Embrace Diversity One Word at a Time

Is there someone in your school, neighborhood, or place of business who speaks a different language than you? If so, do you know how to say "hello" in their language? If you do, that's great! The next time you see them, greet them in their own language.

But if you don't know the word "hello" in another person's language, ask them to tell you. Or how about finding out yourself and surprising them with your knowledge of their language. Then

Share your knowledge.

Teach your new word to someone else. Help them learn to speak another language and communicate with someone of another nationality. And don't stop there. "Hello" is just the beginning. It's just one expression but you can easily learn more. Branch out one word at a time and you'll soon be on your way to connecting with and understanding other great cultures of our world.

In how many languages can you say "hello"?
Share your comments below.

25 Rules of Considerate Conduct

In "Choosing Civility", the popular book by Dr. P.M. Forni*, he included the 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct, listed below for your convenient review.
 
But don't just read it. Analyze each one...evaluate it, then share it. Can you think of something you'd like to add to the list? 

There are several ways you can use this list: as a personal checkup, as a school room reminder, as lessons for the little ones, or as a means to get other people involved in civil behavior. 

My personal favorite: Post the list on the refrigerator and pick one each day -- or even better, get the kids to pick one -- and use it as a topic of discussion during dinnertime. 

Whatever your particular preference, be sure to have fun with it -- fun with a civil purpose.

THE TWENTY-FIVE RULES OF CONSIDERATE CONDUCT 

1. Pay Attention
2. Acknowledge Others
3. Think the Best
4. Listen
5. Be Inclusive
6. Speak Kindly
7. Don't Speak Ill
8. Accept and Give Praise
9. Respect Even a Subtle "No"
10. Respect Others' Opinions
11. Mind Your Body
12. Be Agreeable
13. Keep It Down (and Rediscover Silence)
14. Respect Other People's Time
15. Respect Other People's Space
16. Apologize Earnestly
17. Assert Yourself
18. Avoid Personal Questions
19. Care for Your Guests
20. Be a Considerate Guest
21. Think Twice Before Asking for Favors
22. Refrain from Idle Complaints
23. Accept and Give Constructive Criticism
24. Respect the Environment and Be Gentle to Animals
25. Don't Shift Responsibility and Blame 

*Dr. Forni is co-founder of the Johns Hopkins Civility Project.
How do you plan to use this list? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Civility Thought of the Day - Sportsmanship

Begin a family discussion on sportsmanship. Help kids to understand the importance of being a good winner as well as how to lose gracefully. Following are thoughts that can serve as reminders for kids and adults. Read this together. Discuss it often. Post it on the frig or in the kids' room as a reminder.

A Real Winner**

When competing with others,
If you don't win
And find you're in the place
You hadn't planned to be in
The polite and courteous thing to do
Is congratulate those who competed with you
And although this is honorable and socially correct
Even better, it's a sign of your own self-respect.



The Spirit of Victors**

You may have been taught how to act when you lose
But here's an even bigger piece of news
There's a more important lesson that can be learned
By players, opponents, and all rivals concerned.
The lesson is this, and should always be
That a real victor wins respectfully.
They are pleased with themselves and show gratitude
They don't display arrogance or behavior that's rude
They consider opponents and how they might feel
And know that acting Big-headed is less than ideal
To Real Victors, a win is beyond the best score
Real Victors know winners can also be sore
So embrace the spirit like real victors ~ have fun
This way, everyone is victorious in the long run.

**Excerpts from my next book:

"Will You Help Me With My Manners, Please?"

& Other Soft Skills

The Teenager's Guide to Character Development

 

{Coming Soon}

 

Civility Thought of the Day

Treat Yourself Well

When we hear the word civility, our thoughts go to kindness and respect with regards to others, but not necessarily for ourselves. To consider others, you must first honor and consider yourself. To treat yourself well each and every day:

1. Take a few moments and remind yourself of how special you are.

2. Keep your mind and body healthy and clean. Not only from physical soil, but free of unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, such as lying, gossiping or bullying.

3. Keep a winning attitude.

4. Obey all rules of safety to remain free of harm.

5. Relax your mind and body on a regular basis; not just when there's nothing else to do.

6. Take time to notice the moment. Stop right now and pay attention to the things you were just taking for granted; your breathing, your heartbeat, the feel of the furniture that presently supports you. Become conscious of any sounds and smells around you that you weren't aware of a few moments ago.

7. Turn 'empty' moments into productive reflection. Look upon those moments as opportunities to create your wants and desires. Trust the moment, yourself and your desires. Then wait for them to show up.

Practice these for starters and you're automatically on your way to a civil life for yourself and others.



How do you remind yourself of your greatness? Share with us in the comments below.

Civility Thought of the Day ~~ It's Rude to Exclude

Excluding others is inconsiderate and causes hurt feelings. Sounds like a no-brainer, right?
Then why do so many of us find ourselves whispering and carrying on private conversations to someone while in the presence of others when we know it's rude?

Now I'm not talking about the low volume that you speak in public to prevent your voice from being too loud. I'm talking about the low mummers spoken directly into someone's ear, usually while hiding your mouth so your lips can't be read.



It's Rude to Exclude

If you only think of teenagers doing this as they hang out with their friends, think again. Sadly, many adults are guilty of this as well, and because of it, and the fact that so many others indulge in this kind of behavior, it is often viewed as acceptable. But it's not.

Rude behavior is NEVER acceptable.

What if you're the person being left out? What would you think or feel?
You'd probably feel like the topic of the hushed conversation -- whether you were or not, right?

So don't dismiss another person by giving all your attention to someone else who is right there with you. If someone wants to talk, giggle or whisper to you with another person present,

Choose Respect Over Disrespect

 

Politely tell them that you choose not to be rude.

Hopefully, they'll take your lead and become more considerate, themselves.


Have you found yourself in this situation? If so, were you the whisperer? The person being whispered to? Or the one excluded completely? What did you do? Did your actions make you feel proud or ashamed?

~~Please share your thoughts in the comments section below~~

The Meaning of Civility

         The Meaning of Civility

C      is for the CONFIDENCE I gain when I behave in respectful ways

And the way I’ll strive to be from now ‘til the end of my days

I         is for the IMAGE I work hard to polish and protect

To shine and sparkle whenever I treat others with respect

V      stands for core VALUES that serve as my relief

When I struggle over choices; they help me stick to my belief

I         is for INCLUSIVE – A broad respect for all mankind

That reminds us in life’s travels, to leave no one behind

L       is for LOVE of Environment that we show when we take care

                     Of our land, our Nation, each other; of our animals, our oceans and air

I        The last “I” is for IMMEDIATELY – which is when I plan to act

                     To help make this world much better and keep civility in tact

T       Urges us all to TURN our bad behaviors into good

And attempt to live responsibly; the way we know we should

Y       For this, I’ll just ask you: “Y-Not” take this time and pledge with me

To be a shining example, and a model of CIVILITY

For more on Civility Awareness Month,  Go here