May 28, 2024

Where is your community’s Civility Stress?

By Matt Lehrman

Social Prosperity Partners


Everyone experiences stress sometimes, and so do communities as a whole. People get along well during periods of what we might call “low civility stress.” Tensions arise but are effectively managed, maintaining a state of civility. However, when stress becomes overwhelming, the problem of incivility can escalate.


When I work with communities around the country, I’m constantly taking their “civility stress” temperature in ways that distinguish both among and between three groups:


  1. Among the General Public
  2. Among the City/Town’s Council Members
  3. Among the City/Town’s Staff
  4. Between the Public and Council Members
  5. Between the Council and the Staff
  6. Between the Public and the Staff


Are you curious to know how your community compares with others? Let me invite you to send me an email with a brief, informal message about your own perspective. Which of these six is facing the highest level of stress in your community? Share a specific example if you can, and I promise to report out what I hear within two weeks, keeping confidential any personal or identifying information, of course.


Where is your community’s Civility Stress? Learn more on the Community Catalysts podcast.

 NEW EPISODE — “CITIES, BUSINESSES, AND INCLUSIVE CIVIC STRATEGIES”

(May 28, 2024)


Otis White, an influential thought leader in community-based strategic planning, returns to the podcast to discuss the virtues as well as the costs of inclusivity. From the “Civic Strategies” podcast archive, Scott Tigchelaar, former president of Raleigh Studios Atlanta, talks with Otis about how cities and businesses can work together successfully.


NEXT LOCAL LEADERSHIP CHAT: FRIDAY, JUNE 7


“Shaping Tomorrow”: What challenges and opportunities do you see right now that could make a lasting impact in your community or organization? Join civic leaders from across the country to discuss priorities and strategies for building resilience and prosperity in the future.


RSVP HERE to attend this free & friendly online discussion. Local Leadership Chats are facilitated by Matt Lehrman on the first Friday of every month.



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