The Muhammad Ali Index is a pioneering research study to track compassion in cities across America.

The Muhammad Ali Index aims to lead the conversation about compassion in the same way that Edelman heads the research-based discussion around trust.

However, unlike the Edelman study, which relies exclusively on self-reported survey data, the Muhammad Ali Index will have two additional layers – digital behavioral data from across key social media and other platforms, and cultural intelligence through a proprietary AI platform. This enables us to not only assess the current state of compassion through a unique cultural lens, but also apply a predictive, forward-looking view.

The Muhammad Ali Index invites a powerful network of public and private ‘Impact Partners’ – starting with city mayors through our partnership with Strong Cities Network – to agree to adopt the Index and report to help inform their policies, procedures and programs.

The index will start with a 12 city national pilot, where over the course of six months, will track and highlight the trends in compassion on both a national and local level. This will be brought together into a Compassion Report with detailed data analysis and recommendations to improve compassion.

The goal of the Muhammad Ali Index is to track the cultural trends shaping compassion in cities across America, and develop insights and opportunities for “Impact Partners” to use this data and drive behavioral change to create a more just and compassionate community.

The first phase of this research will culminate in the Fall with the publication of The Compassion Report, which will synthesize the research findings, and include data-backed recommendations for cities and local partners to amplify compassion in their neighborhoods.

With the data gathered, there is an opportunity for better forecasting and planning. Mayors can use the findings to build better school ecosystems, drive changes in the business sector, and offer tools to civil society leaders and executives to help shape the future of their cities.

The Muhammad Ali Index is an initiative of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, in partnership with cultural intelligence consultancy sparks & honey.

The Muhammad Ali Center, co-founded in 2005 by Lonnie Ali and Muhammad Ali, envisions a just and compassionate world where all people can reach their greatness. Its mission is to mobilize Muhammad Ali’s legacy to foster respect, inspire generations of changemakers, and advance social justice.

The Muhammad Ali Index is chaired by Lonnie Ali, and led by Farah Pandith, Muhammad Ali Global Peace Laureate and world-leading expert and pioneer in countering violent extremism (former National Security Council,  USAID, US Department of State, and first ever Special Representative to Muslim Communities).

Collaboration with cities, NGOs and leaders in the compasion field is crucial. You are invited to join a growing coalition of Impact Partners for the Muhammad Ali Index, including Strong Cities Network, CompassionateUSA, Charter for Compassion, Global Compassion Coalition, to help drive change at a city level.

Impact Partnership is free of charge. To express your interest and find out more, please complete this short form.

To set up a 30 minute briefing, please contact Simon Cohen, Lead – Muhammad Ali Index, at scohen@alicenter.org.