🎧 TUNE IN: In a recent episode of the GovLove podcast, I had the chance to discuss the pressing issue of how the growing toxicity in our civic spaces is eroding the foundations of our democratic institutions and what we can do about it.
Central to our discussion was the idea of being an upstander—someone who actively stands up against incivility and injustice, rather than being a passive bystander. In a time when negativity can easily spread and erode trust within our communities, this conversation is a call to action for each of us to foster a culture of respect, resilience, and integrity in our local governments and beyond.
In this engaging discussion with Rafael Baptista, Director of Strategy & Innovation for Buncombe County, NC, and a board member of Engaging Local Government Leaders, we delved into some crucial insights that could provide the perspective and tools you need to make a real impact:
The Spread of Incivility: Understand how unchecked negativity can rapidly corrode trust and effective governance—and what can be done to stop it.
The Role of Civic Culture: Discover why building a positive civic culture, grounded in integrity and inclusivity, is key to long-term community success.
Becoming Upstanders: Learn why taking an active role in standing up against injustice is not just important, but necessary, in today’s civic environment.
Civic Education: Explore strategies for bridging the knowledge gap between what local governments do and what the public understands, and why this matters.
Global Trends: Gain insight into the alarming rise in attacks on public officials and the global implications of these toxic behaviors.
Practical Steps for Change: Get actionable strategies for local governments to assess and renew their civic culture, with leadership at the forefront.
These insights aren’t just theoretical—they’re practical and actionable, providing a pathway to real change in your community.
In these challenging times, renewal begins with our collective commitment to civility and compassion. By choosing to be civil and standing up for what’s right, we can start to heal our communities and build the kind of democracy that truly serves everyone.
Change starts with each of us. Together, we can create the communities we all aspire to live in.
🎧 Don’t miss out—listen to a two-minute highlight from this thought-provoking episode.
The Global Civility Summit 2024: Tacking Toxicity, Cultivating Civility offers a timely opportunity to engage with these ideas. Don't miss it!
With only two weeks remaining, there is still time to register for this free, online event. Hundreds of civic leaders from over 400 cities are coming together to share strategies and solutions for building the kind of communities where everyone can flourish.
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