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Who We AreWe, supporters of Civility First, are a group of citizens representing a wide range of political views. We have come together to work against the increased polarization that has become so prevalent in our country. Civility First… So We Can Work Together trains community members on the skills we all need to be more respectful listeners...So we can work together on the real problems facing our communities and planet. We encourage curiosity instead of judgement, and work to give the community the skills to handle difficult conversations in a civil manner.
Our bi-partisan organization offers communication skills training to local groups to reduce polarization and strengthen our community. For our democracy to work effectively and to solve society’s problems, the voices, values and opinions of citizens need to be heard – we do not want to suppress vigorous political activism or dissent. However, being heard and hearing others will not happen without respectful listening. Civility First promotes listening and learning from people with differing perspectives. We aspire to model civility and respectful behavior in public life, including our online presence. Civility First asks civic and community leaders, civic groups, religious groups, and concerned citizens to commit to respectful listening, civil behavior, and to being role models for our children. We want our communities, schools, and public meetings to be/become safe places for honest discourse. |
MISSION STATEMENT
“Civility First… So We Can Work Together” seeks to raise the profile of civility as a necessary and foundational practice in meaningful public discourse. We bring information and resources to citizens that will help them become more aware of, and skilled in, remaining civil and respectful in public dialogue. We involve individuals, organizations, and governments who value the important role of civility in their work and communities.
VISION STATEMENT
Our vision is to cultivate communities where all people are treated with civility and respect. We aspire to assure: that communities, schools and public meetings are safe places for honest discourse; that adults will be better civic models for children and youth; that the voices, values and opinions of every individual may be heard; that every person engaging in public discourse – online and otherwise – will enjoy the benefit of being listened to respectfully.
VALUES STATEMENT
Our core values underpin all our planning and decisions. As we work to raise the profile of civility, we hold these values as our guideposts:
We respect the individual. We respect people for who they are and for their knowledge, skills and experience.
We are neighbors. We share space – in communities, states, nations and the planet – and want that shared space to be safe for diverse opinion-sharing.
Honest, respectful communication is the first step toward any solution. We understand the difficulties in expressing views and values that differ from others. In order to work together in any shared arena, we must first listen respectfully to the views of others, and present our own views in a courteous and civil manner.
We lead by example. We want others to see that civility is possible in most situations, and begins the process of meaningful communication. Children, coworkers, neighbors and family members can benefit from the example we set. When we do this imperfectly, as we will, being human, we take responsibility for mistakes and aspire to a higher level of respect in the future.
“Civility First… So We Can Work Together” seeks to raise the profile of civility as a necessary and foundational practice in meaningful public discourse. We bring information and resources to citizens that will help them become more aware of, and skilled in, remaining civil and respectful in public dialogue. We involve individuals, organizations, and governments who value the important role of civility in their work and communities.
VISION STATEMENT
Our vision is to cultivate communities where all people are treated with civility and respect. We aspire to assure: that communities, schools and public meetings are safe places for honest discourse; that adults will be better civic models for children and youth; that the voices, values and opinions of every individual may be heard; that every person engaging in public discourse – online and otherwise – will enjoy the benefit of being listened to respectfully.
VALUES STATEMENT
Our core values underpin all our planning and decisions. As we work to raise the profile of civility, we hold these values as our guideposts:
We respect the individual. We respect people for who they are and for their knowledge, skills and experience.
We are neighbors. We share space – in communities, states, nations and the planet – and want that shared space to be safe for diverse opinion-sharing.
Honest, respectful communication is the first step toward any solution. We understand the difficulties in expressing views and values that differ from others. In order to work together in any shared arena, we must first listen respectfully to the views of others, and present our own views in a courteous and civil manner.
We lead by example. We want others to see that civility is possible in most situations, and begins the process of meaningful communication. Children, coworkers, neighbors and family members can benefit from the example we set. When we do this imperfectly, as we will, being human, we take responsibility for mistakes and aspire to a higher level of respect in the future.
Check out some of our past events
Is Civility Possible in Partisan Politics?
On October 22, 2022 State Senators Ron Muzzall (R, 10th Legislative District) and Annette Cleveland (D, 49th Legislative District) had a fascinating discussion on what it takes to be civil in Olympia during these heated times. They discussed their experiences working across the aisle and the political costs of doing so. Sen. Cleveland chairs, and Sen. Muzzall is the Ranking Member of, the State Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee. Click here to watch this stimulating discussion.
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State Senators Ron Muzzall (10 Legislative District) on the right, and Annette Cleveland (49th Legislative District).
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Civility First Virtual Art Gallery 2021
Civility First Author Event: Beyond Civility
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Civility Month Author Events: Persuade Don't Preach
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Civility Month Political Forum 2021
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