FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                       July 31, 2023



CAMILLA, GEORGIA – The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) has been designated as an Organization of Civility by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). Southwest Georgia Regional Commission adopted a civility resolution in GMA’s Embrace Civility program on July 27, 2023.

A 2019 poll by Weber Shandwick revealed that over 90% percent of Americans believe that incivility is a problem, with nearly 68% percent identifying it as a major problem. Civility is more than just politeness; it is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, listening past one’s preconceptions and teaching others to do the same.

“I strongly believe in this resolution that the Council of the SWGRC adopted tonight at our regular council meeting,” said SWGRC Executive Director Suzanne Angell. “It is of utmost importance, especially in recent times, that we treat each other with respect, courtesy and kindness, even when we don’t have the same views and opinions. I applaud our Council for taking this pledge and for committing our organization to this standard and I appreciate GMA giving us the opportunity to be included in the Embrace Civility program.”

GMA, in partnership with Georgia City Solutions (GCS), a nonprofit organization managed by the Association, created the Embrace Civility program to equip Georgia’s cities and partner organizations with resources to create more civility in their meetings and among their residents, the general public, and meeting attendees. Civil behavior and speech are critically important to a healthy, functional, and respectful society. For public service to be effective, there must be an atmosphere of respect and tolerance and a commitment to a healthy public exchange of diverse ideas and viewpoints.

“I commend the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission for embracing civility and adopting the resolution to become a GMA Organization of Civility,” said GMA CEO and Executive Director Larry Hanson. “We believe that Georgia’s cities and partner organizations have a great platform to model open, free, and vigorous debate, while maintaining the highest standards of civility, honesty, and mutual respect.”

To become an Organization of Civility, the board of directors (governing council/commission) is required to adopt a Civility Resolution and pledge to engage in civil behavior with each other as well as with the public and meeting attendees. Organizations also have a civility pledge that can be published or recited at meetings. Learn more about the Embrace Civility program at www.gacities.com/civility.