Commit to Civility

The Commit to Civility program promotes civility in local government and recognizes those governing boards that dedicate themselves to this approach. It engages and challenges municipal officials to embrace civility throughout the course of their work within their communities. Commit to Civility equips leaders with the information and skills needed to maintain composure and move through emotionally charged situations with a respectful and solutions-oriented approach.

Once your municipality has agreed to commit to fostering civility throughout the course of its business, can begin the work toward achieving the Commit to Civility certification. The program is free for League members and consists of a multi-step process that works with at least 75% of a municipality's board.

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What is Civility?

Civility is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, listening past one’s preconceptions, and teaching others to do the same. Civility is the hard work of staying present even with those with deep-rooted and fierce disagreements.

Civility is a prerequisite for civic action because healthy communication helps government officials, staff, and constituents maintain mutual respect. Efficiency and effectiveness are critical to the governing process. Different opinions and views are crucial to a healthy democracy, regardless of whether opinions are shaped by race, class, age, or ideology.

Pillars of Civility

Embrace Courtesy and Consideration

Acknowledge your colleagues respectfully, and welcome feedback.

Use Active Listening

Listen attentively to colleagues and avoid interrupting or formulating a rebuttal without understanding what was said.

Prioritize Empathy

Concentrate on seeing things from another person’s perspective and feeling their emotions. It’s ok if we don’t understand why someone feels a certain way or cannot directly relate to their experience, but we can work to have compassion for others.

Ask Questions

Be curious and ask for clarifications, and allow for complete responses.

Be Kind

Make your point about the issue, not the person.

Impact Over Intent

Recognize that while your intentions may be positive, the impact of your behavior may be perceived negatively.

Practice Self-Restraint

Work to maintain your composure; emotions and passion can be effective, but not everyone responds positively when emotions run high.

Don’t Take It Personally

Avoid interpreting things as mean or critical. In return, you can gain more control over how you respond to a situation.

Address Incivility

Define acceptable conduct and hold colleagues accountable.

Becoming a City of Civility

Following is the process to earn a Commit to Civility certificate:

At least 75% of the governing Board must take the Commit to Civility training. The Commit to Civility session at CityVision counts toward the training requirement. Contact learning@nclm.org for dates/details for upcoming trainings.
Sign the individual pledge provided at the Commit to Civility training.
Adopt the Commit to Civility Resolution (sample template is provided at the Commit to Civility training).
Submit a signed copy of the Resolution and the individual pledge forms for at least 75% of the governing Board.

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Cities of Civility

Congratulations to Franklin, Garner, Henderson, Huntersville, Leland and Winston-Salem for their successful completion of the Commit to Civility Program!