AJR35

A Joint Resolution designating August of each year as “Civility Month” in New Jersey.

Whereas, In recent years, American political and social discourse has been fraught with discourtesy and a lack of interest in finding common ground during disagreements; and

Whereas, “Civility,” which means courtesy or politeness, allows people to disagree without disrespect, would greatly enhance social relations among Americans, and improve political leaders’ abilities to govern; and

Whereas, Recent studies have indicated that a vast majority of Americans consider incivility to be a problem in the United States, with most agreeing the problem has worsened in recent years; and

Whereas, Many Americans blame social media, the internet, and politicians as key sources of the erosion of civility in our society; and

Whereas, About eight in 10 Americans have reported experiencing incivility in a wide variety of places and settings, including online, on the road, in stores, or in their neighborhoods; and

Whereas, Most Americans believe incivility leads to cyber-bullying, harassment, violence, intimidation, discrimination, intolerance, isolation, lack of safety, and less community engagement; and

Whereas, Most Americans believe that civility benefits society by easing tension and conflict and allowing politicians to find common ground to solve problems; and

Whereas, For approximately a decade, “Civility Month” has been celebrated by various organizations across the country during the month of August as a way to spread awareness about the need for good manners, respect, and consideration for others; and

Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper, and within the public interest, to designate the month of August as “Civility Month” in New Jersey and to encourage the residents of this State to join the observance of this month; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The month of August of each year is designated as “Civility Month” in New Jersey in order to raise awareness of the problems incivility causes and to promote civil discourse and behavior throughout the State.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials, residents of the State, and other interested groups to reflect upon the importance of civility in our society as they observe “Civility Month” with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This resolution designates the month of August as “Civility Month” in New Jersey. For approximately a decade “Civility Month” has been celebrated by various organizations across the country during the month of August as a way to spread awareness about the need for good manners, respect, and consideration for others.

In recent years, American political and social discourse has been fraught with discourtesy and a lack of interest in finding common ground during disagreements. “Civility,” meaning courtesy or politeness, allows people to disagree without disrespect, and would greatly enhance social relations among Americans, as well as improve political leaders’ abilities to govern. Recent studies indicate that a vast majority of Americans consider incivility to be a growing problem in the United States and many blame social media, the internet, and politicians as key sources of the erosion of civility in our society. Most Americans have reported experiencing incivility online or in public spaces and believe incivility leads to cyber-bullying, harassment, violence, intimidation, discrimination, intolerance, isolation, lack of safety, and less community engagement. The majority of Americans also believe that civility benefits society by easing tension and conflict and allowing politicians to find common ground to solve problems. Designating the month of August of each year as “Civility Month” will increase awareness of the problems incivility causes and promote civil discourse and behavior across the State.