August 2023: Civility Awareness Month

WHEREAS, civility is the key cornerstone of the golden rule – to treat others as you would like to be treated. Every individual should practice civility in their personal and professional relationships with others. Civility paves the way for effective leadership, grace, kindness, and dignity in our homes, schools, offices, and communities.

WHEREAS, civility is promoted in our schools and local communities as a way for teachers and parents to foster good citizens. When we respect one another in speech and deed, we come to trust one another as equals. This trust and understanding are important to the free expression of grievances, concerns, and objections without retaliation or reproach; and,

WHEREAS, we need civility now more than ever. Everyone is urged to recognize, appreciate, and exercise civility; the simple truths of our democracy depend on it; and,

WHEREAS, National Civility Month is held in August each year; and,

WHEREAS, Michiganders are asked to join together across our great state to reinforce and adhere to the basic virtues of kindness and respect, and remember that civility is a critical component of a free society; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim August 2023, as Civility Awareness Month in Michigan. I call upon all Michiganders to embrace the importance of civility in our communities, businesses, schools, and daily lives.