FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 24, 2023
City of Kingsland, Georgia Named a City of Civility by Georgia Municipal Association
KINGSLAND, GEORGIA – The City of Kingsland has been designated as a City of Civility by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). Kingsland adopted a civility resolution in GMA’s new Embrace Civility program on October 10, 2023.
A 2019 poll by Weber Shandwick revealed that over 90% percent of Americans believe that incivility is a problem, with nearly 68% percent identifying it as a major problem. Civility is more than just politeness; it is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, listening past one’s preconceptions and teaching others to do the same.
“We are truly honored to be recognized as a city of civility by the Georgia Municipal Association. This designation reflects our continued commitment to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for all of our residents, public officials, and visitors. As Mayor, I pledge to continue to promote open, honest, and civil dialogues as we work together to build a stronger and more vibrant community for everyone.” – Dr. C. Grayson Day, Jr., Mayor
GMA, in partnership with Georgia City Solutions (GCS), a nonprofit organization managed by the Association, created the Embrace Civility program to equip Georgia’s cities and partner organizations with resources to create more civility in their meetings and among their residents, the general public, and meeting attendees. Civil behavior and speech are critically important to a healthy, functional, and respectful society. For public service to be effective, there must be an atmosphere of respect and tolerance and a commitment to a healthy public exchange of diverse ideas and viewpoints.
“I commend the City of Kingsland for embracing civility and adopting the resolution to become a GMA City of Civility,” said GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson. “We believe that Georgia’s cities have a great platform to model open, free, and vigorous debate, while maintaining the highest standards of civility, honesty, and mutual respect.”
To become a City of Civility, city councils are required to adopt a Civility Resolution and pledge to engage in civil behavior with each other as well as with residents and meeting attendees. Cities also have a civility pledge that can be published or recited at meetings. Learn more about the Embrace Civility program at www.gacities.com/civility.
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