In Fountain Hills, there's a new push to bring back good, old-fashioned manners in a world where many feel they're in short supply. According to Fountain Hills officials, civility is on the town's agenda, with a special event aimed at boosting polite discourse among residents. This gathering, hosted by Fountain Hills Cares, is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m at the Community Center.
Amid national concern over a decline in courteous behavior, the town believes it's time to talk about treating each other better. The forum is set to feature Evan Lowe, a professor at ASU in the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership. Lowe has become somewhat of a spokesperson on matters of civility, taking his knowledge beyond academic circles and into the heart of communities. In addition, Patrick O’Grady, Editor-in-Chief for Independent Newspapers, will dissect the Civility Pledge and the breadth of this conversation across the country.
Touted as a way for residents to share ideas and engage in constructive conversation, the event is free to the public. Those wishing to attend can secure their spot by registering on the town's official website. The move to highlight civility comes as surveys indicate there's a perception amongst Americans that social discourse has taken a downturn compared to a decade ago.
Lowe asserts that civility starts with recognizing the inherent dignity in one another—values that many would argue, are due a revival. The experts will delve into ways the community can cultivate an environment of respect, although the problem of diminishing civility extends far beyond the confines of this Arizona town. "Being civil to each other generally means treating others with dignity, courtesy, respect, politeness, and consideration," as stated on the Fountain Hills website, but the question remains whether this event will spark a meaningful change or simply echo within the Community Center's walls.
