Choose Civility is an ongoing community-wide initiative, led by Howard County Library System, to position Choose Happiness and Civility as a model of civility. The initiative intends to enhance respect, empathy, consideration and tolerance with all those that we reach. We invite all communities around the nation, to participate.
Because little things we do during the day can make our community stronger and can inspire others to pay those kindnesses forward, this year’s Civility theme is Kindness Creates Community.
Vision Statement
The Choose Civility campaign is aimed at helping individuals be mindful of ways to interact with mutual respect regardless of who the person is and choose to be models of civil behavior.
Mission Statements
We choose respect, courtesy, empathy, and tolerance as our fundamental values, enhancing the community’s quality of life.
Principles of Civility
While the Choose Civility Initiative was inspired by Dr. Forni’s 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct, Choose Happiness and Civility chose to promote 16 of his rules as guiding principles:
Speak Kindly
Listen
Mind Your Body
Keep It Down (and Rediscover Silence)
Don’t Shift Responsibility and Blame
Avoid Personal Questions
Assume the Best
Respect Others’ Opinions
Respect Other People’s Time and Space
Be Inclusive
Acknowledge Others
Accept and Give Praise
Accept and Give Constructive Criticism
Apologize Earnestly
Assert Yourself
Refrain from Idle Complaints