I commit to bring civility into my daily life in all interactions by treating everyone with respect, consideration and kindness regardless of differing beliefs opinions or actions.

This is the civility pledge I’ve been hearing about since that Tucson Tragedy on January 8, 2011, where 19 innocent citizens were shot in front of that Safeway on Ina/Oracle, and six died as a result.

One of those shot, Ron Barber, former District Director of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords started up the Fund for Civility Respect and Understanding while he was recovering in the ICU at University Medical Center from 2 gunshot wounds. Ron has mostly recovered and is now the Democratic nominee for the open CD 8 House seat (since his injured boss resigned on January 25, 2012).

The advisory board of the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding feels it is important to commit to individual and collective civility. As the meaning of civility can vary from person to person, the board found it necessary to commit to a group statement and also allow for individuals to elaborate on that statement with their own personal definition and commitment. A task force was formed that created a process for group commitments.

This last week a couple of people were uncivil in speaking with me (harsh tone of scolding, criticizing, etc.) and I thought about that pledge, realizing that they were not addressing me with respect and consideration. But I will continue to try to treat them with civility, respect and understanding, as I have taken this pledge.

More info: www.fundforcivility.org.

Yesterday I attended the Fund’s Anti-Bullying Task Force event at the Loft Theater (click here for earlier blog) and was inspired to see how elementary/middle/high school students were addressing the on-going bullying at their schools. These students created 30 minute video PSAs with strong messages about speaking out to end bullying, to be an ally to someone being bullied. The winners in each category (elementary,middle,high,and adult) were announced at the event, and will be posted on their website shortly. These PSAs will be converted to radio spots as well for 94.9 MIX FM, per Bobby Rich, DJ who attended the event. The awards were presented by former Wildcat basketball player Joseph Blair, who spoke a bit of the racial bullying he has experienced as a Black American. More info at www.endofbullying.com.