August is National Civility Month, and I have been reflecting on what civility looks like beyond simply being polite. To me, it means treating people with dignity, listening with care, and choosing to show up for one another—especially during moments when support is needed most. Recently, I have seen meaningful examples of that spirit throughout MACC’s work.
At Feeding the Community, partners came together to provide residents with a delicious meal, helpful resources, and an opportunity to connect. The gratitude expressed by residents was a meaningful reminder that sharing food and creating a welcoming space can communicate care, respect, and belonging. We witnessed that same sense of care at the Restore & Rise Educator Wellness Summit. Educators spend so much of their time supporting students, families, and communities. Creating space for them to pause, reconnect, and focus on their own well-being was another way of saying, “You matter, too.”
Our July learning opportunities also encouraged thoughtful conversations about restorative practices, substance use across the lifespan, loneliness, loss, and the importance of approaching people without judgment. Although each topic was different, they shared a common thread: people are more likely to feel supported when they know they will be heard, respected, and met with compassion.
These experiences remind us that civility is not passive. It is reflected in what we do.
It is making sure people feel welcomed and no one is overlooked. It is checking on a neighbor after a storm. It is making room for someone who needs rest. It is listening to a difficult story without rushing to judgment. It is offering patience during a challenging conversation and remaining open to perspectives that differ from our own.
Civility does not mean avoiding disagreement or pretending that difficult circumstances do not exist. It means navigating those moments without losing sight of another person’s humanity.
As summer begins to wind down and many of us prepare for fuller fall schedules, I encourage each of us to carry that spirit forward. Look for small opportunities to listen, include, encourage, and reconnect. Those everyday choices strengthen relationships and help create communities where more people feel valued and supported.
Sometimes showing up may involve a major community effort. Other times, it may be a conversation, a kind word, or an invitation to sit at the table. Every act matters.
Erica C. Crawley, JD, MPA
Executive Director
