Oshkosh Civility Project

Walter Scott, Jr. discussed how the Oshkosh Civility Project began as an ad hoc effort in the summer of 2010 to advance the cause of civility in order to enhance interpersonal effectiveness and to build and strengthen the social fabric of our shared community. Scott brought the idea for this initiative from this travels to Truckee, California where he saw the “Speak Your Peace” campaign that was developed by the Truckee-Tahoe Community Foundation.  A core group with representatives from the Oshkosh Community Foundation, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, community based organizations including the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, the Oshkosh Public Library, the Oshkosh Area School District and the Oshkosh Partners in Education Council met monthly to lay out plans to advance the program.  Dr. P. M. Forni, Crossing Civility, spoke at the Truckee Leadership Breakfast to provide visibility and a conceptual structure.  The core team and committees worked on communications, events, speaker’s bureau, business outreach, education and organization outreach.  Their mission is to promote the principles of civility in everyday life through education, imitation and community engagement.  The Oshkosh Civility Pledge: “We build a stronger and more diverse community by actively sharing our ideas and opinions with others in thoughtful and considerate ways.  By practicing this basic commitment to civility, we learn and grow from one another - even in disagreement.”  This is not a campaign to end all disagreements but a campaign to make it safe to disagree.  About 50% of Americans in the workforce experience a high level of stress.  The estimated cost to the workplace is $300 billion per year.  Dr. Forni talks about 25 rules of civility.  The following are 9 key rules / skills to practice and aspire to:  pay attention (be aware of others and sensitive to the immediate context of actions), listen (understand other points of view), be inclusive (welcome all and don’t exclude anyone), don’t gossip (remind others of the importance of this practice), show respect (especially in disagreement), be agreeable (find opportunities to agree), apologize sincerely (repair damaged relationships), give constructive criticism (focus on issues), and accept responsibility (don’t shift blame).  It is possible to be true to one’s beliefs and be civil at the same time.  It is not just what you say but how you say it.  Make civility your New Year’s Resolution.