HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-01-2015 Item 1 Kimball(2)Learn to disagree
without being disagreeable.
Use courtesy and respect in words and deeds.
Talk to each other
instead of at each other.
Be Respecthd
Listening is as important as
expressing your own views.
Listening is not the same as agreeing.
Recognize opposing positions.
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Listen with an open mind
Reach across the aisle.
Seek shared values.
Challenge stereotypes.
Ask pertinent questions.
Identify and focus on problems.
Articulate, argue and defend issues.
Be open to compromise.
9S
Find Common Ground
viewpoints on
Civil Discourse
"Come together, in open dialogue, to discuss
the great issues of our day, learn from each other,
and work to move our society forward."
UC President Janet Napolitano
"Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability
to cope with conflict by peaceful means. "
Ronald Reagan
"Honest disagreement is often a
good sign of progress."
Mahatma Gandhi
"Differences of opinion lead to inquiry,
and inquiry to truth."
Thomas Jefferson
We invite you to join the league of Women Voters to promote
Civil Discourse as an essential way of life for a thriving democracy.
LWVSLO.org
Meeting Date: 09/01/2015
Item No.: 1
Distributed by Sharon Kimball, LOVW
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civil
Discourse
7 in the
4 Public Arena
Effective LU
Ideas 6 solutions �
"Good governance is a clash of ideas and values in the
political arena. We need to listen to our opponent's
arguments and look for areas of common interest
...if we are to govern this country effectively."
Brint Milward, National Institute for Civil Discourse
-AND Su IT w6iNS- .
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So NATURAL_ Ao He
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"...And so it begins..."
what is civil Discourse?
It is courteous, constructive communication
characterized by mutual respect, fairness,
and attentive listening.
Why Does Civility Matter?
Civil Discourse promotes informed discussion of public
issues essential for government bodies and citizens
to make good decisions.
Improving civility is Easy
Shine a bright light on civility!
Call on others to do the same.
Find points of
disagreement and their
solutions amicably.
Be kind to one another,
even if you disagree
on stuff.
10 simple Rules fvr
Discourse
A Presiding chairperson
sets the tone of a meeting...
1) Leads by example and encourages others to do the
same. Shows respect to all in actions, body
language, and speech.
2) Encourages open spirited debates on all facts by
contending parties.
3) Provides adequate time for public comment.
4) Actively listens. Thanks speakers and, where
appropriate, acknowledges public input.
5) Speaks truthfully without distortion.
6) Never comments on the motivation of a speaker.
7) Limits discussion to merits of issues. Explains the
rationale and evidence to support opinions and
conclusions.
8) Promotes rules publically. Gives a brief reminder
before meetings.
9) Enforces the rules. Allows no disruptions of a
meeting. Allows no slanderous, profane or negative
personal remarks.
10) Regularly reviews /updates rules (city /county codes,
codes of ethics, Robert's Rules, Brown Act, pledges).
...and ensures fair treatment with
Rules of order and Decorum
"Civil Discourse manes a dMWWcefor '
the good so we can have an environment
that calls people to government service.
We owe it to our democracy and to every
IM young person who will inherit it."
J. Mullen Jr., Allegheny College
1�
"Good God winifred! flow long has civility cost nothing ?
civility: Not Just Politeness
It means be tolerant. Listen, don't interrupt. Refrain from
sarcasm. Be respectful. Speak in modulated tones. Stick
to the issue. Recognize there are two sides. Avoid labels.
Tlp > To prevent shutting down conversation, choose civil
words. civility increases your chance of being heard.
Civility vs. Free speech
You may have the right to say what you want but there is
no need to say it in an inflammatory or insulting manner.
"We can only exercise our right to free speech insofar
as we feel safe and respected in doing so, and this in
turn requires that people treat each other with civility."
J. Mullen Jr., The importance of Civility in Public Discourse
•
T]p> Attack the message, not the messenger
INTIMIDATE
ARGUE REFUTE
DEBATE
Violence,
"I'm right! Using Construc-
Using reason
threats,
You're half- truths tively point
and evidence
personal
wrong!" or lies out errors of
attacks,
opposition
name calling
of
The spectrum
to Comm unicate
Sad,
Better, and Best Ways