A new year means a new theme for Century of Compassion.  This year's theme is tolerance, which is defined as "a fair, objective, and open minded attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own" and is essential in the development of empathy for others.  Without empathy for all people - no matter how different they are from us - we cannot achieve the kind of compassion that will make a lasting impact in our world.  This year, Century of Compassion will focus on those things that each of us can do to create a more open and inclusive society - both through the kinds of daily lives we lead and the types of volunteer work we do in our communities.