City Council Expected to Adopt Civility Statement

  The City is very supportive of the work being done around ensuring civility in our community and promoting the values we all share.  A drafting committee led by the Youth Council has put together a “Civility Statement” modeled on a program called “Choose Civility”. 

 Two community meetings have been held and the issue has been embraced by all of the religious organizations in the City, the parent organizations in the schools and the YMCA.  The goal is for individuals, groups and boards to sign on. 

It reads:  

We strive to promote a culture of civility and caring in all aspects of our community life and beyond.

We recognize, without judgment, the inherent dignity and worth of each person, group, family and organization.

We believe that all interpersonal exchanges, even adversarial ones, can be conducted with mutual respect.

We aspire to be part of a community that is rooted in acceptance, inclusion and compassion.

We accept the need for honest self-reflection and the obligation to hold each other accountable for our words and actions.

We commit to acting with integrity and living as observable models of positive civic behavior.   
The Mayor and Council plan to adopt at their next meeting on May 22 at 8 p.m. in City Hall.

*Editor’s Note: Rye Middle School will be holding a meeting on civility and hazing on Thursday, May 23 at 9 a.m. Read the details here.