The Harlem City Council is taken a pledge of civility.
During the city council meeting on Monday, March 27, council members approved a resolution pledging to practice and promote civility in Harlem.
“This is just something that I went to a class on this…I learned a lot that we need to appreciate each other’s opinions and we need to treat each other with respect,” said Harlem Mayor Roxanne Whitaker during the work session on March 23. “There are areas around us that don’t have this character and I want to make sure that even though we may disagree, we still respect what each other think and are going to treat you with respect.”
The resolution states the city recognizes the right to self-expression as protected by the First Amendment and the city council recognizes “the public exchange of diverse ideas and viewpoints is necessary to the health of the community and the quality of governance in the municipality.”
Since the council members are elected representatives of the community, they need to model good behavior when it comes to open, free and vigorous debate while keeping the highest standard of civility and mutual respect. Because city council members are open to the public, city officials, when working, they should demonstrate respect, thoughtfulness and kindness between officials.
“Civility between city officials is possible if each of the elected body remembers that they represent not only themselves, but the constituents of their district and city,” the resolution states.
It adds that by taking the pledge, the city council will work to make sure all communication is open, honest and transparent, which is important for building trust and relationships. It also states by signing the pledge, the council is against violence and incivility whenever they occur during meetings and interactions.
The Embrace Civility pledge is offered through the Georgia Municipal Association.
“Civility is more than just politeness,” the GMA website states. “It is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, listening past one’s preconceptions and teaching others to do the same. Civility is the hard work of staying present even with those with whom we have deep-rooted and fierce disagreement.”
The Harlem City Council joins the Grovetown City Council is considering taking the pledge of civility.
