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.

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Greater Tucson Leadership’s Community Picnic

Saturday, May 21 · 9:00am – 12:00pm

University of Arizona Mall
Created By Greater Tucson Leadership

The Greater Tucson Leadership (GTL) organization invites Tucsonans to grab a picnic blanket, pack their favorite breakfast and come to the University of Arizona Mall on Saturday, May 21 from 9 am – Noon for Tucson’s largest community picnic, Together Tucson.

The event, hosted by GTL, has been created to tap into the community spirit and kindness that followed the January 8 shooting tragedy when strangers assembled together at the UMC memorial. Attendees can renew feelings of togetherness, and their intentions to make Tucson a better place by eating and conversing together, listening to speakers and enjoying music and entertainment.

There will be a variety of activities for children and adults, including a volunteer festival to promote community service opportunities for families and individuals. Attendees can make their own mark on Tucson with the creation of a tile to be included in a public art mosaic installation as part of a future Tucson road improvement project. The mosaic theme is “Commit to Kindness” and is a project from the Ben’s Bells organization.

The event will feature speaker, Ron Barber, Congresswoman Giffords’ staff member who was injured in the shooting. Mr. Barber will provide an update on the status of the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding, the fund he established, as well as the other memorial funds that have been created.

Dr. Peter Rhee, the UMC trauma surgeon that treated Congresswoman Giffords, will also speak about the needs and benefits of community volunteerism and leadership.

In addition to fostering community, the event will also entertain with fun for people of all ages. There will be music from Jovert, the Tucson High Steel Drum band, raffle prizes and activities for children. Attendees should plan to bring their own picnic meal and a blanket or chairs for seating.

RSVP via Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=185002324879147

Greater Tucson Leadership
E Broadway Blvd, Suite 1600
Tucson, AZ 85711

Phone: (520) 512-5485
Fax: (520) 884-7071