Title
Orland Park Civility Resolution
History
In 2023, the Illinois Municipal League (IML) introduced a Civility Pledge promoting the core values of respectful public discourse and encouraged all elected and appointed officials across the State to sign it.
Similarly, in 2011, the United States Conference of Mayors adopted a Civility Accord to promote civility in public life.
To express its commitment to fostering respectful dialogue and advancing the common good and wellbeing of all residents of the Village of Orland Park, Mayor James Dodge and members of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Orland Park find it to be in the best interests of the Village to adopt a formal Civility Resolution.
Mayor James Dodge and members of the Board of Trustees affirm that robust public debate and the exchange of diverse perspectives are fundamental to democratic self-governance. Mayor James Dodge and members of the Board of Trustees also recognize the importance of conducting such discourse with honesty, civility, and mutual respect.
Mayor James Dodge and members of the Board of Trustees further believe that because local governmental leaders, as those closest to the people, are uniquely positioned to set an example
and positively influence the tone of public engagement.
In the interest of civility, Mayor Jim Dodge and members of the Board of Trustees pledge:
* To promote civility by listening respectfully, recognizing our shared goal of improving the community, and acknowledging that we may differ on the means to achieve it.
* A commitment to the following principles for civil discourse:
- Respect the right of all individuals to hold differing opinions.
- Avoid rhetoric intended to humiliate, delegitimatize, devalue or question the patriotism of those whom we disagree.
- Strive to understand other perspectives.
- Choose words thoughtfully.
- Speak truthfully without accusation or distortion.
- Speak out against violence, prejudice, and incivility in a...
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