4 minute read
A Legacy of Civility
A Pledge Promoting Understanding, Empathy and Mutual Respect
Former Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell played a prominent role in promoting civility and bipartisan cooperation during her political career, as well as in her personal life. In 2005, then Governor Rell instituted a "Civility, Respect, and Cooperation Pledge." It was designed as a bipartisan initiative to encourage public officials and citizens to participate with dignity and respect during public discourse, and it is still in use today.
The pledge was part of her extensive efforts to reduce partisan division and foster an environment focused on collaboration and solutions rather than social and political upheaval. Governor Rell's advocacy for civility complimented her leadership style; often being described as “pragmatic and inclusive.” Her push for civility came at a time when political polarization was becoming more prominent, and it accentuated her devotion to ethical governance and a focus on productive dialogue.
To this day, Connecticut’s Civility Pledge plays an integral role for respectful engagement in politics and reflects a timely and much-needed undertaking to address divisiveness. While the pledge’s intentions are admirable, its ultimate success relies on the commitment of those who embrace its values.
In an era where discussions can often result in personal attacks, the Civility Pledge signals a call to action for all. By committing to civil behavior in discussions of all types, participants model respectful engagement that is at the very core of a strong and robust democracy. When widely embraced, it creates an environment where ideas and civil dialogue, rather than disagreements, influence the conversation.
The effectiveness of the pledge lies in its ability to influence accountability. However, a lack of enforcement risks reducing the pledge to nothing more than a simple gesture. Certainly, measures of accountability could reinforce its impact, but the mere fact that many of Connecticut’s CEOs are willing to commit to what it stands for is encouraging regarding its application in our daily lives. Importantly, the pledge must operate with bipartisan support to avoid being dismissed as an instrument of a particular party.
While the Civility Pledge largely addresses political behavior, the bigger issue is often the culture of communication beyond the political arena. All too often we witness social outlets and community interactions reward outrageous and divisive actions. To truly alter the course, efforts like the Civility Pledge could coincide with educational components specific to deescalating volatile situations and conflict.
Connecticut’s Pledge should serve as a model for other states, signaling a broader movement toward respect and cooperation. Clearly its impact would depend on public acceptance and the willingness of leaders to practice the tenets of the pledge. It is clear, practicing civility isn’t to be mandated; but rather, it has to be nurtured: not only in politics, but society at as a whole.
To be fair, the Civility Pledge is not a universal remedy to ill-mannered actions, but it is a promising call for promoting respect. Its ultimate success hinges on whether it encourages not only compliance, but an authentic cultural shift toward productive and respectful engagement. Consistent commitment from leaders and organizations can gradually create a shift toward more civil and collaborative discourse.
The pledge emphasizes the value of respectful dialogue, mutual understanding, and courteous engagement among participants, and its value has many reasons. It’s not just a gesture with little practical effect—it is a commitment to creating a healthier culture in politics and society. By elevating respect, leaders can create forums focused on more meaningful dialogue, effective governance, and a stronger commitment to governing for all.
Governor Rell emphasized the value of productive communication through understanding rather than confrontation. Furthermore, she emphasized that being civil limits conflicts, promotes trust, and is integral to promoting positive social and political interactions focused on preserving purpose. By highlighting civility, she navigated a state through extremely challenging and difficult times more effectively and generated circumstances instrumental for growth, understanding and progress.
Certainly, a noble gesture and a legacy for all to embrace!
