Last month, members of the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health gathered in the Senate Rules Room to participate in a half-day Civic Health Retreat, led and facilitated by the National Institute of Civil Discourse (NICD).
Legislators discussed what it means to be “civil,” why we are becoming less “civil” as a society, and how we can improve our public discourse to be more respectful and effective, especially when we attempt to resolve conflicts or or address complex public policy.
Committee members frequently identified social media as one of the main factors behind the current state of our civic health. “We have no more 1:1 interactions,” said Rep. Stephanie Barnard, suggesting that online anonymity has made it easier for people to dehumanize their fellow citizens.
Furthermore, our leaders serve as powerful role models for how their constituents engage or interact with one another. “Leaders need to make examples for their constituents,” said Rep. My-Linh Thai. “Politics becomes less civil because of us.”
The structure of the Washington State Legislature was among the examples cited of why we must be able to work together to resolve conflicts. With 50 minimum votes in the House, 25 minimum votes in the Senate, and 1 vote from the Governor, it would be quite challenging to pass a bill by yourself.
Members also widely agreed that we must be able to see beyond what divides us to what unites us, and to focus on what we have in common instead of our differences. “You can still get along but hold true to your beliefs,” said Rep. Tom Dent.
There is consensus among members that civility is not about ignoring our differences, nor is it a sign of weaknesses. It is not about giving up on one’s principles, and it is not a tool for silencing the vocal minority.
So, what is “civility?” To the committee members, it means:
- Engaging our differences
- Listening for understanding
- Conversing with empathy and humility
- Principled advocacy
- Looking for common ground
- Working together toward creative solutions
The retreat ended after the NICD facilitators allowed each member to share the origin stories behind their decision to have a career in public service. We heard a handful of stories about their childhood, financial and/or emotional hardships, immigration journeys, and experiences from various backgrounds, including law enforcement, farming, and activism.
One of the key takeaways that NICD facilitators wanted to reinforce was the best practice of sharing each other’s perspectives and experiences. “Share your own journey and people will open up,” said Thom Little, State Legislative Program Director of the NICD, “because it is difficult to hate someone you know.”