ROCHESTER, MN (5/22/11) – The League of Women Voters believes in the power of public events for a strong democracy. Began in 1920, they sponsor non-partisan forums and programs. Active at the national, state and local levels, hundreds of events occur with their leadership. Incivility at public events is of concern.
At the Minnesota state convention, I gave a session on “The Power of Civil Discourse.” This story is about what it is and how it is being threatened. And why we should care.
What is civil discourse?
Civil has two meanings. One relates to interactions between different citizens or groups of citizens. A recognized usage is ‘civil war.’ Civil also means to be polite. Incivility means rudeness, discourtesy, or even vulgarity.
Discourse in simple terms is communication flows; both verbal and nonverbal. This differs in particular settings.
Is the U.S. becoming ‘increasingly uncivil” for public discourse?
League of Women Voters public event. Photo: Natalie Maynor
About one fourth of the convention delegates had seen incivility in league events. They worry more is coming.
Civil discourse is the ‘ideal.’ People with diverse views come together to share and learn. Rich interaction, engaging and productive, is the result.
Incivility can lead to disruptive, unproductive forums and programs. Information flow is halted. Participants are frustrated.
Why does incivility matter?
Overall, it creates a chilling effect on the public processes through which democracy functions:
- People choose to stay home instead of learn more about candidates or an issue
- People are less likely to share their own views
- If the reputation of events is poor, participation will dwindle
- Securing leaders and moderators for public events is more difficult
How do you prepare for potential incivility?
1. Plan well and have skilled moderators
- Create a plan - who will do what when incivility occurs;
- In-depth training and experienced moderato
2. Format rules for speakers
- Inform your speakers about your civility and time goals;
- Monitor time and deal with inappropriate comments from speakers
3. Manage expectations of the participants
- Written policies are clear regarding the unacceptability of disrespectful behavior;
- When violations occur, consequences are followed through on by the planning team or moderator
4. Use microphones strategically
Moderator with microphone Photo: Opendata Network at Flickr
- The person with the microphone can control the room; moderator has microphone;
- If microphone is hooked to a sound system, it can be turned off in case of extreme incivility or time violations;
- If handheld microphones are used, assertive and strong people should hold the microphone and not give it to audience members
5. Record the meeting
- Audio or video coverage increases accountability;
- Ask people to introduce themselves prior to making comments for the record
(Adapted from Passion, Protest, or Just Plan Incivility: Responding to Bad Behaviors in Public Meetings, Boise State University Public Policy Center, S. McCorkle, 2010)
You can find a local league in all U.S. states.
Please Comment: Have you observed incivility at public forums? How has it been handled? What can be done?
Photo Credit: Natalie Maynor at Flickr
League of Women Voters, a non-partisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation in government, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Find more ideas in The Handbook for Working with Difficult Groups
Read more from Donna Rae Scheffert on the Washington Times Communities and at Online-Leadership-Tools. She can also be found on LinkedIn and Twitter.
-cl- 5/25/11
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