Golden Rule City

The Beginning

In 2019, Mayor Rich O’Connor declared Hudson a Golden Rule City. He sought to promote an alternative to the relational division that was on the rise. These tensions increased locally throughout the pandemic, racial tensions in nearby Minneapolis and a contentious election cycle. A team of like-minded people throughout the Hudson area assembled to present an alternative to this mood. The group calls itself the Golden Rule Initiative Team (GRIT).

The Mission

The Golden Rule team strives for civility, respect and understanding in our daily interactions by encouraging the practice of the Golden Rule throughout greater Hudson. 

The Golden Rule

It’s simple.

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

The Golden Rule crosses cultures and continents. It’s a fundamental principle in secular ethics and all major religions. 

The Partners

GRIT is a non-partisan group comprised of members from the following groups: City of Hudson, Hudson Area Public Library, Hudson Daybreak Rotary, Hudson Ministerial Association, Hudson Noon Rotary, Hudson Public Schools, Kiwanis of Greater Hudson, Sustain Hudson, Trinity Academy, YMCA, BSA Troop.

The Community

This team is a microcosm of what we seek for Hudson: people with diverse beliefs and practices who wish the best for others despite fundamental differences. 

We love Hudson and know that are not alone. The St. Croix River, our restaurants, businesses, public services and educational opportunities make Hudson a great place to live, work and study. It’s one thing to say you love Hudson, but Hudson is not a concept. We’re a community with a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, faith traditions—and we are neighbors. We want all our neighbors to flourish.

There are political, economic and spiritual forces in play that seek to increase division between neighbors, families and communities. These forces feed baser instincts, stand in opposition to the Golden Rule, and pit neighbor against neighbor. We are living in a season of mistrust and suspicion that threatens the fabric of our community. We must resist this dark invitation and display a more life-giving path. 

The Work

We are promoting the Golden Rule in several ways:

1.    Golden Rule signs for yards and lamp posts.

2.    A children’s book created especially for Hudson children.

3.    Bookmarks and stickers to serve as reminders of this valued lifestyle.

4.    Booyah! An annual Hudson celebration held the first Sunday of October.

Hudson became a Golden Rule City in 2019 by declaration of Mayor Rich O’Connor. His vision was and is to promote an alternative to the relational division that was on the rise. These tensions increased locally throughout a pandemic, racial tensions in nearby Minneapolis and a contentious election cycle. A team of like-minded people throughout the Hudson area was assembled to present an alternative to this mood. The Golden Rule Initiative Team (GRIT) formed, promoting and striving for civility, respect and understanding in our daily interactions by encouraging the practice of the Golden Rule throughout greater Hudson. 

GRIT is a non-partisan group comprised of members representing Hudson’s Rotary, Kiwanis, Library, public and private schools, churches, city government, scouting and more.  This team is a microcosm of what we hope for Hudson: people who represent diverse thought patterns and practices who still wish the best for others. We want flourishing to be the experience of our neighbors-all our neighbors.

We love Hudson and know that are not alone. This is an amazing place. The St. Croix, our restaurants, business and educational opportunities make this a truly great place to live. It’s one thing to say you love Hudson, but Hudson is not a concept, we’re a community, a people. We come with a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, faith traditions--and we are neighbors. We want all our neighbors to flourish.

So how does the Golden Rule fit in this vision? The Golden Rule is a challenge to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. The label Golden Rule is an assessment of this teaching offered by Jesus over two thousand years ago. It is golden in that if practiced, we all benefit. Similar teachings can be found in other major religions: Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Native American spirituality, as well as those holding a secular ethic. Treating others the way we would like to be treated is a universally wise and sustainable way to live. 

There are political, economic and spiritual forces in play that seek to increase division between neighbors, families and communities. These forces feed baser instincts, stand in opposition to the Golden Rule, and pit neighbor against neighbor. We are living in a season of mistrust and suspicion that threatens the fabric of our community. We must resist this dark invitation and display a more life-giving path. 

The Golden Rule Initiative Team asks that you join us in rejecting the us/them narrative that is promoted for seeking the welfare of all who call Hudson home. If you are interested in joining us, or would like one of the resources listed above, reach out to us on our Facebook page?