Earlier this month, I shared my perspectives on “Civility and Why We Need It More Than Ever!” If you missed it, please review it before continuing. (Also at: https://www.advancedetiquette.com/general/civility-and-why-we-need-it-more-than-ever/)
Now, on to Part 2…
To take part in a more civil society requires thoughtful consideration and finding practical ways to change. Here are eight strategies to consider, whether individually or in organized groups:
1. Show Empathy and Understanding.
Actively listen and empathize, especially to those with differing opinions or backgrounds, and especially when discussing difficult subjects. This is not just a strategy but a powerful tool. It helps build mutual respect, a cornerstone in fostering a civil society and a sense of connection and understanding.
Practice reflective listening techniques during conversations. Instead of thinking about your responses while others speak, focus on truly listening. Understand their words, feelings, and motivations from their perspective. This technique ensures that everyone feels heard and respected. It leads to productive dialogue and mutual understanding. It’s also a step towards a more hopeful and optimistic future.
In your community, challenge yourself. Seek out and listen to viewpoints that are different from your own. Do so by attending community forums or cultural events of groups different from your own. They could be online or in person. Also, participate in structured dialogues or workshops that focus on building empathy.
Recently, I learned about Story Corps’ newest program, One Small Step (Also at: https://storycorps.org/discover/onesmallstep/conversations/). It is a great step toward healing the political divide in our country. I hope you’ll take a moment to read about it.
2. Be a lifelong learner of ethics, civics, democracy, and governance.
Give yourself a civics education, whether in school or public forums, to gain a deeper and fuller understanding of democratic values, ethics, and respectful discourse. This continuous learning is crucial to fostering a civil society that evolves over time.
Support initiatives that advocate for comprehensive civics education in schools, whether by volunteering to speak at schools about civic responsibilities, or by supporting local curriculum reforms that promote democracy and core values. As citizens, we have a responsibility to be well-informed about our country’s history and governance.
In your community,learn about ethical frameworks and democratic values. Join or start a book club, discussion group, or online forum that delves into topics such as ethics in governance and civic engagement. Whenever you see special events on civic responsibilities, engagement, and democratic processes, attend online or in person.
3. Gain Savvy Media Literacy Skills.
Educate yourself on media literacy. It will help you distinguish reliable and accurate sources from misinformation (AKA fake news), thus reducing polarization and promoting informed discussions.
Don’t be shy to share reliable resources, videos, and articles with friends and family to raise awareness about identifying fake news through fact-checking. Diversify your media consumption by critically evaluating your beliefs and habits compared to others. Seek out news from different sources with an open mind. You want to gain multiple perspectives on current events and avoid echo chambers. Echo chambers are when all the people around you reflect and echo your same views.
In your community,encourage friends and family to broaden their media consumption by sharing articles from various sources. Consider organizing a workshop or webinar to teach media literacy skills. Media literacy is fast becoming a popular course in high schools and colleges across the U.S.
4. Be a Leader and a Role Model.
Modeling civil behavior emphasizes the importance of political, community, and cultural leadership. Foster constructive dialogue.
Be a transparent and ethical leader in all you do. Nurture and mentor young leaders. Offer them guidance on ethical decision-making and constructive communication practices in their professional and personal lives. Guide your children and encourage community organizations to tutor students and young professionals on ethical decision-making and conflict-resolution techniques. Display ethical leadership practices.
In your community,support and vote for candidates and initiatives prioritizing integrity and inclusive representation in their work. Write letters to local elected officials, newspapers, and other outlets that support and applaud leaders who prioritize respectful dialogue and collaboration. Hold individuals accountable for their unbecoming behavior.
5. Promote Open Dialogue Across Differences.
Facilitate structured dialogues that unite individuals from diverse backgrounds to discuss issues respectfully and seek common ground. (This is the goal of the previously-mentioned One Small Step.)
Share personal stories. Write an article or blog post to share a personal experience that illustrates finding common ground with someone from a different background or with different values. Talk with friends and family about the importance of empathy and understanding in bridging the divides that separate friendships. Society needs to be reinforced with as many reminders of positive values as possible.
Contact local centers or libraries to set up or attend a facilitated session on a contentious issue in your community. Invite people from different backgrounds to join a discussion, panel, or roundtable event.
6. Display Tolerance and Acceptance.
Celebrate diversity through cultural events, educational programs, and policies that promote inclusivity and respect for all identities.
Challenge stereotypes and prejudice in your social circles. Respectfully correct misinformation and promote positive narratives about different cultural, ethnic, and religious groups. Ask open-ended questions in a respectful manner that encourages others to respond thoughtfully.
In your community,attend and support cultural events and celebrations of diverse communities. Engage with cultural organizations and participate in activities that promote understanding and appreciation of different traditions.
7. Foster Community Engagement.
Encourage volunteering and community service to promote a sense of belonging and responsibility towards one another.
Volunteer with local nonprofits or community organizations that address social issues you’re passionate about. Encourage friends and family to join you in making a positive impact.
In your community, participate in neighborhood initiatives such as community clean-ups, block parties, or food drives to strengthen community bonds and build a sense of collective responsibility.
8. Involve Yourself in Positive Legislation and Policy.
Advocate and support candidates and policies that uphold civil rights protect marginalized groups and promote societal fairness and justice.
Stay informed about local, state, and national legislation that impacts civil rights and social justice issues. Communicate your views to elected officials through letters, emails, or public forums.
In your community and beyond,join and support organizations that work towards legislative reforms to promote fairness, inclusivity, and respect for human rights.
Conclusion:
Creating positive changes in the world requires a united society of individuals and collective groups. Humanity can prevail when we establish a foundation for a civil and respectful society. There, individuals can coexist harmoniously despite differences in opinions, beliefs, and backgrounds. Implementing these action items will slowly build a more civil society where respect, empathy, and understanding prevail across diverse perspectives and backgrounds. This is not an easy task, and inconsistencies will occur; yet, I know I will, and we must continue to make the necessary course corrections to prevail.
BONUS:
Here’s another perspective on the importance of civility, manners, and etiquette shared by my good friend Mike: Manners are the Adhesive Glue that binds society together. (Also at: https://realclearwire.com/articles/2024/08/07/manners_are_the_adhesive_glue_that_binds_society_together_1049883.html
Happy Practicing!