Title
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE NINE UPDATED TOOLS OF CIVILITY.
Body
BY PRESIDENT HANSEN:
WHEREAS, the citizens of Duluth place a high value on respect and civility in their lives and they understand that these characteristics are essential to a healthy and fair community; and
WHEREAS, the Duluth city council supports opportunities for civil discourse and discussion in the community and at city hall; and
WHEREAS, the Duluth city council addresses controversial issues about which people often feel passionately and this can lead to uncivil behavior; and
WHEREAS, an atmosphere of incivility and disrespect can have a damaging impact on the proceedings, on the quality of debate, and on the practice of democracy itself; and
WHEREAS, Speak Your Peace: The Civility Project was developed 15 years ago in our city by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation and a team of volunteers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Duluth city council recognizes the following nine updated Speak Your Peace tools of civility that will provide increased opportunities for civil discourse leading to positive resolutions for the issues that face our city. We know that when we have civility, we get civic engagement, and because we can’t make each other civil and we can only work on ourselves, so today we state, that I will:
• Pay attention;
• Listen;
• Be inclusive;
• Do not gossip;
• Show respect;
• Seek common ground;
• Repair damaged relationships;
• Use constructive language; and
• Take responsibility.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Duluth City Council shall promote the use and adherence of these tools in conducting the business of the council.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution is to accept the nine updated tools of civility that were discussed at the city council retreat held on March 31, 2018.