Civility stories

I don't know how I stumpled across your website, but I am glad I did. So much so, that I wanted to share it with as many people as I could, so I posted it on my Facebook page! I have teachers, parents, and grandparents as friends on my profile. They all love it and thanked me for posting it. Keep up the good work. My Mother used to say, "It's nice to be important, but more important to be nice." My thoughts are God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason! 

Florida

Just a note to say we are grateful for your powerful positive message and for the beautiful posters and cards which we received this week.

 Our program staff and team members are looking forward to including these materials in our adult and youth programs, and finding ways to connect our neighborhood and Island community to the power of your message.

Anna Maria Island

I recently went on "The Walk to Emmaus" and was handed this card.  As I start my new journey, I wouldlike to pass on the love that I have received by so many people.  I found this to be a beautiful way.  Thank you.

Anonymous

When my girls were growing up, we made sure that they observed the "GOLDEN RULE."  I also remined them often to observe the "PLATINUM RULE," which is PAY ATTENTION!!! Thank you for your website.

Sarasota, FL

What a wonderfully refreshing site!  I stumbled across your site today after linking to an add that offered a taste of your 10 Keys to Civility.  The keys were so appealing that I simply had to link through to see what it was about.

For me civility begins at home.  The place we begin each day and return to at the end of same seems to be the place where civility must start, and matters most.  As my children have begun reaching their teens, and are increasingly driven by stress and emotion (yes, I have a girl), civility is a topic I've become increasingly interested in.  In encouraging civil interactions at home I'm trying to create a microclimate of civility that can spread out as we go about our individual days.  I'm looking forward to leveraging your site to help guide the thinking in my home.

Thanks for putting something on the Web that is truly useful.

Tampa, FL

You are absolutely right. Four of us former Majority Leaders, George Mitchell, Tom Daschle, Howard Baker and myself, are looking for ways to restore civility -- not that we were perfect.

Have a good day.

God Bless America,

BOB DOLE

Craig Lastinger sold home insurance to several Arcadia residents. When Hurricane Charley hit in 2004, many had significant damage to their homes. But the company only paid a small fraction of what their claims were worth. Craig went to bat for his clients. He kept resubmitting their claims for adjustment. But when the company continued to stonewall his efforts, he quit his job. When a Tampa law firm took on the insurance company in a lawsuit, Craig was finally able to help his clients - who had become his friends - by testifying about their damages. Four years later, after appraisers determined the extent of the damages, the company finally paid on those claims. Almost $1 million was issued to a total of 48 clients, many of whom had originally been paid only 10-25% of what they were owed - all because of Craig's willingness to stick up for what he knew was right. 

Arcadia, FL

I have been praying for something like this!! Can we send posters to all of our congresmen and elected officials? We need to turn our entire country back around...because it matters...now more than ever. Humans are not meant to live alone behind closed doors. We are to care for one another. My neighbor was elderly and altho we were cordial, we led our separate lives. One day someone rings my bell and hands me the neighbors car keys and tells me he had fallen and broke his leg. His only family was in Michigan, so I became his caretaker. What else was there to do? I visited him in the hospital, then nursing home, took in his mail, made phone calls, and cooked meals when he got home. Eventually I was the first responder on his lifeline, and I would get calls at 3 am from lifeline saying the button had been pushed but they could not get him to answer the phone. I'd race next door to find he was asleep and had rolled over on the lifeline button. It was more a relief than an annoyance to know he was ok. I planned birthday parties, Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas gatherings of the neighbors at his house because he could not get out so well. Everyone had great times! He passed away 2 years ago at 95, and now I see all the work I did and am amazed how I was able to do it, but I miss him and doing all those things that brought him happiness. If we all could bring manners and morals back to America! Respect others; don't take what isn't yours; pick up trash as you walk; have more patience, the other person is having some problems the same as you are; don't jump to conclusions; don't take offense so easily; There are ways of saying things that sound abrasive, and ways that sound ok---One of my favorite lines is... I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure that you realize what you heard is not what I meant. Thank you again and I will be supporting financially as soon as I am able!  

Unknown

Thank you very much for your presentation at the All Achievers Chapter of the American Business Women's Association.  I thoroughly enjoyed the program and I really believe in Because It Matters.  It is much needed in these times and I think the impact is very powerful and meaningful.

Also, winning your door prize was special.  I rarely win and that was a nice surprise.  Plus, the book is a great read.  I am going to purchase several copies and give them as gifts.

So glad to meet you and hope that our paths will cross again.

Sarasota, FL

Library employees must respond to diverse requests and increasingly varied needs of those who frequent libraries. The staff report increased stress demonstrated by library users, as well as co-workers. Introducing the concepts and displaying the effective marketing materials has been effective in one library - combined with a discussion of the challenges. I hope that all libraries can benefit from increased awareness and share that with our customers. 

Sarasota, FL

We opened new home health care business in March, we had an open house and ribbon cutting, many people from Venice and surrounding communities attended.  To this day we still receive thanks for such a nice event as well as wishing us well in our new business, that to us sure makes a difference 5 months later!

Venice, FL

I believe every single person CAN make a difference, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what your organization does.

Johnson City, TN

I saw the commercial on TV and went to your website and I really wanted to say "Thanks" for all that you are doing to spread this great truth and word.

If I may offer, I would really love sometime to help or even do testimonial to what you guys are doing or if I may help in any way, please contact me and let me know.  Thanks much!

Siesta Key, FL

A "pass it on" card was given to me a bit ago.  I found it delightful and loved the beauty and simplicity of the idea.  I visited your website, requested more, and have given to the guidance counselor at our children's school.  She loves your initiative as well.  Thank you for what you do.

Charleston, SC

Speak Kindly

This one is so very important – especially in the workplace where we spend so many hours with our workmates. Thanks for the reminder. I will always remember how my father taught me to be mindful of the people in our lives who “waited on us” so to speak – the store clerks, hamburger flippers, etc. I watched him interact in such a kind, funny way with so many folks, and to a person, I know his interaction made their day! It was a truly wonderful learning experience and one I try to remember too. By remembering my father to you, helps me to say a prayer on his behalf for all the goodness he spread in this world. Thanks for the reminder.

Venice, FL

We are getting quite a kick out of what we call "BIM."  Our office is bombarded daily, hourly, seems like every minute with requests that change the direction of our focus.  This leads to a lot of hustle and bustle and the opportunity to be abrupt in conversation and requests.

Our president has presented a key to civility at our last two staff meetings.  Starting next week, each staff member will present one at our next eight meetings.  We discuss the key and a short phrase that you send along and add what we think will work in our office climate.  I find myself using words like "kind" more often.  I also catch myself on responses to make certain they are "civil."  I truly notice a conscious effort starting with our president on down the ranks to bring civility into our workplace. 

Sarasota, FL

Because of "Because It Matters," civility has definitely been on my mind. Our workplace has started making Civility Matters Certificates and also doing activities which incorporate the 10 keys of civility.  What a nice feeling it is to give and receive those certificates and incorporate the 10 keys, it just makes everyone feel appreciated. My top priority has always been to respect others and thanks to Because It Matters, I think we will make a difference around the community and hopefully everywhere. Thanks again for helping make a difference!!! 

Sarasota, FL

A woman in the Charlotte airport helped me take my luggage through the terminal, out the door, and loaded it onto the car rental van because I had more luggage than I could handle myself.

Venice, FL

I believe in the importance of Cultural Capital as a component of Social Capital and that Art is a universal language critical to the diversity needed to engage in civic discourse that demonstrates Respect for Others, Positive Thinking; demonstrates that the community is Paying Attention to its residents across the lines of race and gender. Art can make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth. It speaks kindly of our interest in other cultures while creating opportunities for a community to say Thank You to its citizens via pertinent exhibitions.  When you accept the art of another's culture you are accepting their heritage as part of a bigger human picture. Thus, we Accept Others, Rediscover Silence through viewing and Listening. Art is Cool and through art we Keep Our Cool...because it all matters.

Sarasota, FL

I spent more than 10 years living in New York City where most folks are decent but civility is uncommon. The stress of living in the Big Apple is a cliche. But driving there is contact sport. I decided when I was there last to do things differently while driving. I let anyone and everyone (using eye contact and hand motions) to go ahead of me at all bridge and tunnel tolls. The smiles and waves I got in return were so rewarding. I now look for chances to allow stressed drivers here in Venice to get in the lanes they need or pass me, etc. The smiles are worth it - and I hope they pass it on. Kudos to the Foundation for this wonderful campaign.

Venice, FL

I remember my father explaining to me that 'people don't care how much you know, until you show how much YOU CARE'. 'BECAUSE IT MATTERS' We should watch our THOUGHTS...they become WORDS. Watch our WORDS...they become ACTIONS. Watch our ACTIONS...they become HABITS. Watch our HABITS...they become CHARACTER. Watch our CHARACTER, for it becomes our DESTINY. 

Florida

Just like the saying "Do unto others as you would want done to you." In this depressing world it is nice to hear there are those who think like you do.

Port Charlotte, FL

I just wanted to thank you for spending time telling my colleague and me about Because It Matters.  I received the materials in the mail and showed them to my friends and colleagues outside of the Johnson Center for Philanthropy.  Of course, everyone wants to know how they can get them - particularly my counseling practitioner friends.  We all want to champion the cause of bringing civility back into our daily lives and into vogue.

Grand Rapids, MI

In a recent visit to Eugene, OR I overheard an encounter in a small neighborhood grocery between the 20-something checkout guy and a silver-haired lady. He said he felt their last encounter had not been very nice and he felt they had always gotten along in the past. He apologized if he had done anything to cause bad feelings and offered his hand to her. She responded positively and said, No hard feelings, then checked out and left the shop. I was next in line and pulled a "pay it forward" card with the 10 Keys on it from the Because it Matters campaign. I explained to him as I gathered up my sack that it was because he was so gracious and civil to another person and it was a pleasure to witness. He smiled and thanked me. As I looked over my shoulder, he was studying the card - hopefully thinking about how he might Pay it Forward & Pass it On. 

Sarasota, FL

I learned of your site from my son who lives in Sarasota, FL.  Thank you for your message.  I am also interested in spreading a similar message that I share with my blog: www.maketheworldhappier.blogspot.com.  I would like to spread the existence of your web site to others.  Perhaps we can start something here in our little town.  I'll see what I can do. 

This is an amazing contribution to your city and its citizens.  Caring about their own thoughts and how they treat others is quite a concept.  Thank you for doing this and I hope it catches on across all the cities in Florida and beyond!  My home is Cleveland, Ohio and I definitely will take you home with me!

Cleveland, OH

I think the site is GORGEOUS!  I was waiting for it on October 3rd when it went live and forwarded it with a message to everyone in my professional and personal address books!  The study on Civility in the workplace was phenomenal.  I printed all of the checklist pages on the color printer and posted them on my bulletin board like wallpaper!  Now I've got people after me to tell them how to get the Becauseitmatters.net stuff.  My constituents want to share them at retreats and staff meetings. 

I'm going to do a piece on it for our blog and I'm also going to put something about it on my MySpace page.  It's really cool...

Grand Rapids, MI

I had a great experience sharing about Because It Matters!  I was at a local pub, watching a game, when I looked toward the television to catch the Because it Matters commercial! I was so excited and told the entire Shakespeare's Pub about the Initiative. I'm really proud to be a part of this, let me know if there's any way I can help!  

Sarasota, FL

The Because It Matters website looks great, and I really like how the Workplace Civility program turned out.  I'm proud to have been involved in such an important initiative. I look forward to hearing great things in the future about the difference it makes and hope that the model set in the Sarasota County area will spread far beyond.

Bradenton, FL

Thanks for this simple and meaningful program. I am having the 10 Keys to Civility laminated so that all of my staff have one copy for home and one at their desk. We all need these reminders to influence our behavior. 

Sarasota, FL 

Funny story… I did a 30 minute presentation for 25 real estate agents today on Because it Matters. I began my presentation with the quote, “Writer and Philosopher Lucius Seneca once said, “Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness”…(I think it came from the website.) This morning at 6:30 I walked out to my convertible...it was REALLY a convertible now because overnight the vandals sliced open my car from “ear to ear” and stole my satellite radio and other stuff I have accumulated I “Kept my Cool” and called the police department…said “Thank-you” that it was my car sliced up and not me…I am “Thinking Positively” because I was able to tell quite a few people today about the 10 Keys to Civility and how things ought to work. I had an opportunity to not only Talk the Talk...but Walk the Walk.

Venice, FL

Hi, I really like your website and I think if more people read what your website says the world would be a much better place.  After I saw the commercial I really liked it and wanted to go on the website.  It really inspired me and now I am going to use what it said and treat others more kindly and say thank you more often.  Well thanks for making the site it's really great!

Anonymous

I've been waiting for this website since hearing about it at the EDC Luncheon in Sarasota. I sure hope this catches on! One tip I'd like to share is a comment to the note sent from 'Bradenton'. They said they had thought only parents teach manners and civility. Please note that many parents no longer find this a part of parenting. Perhaps you should encourage others to teach children by example and do good deeds ESPECIALLY when they are watching. This could encourage our next generation, as well as the current receiver of the kindness. 

Sarasota, FL

I went to rent a convertible for a morning photo shoot and the car's top got stuck half way up. It would not go up or down. The manager called another office and the same thing happened. In a panic, I called Hertz at the airport and when I arrived the car was ready, the counter representative gave me a discount and expedited the process. He wished me well with a smile. So, thanks Bill at Hertz. You made a tough day terrific.

Venice, FL

Just wanted to report in that I handed out my first card last evening.  I had a screw in my automobile tire and I needed it to be removed and a plug inserted. I stopped at a shop that sells new tires and asked for mine to be repaired. Something that they don’t typically do. The young man asked his supervisor permission to assist me. The shop was about to close – his only motivation was being nice to me. When he finished I said “here’s $20 for your time and here’s something for your kindness.” He asked what the card was about and I told him to read it, save it and pass it along when someone goes out of their way to be nice to him. 

Sarasota, FL 

I just was reading about your organization. Anything, anyone, who promotes the resurrection of civility in this era, I will support.   When younger, I often thought I was the only parent who still taught manners to their children. I am relieved to know I am not the only one to notice a decline in just plain common courtesy when interacting with other people.  I have no story to tell. I just wish to offer my support in whatever way that I can.

Bradenton, FL