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Learn more about the Civility in Democracy initiative..gif)
Here's what the media is saying
We live in an increasingly contentious political climate fueled by partison gridlock, negative campaigns, disputed results and declining citizen participation in government. This series of lectures, forums and workshops during the presidential election year of 2008 is designed to promote civility in public life, to improve statesmanship among elected officials and to increase citizen participation in government. It is an element of Because It Matters.
Research tells us that emotions are contagious. When we feel good we extend those good feelings to the next person we encounter. When we communicate in a more respectful and effective way, our brain chemistry signals us to feel better about the world around us. When we feel better about the world around us, we pass it along. We pay it forward. Our quality of life is improved.
That's what Because It Matters is all about: Improving quality of life by increasing civic participation, civil discourse, and social capital. Those are all stylish words for politeness, good manners, and making connections to the community, and those behaviors are the glue for creating the social network we need to live happy, healthy lives.
To make a contribution in support of the Because It Matters initiative, click here and select "Because It Matters Civility Fund" from the drop down menu.
Owned by the community. Supported by Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice, Florida.
