassionate way of interacting with each other. Across classrooms, sports fields, and community initiatives in nearly 100 countries, I witnessed how they explored their power to change assumptions and build connections. And I witnessed how it made them feel. These acts of compassion transformed not just relationships but lives. The Muhammad Ali Index on Compassion was born out of the knowledge that our American communities need a better way to be good neighbors and friends. Just because you may pray, love, learn or live in a way that is different from your neighbor does not mean you are powerless to engage with respect, civility, kindness, and compassion. The Muhammad Ali Index dares us to envision and build a nation rooted in compassion. It challenges our political leaders, educators, artists, athletes—each of us—to make compassion a tool for change. By measuring compassion, inspiring collaboration, and driving action, this Index embodies Muhammad Ali’s legacy and the belief that a compassionate America is not only possible—it is essential. "THE AMERICA WE DREAM OF IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE. IT BEGINS WITH US DARING TO BELIEVE, TO ACT, AND TO LEAD WITH COMPASSION." This is our declaration: that we, as Americans, will champion compassion—for ourselves, for our neighbors, and for our nation. Let us begin now. Farah Pandith Muhammad Ali Global Peace Laureate Foreign Policy Strategist | Former U.S. Diplomat | Global Expert in Countering Violent Extremism COMPASSION AND THE POWER IN ALL OF US IMPOSSIBLE IS NOT A FACT. IT'S AN OPINION. IMPOSSIBLE IS NOT A DECLARATION. IT'S A DARE. IMPOSSIBLE IS POTENTIAL. IMPOSSIBLE IS TEMPORARY. IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING. —MUHAMMAD ALI “ ” Muhammad Ali is more than a global icon. He was a torchbearer of compassion, using his unparalleled influence to inspire a better world. As a world-renowned athlete, a fearless advocate for peace, and a relentless champion for justice, Ali made compassion the heart of his life and legacy. Through acts of kindness, generosity and a genuine care for others, Ali broke down barriers and united people across divisions of race, politics, religion and culture. He showed us compassion isn’t just a virtue—it’s a transformative force, a powerful response to suffering and a rallying cry for meaningful change. With unshakable resolve, Ali used his platform to fight against injustice, polarization and hate—forces that continue to challenge our collective pursuit of a more compassionate world. The Muhammad Ali Index: A National Study on Compassion in America This inaugural Compassion Report embodies the Muhammad Ali Center’s commitment to fostering a just and compassionate world where all people can reach their own greatness – just as Muhammad Ali envisioned. 5 THE COMPASSION REPORT WITH UNSHAKEABLE RESOLVE, ALI USED HIS PLATFORM TO FIGHT AGAINST INJUSTICE, POLARIZATION, AND HATE. This national research study combines a unique blend of human and artificial intelligence to track and predict the state of compassion in America. We call it the Muhammad Ali Index. The 2025 Muhammad Ali Index explores the national cultural insights and behavioral trends shaping compassion in America, alongside a comprehensive survey of 12 diverse cities. Together, these methodologies provide a captivating initial snapshot of the nation’s compassion levels. In future Compassion Reports, the Muhammad Ali Center plans to expand its survey to include rural communities and additional urban populations. For 2025, we have captured a vital perspective on compassion through diverse voices sharing a story we all need to hear. T H E M U H A M M A D A L I I N D E X I N T R O D U C E S Key Objectives of the Index: The goal of the Muhammad Ali Index is to increase compassion in America and globally by disrupting the root causes of hate and polarization. Specifically, we aim to: 6 Root Out Polarization and Hate. By measuring and predicting trends related to hate, discrimination and division, the Muhammad Ali Index provides critical insights into the roots and rise of polarization and the compassionate strategies needed to counteract it. Inform National and Global Conversations. The findings from the Muhammad Ali Index will challenge and inform national discussions on uniting divided groups and individuals. By identifying where compassion is thriving or lacking, the Muhammad Ali Index will shape narratives to promote a more empathetic and inclusive society. Empower Civic and Community Leaders. By providing leaders with our vetted research data, the Muhammad Ali Index empowers them to create change in their communities. This can be achieved through innovative and impactful compassionate programs, or through policy initiatives. This data will empower leaders to tackle both immediate and emerging community challenges. Galvanize Compassion Partnerships. The Muhammad Ali Index invites a powerful network of public and private ‘Impact Partners’ to adopt, amplify and harness this report to help inform their policies, procedures and programs in cities throughout the nation. M E T H O D O L O G Y Understanding Compassion in America: Today and Beyond The Muhammad Ali Center partnered with sparks & honey, a cultural intelligence consultancy, to analyze the primary drivers, opportunities and barriers for compassion in America. This work was done through combining an in-depth cultural and behavioral study with a comprehensive survey. The Muhammad Ali Index Analytical Framework Analysis Time Period: June 2022 – June 2024 The research underpinning this report yielded a five-layer compassion framework which illustrates how compassion—or its absence—manifests across American culture. The five core Layers of Compassion in the Muhammad Ali Index are: self,

D O L O G Y Understanding Compassion in America: Today and Beyond The Muhammad Ali Center partnered with sparks & honey, a cultural intelligence consultancy, to analyze the primary drivers, opportunities and barriers for compassion in America. This work was done through combining an in-depth cultural and behavioral study with a comprehensive survey. The Muhammad Ali Index Analytical Framework Analysis Time Period: June 2022 – June 2024 The research underpinning this report yielded a five-layer compassion framework which illustrates how compassion—or its absence—manifests across American culture. The five core Layers of Compassion in the Muhammad Ali Index are: self, individuals, groups, local and nation. Each layer is aligned with specific trends, offering valuable insights into the current state and trajectory of compassion in the United States. To develop these findings, sparks & honey utilized their proprietary trend taxonomy and AI-integrated tools (Q–Omni’s Cultural Intelligence Application). This approach analyzed research studies, social media conversations and investments in compassion-focused products and programs to measure and predict compassion in America. PHASE 1: Cultural Analysis 7 Our research included an in-depth analysis of social media over a two-year period to explore how Americans discuss compassion. This revealed a spectrum of positive and negative sentiment and identified key Compassion Sweet Spots. The six Compassion Sweet Spots we discovered are: Spirituality, Self-care, Healthcare, Education, Sports and Politics. These are familiar social environments with established rules, rituals and shared values where compassion naturally takes center stage. Each of these culturally significant sweet spots has a disproportionate impact on fostering compassion in society. They offer leaders powerful opportunities to drive meaningful change. Since compassion is already a prominent theme in these spaces, they provide readily available pathways to advance compassionate agendas quickly and effectively. M E T H O D O L O G Y 8 PHASE 2: Behavioral Analysis Analysis Time Period: June 2022 – June 2024 Compassion Sweet Spots SpiritualitySelf-CareEducationHealth Care SportsPolitics People Leading Compassion Conversations Online Spiritual leaders Mindfulness practitioners Psychologists Sociologists Executive coaches K-12 teachers Community organizers Doctors Nurses Health aides Athletes Coaches Fans Politicians Activists Key Topics in Each Compassion Sweet Spot Empathetic acceptance Shared humanity Compassion skilling Compassion as vocation Team mentality Acknowledging humanity Moral educationOver-striving Compassion fatigue Reframing “failure” Coach & mentor influence Compassion as strength Judgement of self & others Disconnection Compassion role models Understanding trauma through empathy Athletes as public servants Compassionate policy-making M E T H O D O L O G Y To better understand the state of compassion in America, we gathered thousands of responses from residents across 12 diverse cities through a 33-question survey. Grounded in cultural and behavioral research, the survey explored perspectives on compassion at individual, community and national levels. Research Parameters: •Sample Size: 5,417 respondents, ages 18-72 •Geographic Scope: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, New York City, Phoenix, San Antonio and Seattle. •Timeline: August 5, 2024 – October 8, 2024 •Note: City-specific sampling was designed to align with U.S. Census demographic data to ensure representative insights. Future Muhammad Ali Index research will expand to include rural communities and additional cities across America, broadening the scope of the findings. PHASE 3: Index Development 9 9 The State of Compassion in America: Strategic Analysis and Future Trends This Compassion Report offers a comprehensive examination of compassion in America by drawing from extensive cultural trends, behavioral studies, and survey insights. Key highlights include: 10 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SELF INDIVIDUALS GROUPS LOCAL NATION 01 Five Layers of Compassion: Exploring compassion through interconnected layers: compassion for self, compassion for other individuals, compassion for other groups, compassion for local communities and compassion for the nation. 02 Compassion Sweet Spots: Identifying six culturally significant environments—Spirituality, Self-care, Healthcare, Education, Sports, and Politics—where compassion emerges as a central theme due to shared rules, rituals and moral standards. 03 Local Resident Perspective: Amplifying voices from 12 pilot cities to provide actionable recommendations for leaders on how and where to strengthen compassionate efforts and make impactful investments. The Five Layers of Compassion: Trends Shaping Compassion In The Next 2-3 Years Polarization: American opinions are becoming more polarized, and people are taking on more extreme views as part of their identities. Microcultures: People are looking to find and participate in communities built around shared identities, values and civic beliefs to contribute to the greater good of their local area. Blurred Identity: Generational and cultural battles are underway as people, particularly Gen Z, are challenging the constraints of binary identities and campaigning for greater acceptance of others. Moral Imperative: People are increasingly urging brands, institutions and individuals to prioritize societal well-being over personal gain —stemming from a growing belief that moral responsibility is essential for a well- functioning society. Human Longevity: Humans are living longer than ever before. As a result, people are reflecting upon their purpose and are increasingly prioritizing their overall well-being and longevity. This focus serves as a response to widespread issues of mental health challenges, loneliness and burnout. E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y The Muhammad Ali Index reveals four key insights into the future of compassion in America: Despite Polarization, Compassion Persists in America More than 60% of Americans believe compassion has declined since 2020, a perception likely influenced by evolving media habits. As Americans increasingly curate their own “truths” through personalized news consumption, finding common ground becomes more challenging. Nearly half (46%) of survey respondents report avoiding dating people with opposing political beliefs, underscoring how polarization affects even personal relationships. Polarization is present in 30% of American cultural discourse, with its influence expected to remain strong over the next two to three years. However, behavioral metrics tell a more nuanced story. Compassionate actions — including volunteerism, charitable giving, and disaster recovery efforts — have remained stable or shown modest growth. Remarkably, online searches for “compassionate inquiry” have surged by 4,000% in the past five years, signaling a growing national appetite for bridging divides through dialogue and understanding. 11 Decreased Increased Stayed the same