We are Civilly CU. Five female PRSSA members at the University of Colorado, Boulder chapter. We are launching a new campaign to address the civility issue in public discourse as part of the PRSSA Bateman competition.

Our goal is to create a trustworthy environment to facilitate education, action and drive engagement involving civil public discourse. We intend to achieve this through our theme for this campaign -- which is Learn one, Do one, Teach one.

The problem we are addressing: The declining standards of civil engagement is beginning to negatively impact our institutions and educational systems. Our teachers and parents are oftentimes unable to place proper importance upon civil discourse. This is a clear indication of how the educational system has missed the mark in teaching civility.

By promoting civil dialogue and instilling the values of learning while we are in college, students' ability to think and behave civilly may positively affect their future professional endeavors. In order to facilitate a healthy environment, civility must be reworked into our society. When we implement civility in our learning, people will understand how to communicate in a way that is respectful, effective and inclusive.

When we have little trust to begin with because we fear rejection and judgement, incivility is more likely to occur. Therefore, learning about civility, engaging in productive debates and educating others through encouragement will foster mutual respect and confidence. 

We have the opportunity to learn, do & teach accountability so people may properly engage in open dialogue. In institutions and workplaces, we must lead by example and implement the practice of civility on a deeper level. We have the power to stop this “incivility virus” and make a change not only for ourselves, but for the future generations.

Our simple asks:
1) Learn - Read PRSA Civility Task Force White Paper for more information on modeling civility.

2) Do - Reach out to someone you haven't talked to in a while and encourage a civil debate. Follow our Instagram @civillycu

3) Teach - Share the link above and tell a friend about this pledge.

We are inviting you to sign this pledge and commit to helping us promote a trustworthy, inclusive environment. 

Sponsored by Delta Dental of Michigan.