Bethel Lutheran Church

The purpose of the Speak Your Peace Civility Project is to urge members to communicate in a more respectful and effective way. This is not a camaign to end disagreements. It is a campaign to remind ourselves of the very basic principles of respect.

By elevating our level of communication and avoiding personal attacks and general stubbornness, we can avoid unhealthy debate. This will help maintain our sense of community.

KEY: We are not just targeting those who are uncival, but those who allow uncivilized behavior to happen.

Here are the nine simple tools for practicing civility

Today, I will:

	1. Pay Attention Be aware and attend to the world and the people around you.
2. Listen Focus on others in order to better understand their points of view.
	3. Be Inclusive Welcome all groups of citizens working for the greater good of the community.
4. Don't Gossip And don't accept when others choose to do so.
	5. Show Respect Honor other people and their opinions, especially in the midst of a disagreement.
6. Be Agreeable Look for opportunities to agree. Don't contradict just to do so.
	7. Apologize Be sincere and repair damaged relationships.
8. Give Constructive Criticism When disagreeing stick to the issues and don't make a personal attack.
	9. Take Responsibility Don't shift responsibility and blame onto others; share disagreements publicly.

Visit the following websites to learn more about the Speak Your Peace Civility Project.

Speak Your Peace | The Civility Project

and

Speak Your Peace Willmar