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Chambers Showcase Commitment to Civility

In the aftermath of election day, with deep political dives and polarization, we believe there is a role for chambers of commerce to promote patience and civility. Here are a few examples of chambers that are working to reduce polarization and improve civil discourse. Share your chamber’s initiatives with me at wburns@acce.org.

• The Salt Lake Chamber, along with the signatories from the business community, issued a statement last week promoting patience and civility regarding the election.
• Greater Des Moines Partnership CEO Jay Byers, CCE, IOM, co-authored an op-ed outlining the urgent need for communities to address big challenges with civility, decency and respect.
• The Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber launched the Indivisible Initiative, which seeks to repair the community’s divisions through intentional acts of compassion, kindness and respect.
• The Greater Naples Chamber’s Leadership Collier Foundation Alumni Association is making civility a priority and exploring how leaders can heal division through civil discourse.
• Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia President & CEO Rob Wonderling sent a message to his membership, drawing inspiration from the words of his incoming chair and reaffirming the chamber’s commitment to leading with civility and collaboration.
• As a result of the deterioration of civility in public discourse, the San Luis Obispo Chamber created a code of civilityto govern behavior at candidate forums and similar events.   

What We're Reading 

• At the state level, voters went to the polls this week to elect 5,877 state representatives and 11 governors, and to decide 120 statewide ballot measures. Multistate Associated shared its post-election analysis and its Elections Dashboard.
• Chambers were active in several major referenda for transportation and transit projects went to the voters as well. Here is an overview of a few of the major initiatives from The Transport Politic.
• In a recent post, consultant Hardy Smith encourages organizations to take time to plan your 2021 planning activities.  
• Fortune: Getting involved in diversity and inclusion is optional. That’s a problem.
• McKinsey & Company: Understanding organizational barriers to a more inclusive workplace.
• Inside Higher Ed: Employer-Based College Programs Here to Stay.
• Congratulations to the San Francisco Chamber on its 170^thanniversary.