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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION DECLARING AUGUST AS CIVILITY MONTH IN COOK COUNTY AND ENCOURAGING THE USE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE TO PROMOTE RESPECTFUL DIALOGUE, STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES, AND ADVANCE VIOLENCE PREVENTION
WHEREAS, Cook County recognizes that safe, healthy, and thriving communities are built upon trust, mutual respect, civic engagement, and the ability of residents to engage in meaningful dialogue despite differences of opinion; and
WHEREAS, civility is defined as demonstrating and maintaining respectful behavior toward one another, especially when disagreements arise, recognizing that treating others with dignity and respect does not require agreement but instead reflects a commitment to constructive engagement and democratic participation; and
WHEREAS, August is recognized nationally as National Civility Awareness Month, an opportunity to encourage individuals, organizations, educational institutions, faith communities, businesses, and governments to promote respectful communication, understanding, and collaboration; and
WHEREAS, on May 30, 2026, the Illinois House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 924, declaring August 2026 as Civility Month in the State of Illinois and recognizing South Suburban College for its commitment to promoting respectful dialogue, civic engagement, inclusion, and community-building; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Anthony Williams spearheaded the statewide effort to establish Civility Month in Illinois after years of advocacy centered on the belief that civility serves as an antidote to violence by creating opportunities for understanding, healing, and peaceful conflict resolution; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Williams has been a national leader in advancing violence prevention as a public health priority, including his advocacy leading to Illinois recognizing violence as a public health crisis in 2021, inspired in part by the tragic loss of his son, Nehemiah Williams, to gun violence in 2018; and
WHEREAS, Cook County has similarly embraced public health approaches to violence prevention, recognizing that reducing violence requires investments in behavioral health, trauma-informed care, education, youth opportunity, economic stability, restorative justice, and stronger community relationships; and
WHEREAS, civility is strengthened through the practice of Emotional Intelligence, defined as the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions while recognizing and responding effectively to the emotions and perspectives of others; and
WHEREAS, Emotional Intelligence encompasses the interconnected principles of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, all of which foster healthier communication, respectful disagreement, stronger relationships, and more resilient communities; and
WHEREAS, practicing civility through Emotional Intelligence includes listening without interruption, respecting differing viewpoints, seeking common ground, distinguishing facts from opinions, asking thoughtful questions, modeling respectful behavior, separating people from problems, and working collaboratively toward solutions; and
WHEREAS, civility extends beyond politeness by creating opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, beliefs, and perspectives to better understand one another while preserving dignity and strengthening democratic institutions; and
WHEREAS, fostering civility throughout Cook County supports ongoing efforts to reduce violence, improve mental and behavioral health outcomes, increase civic participation, build trust in public institutions, and strengthen relationships among residents, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and government; and
WHEREAS, Cook County encourages residents to practice civility both in person and online, recognizing that respectful engagement across all forms of communication contributes to healthier communities and a stronger democracy;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby declares August as Civility Month in Cook County and encourages all residents, municipalities, schools, colleges and universities, faith-based organizations, community organizations, businesses, and public agencies to observe the month through educational programming, service opportunities, community conversations, and initiatives that promote respectful dialogue, inclusion, empathy, and civic engagement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners encourages residents to utilize the principles of Emotional Intelligence-including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management-to strengthen relationships, resolve conflicts peacefully, and foster greater understanding across differences; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes and commends Reverend Anthony Williams for his visionary leadership in advancing civility throughout Illinois and for his longstanding commitment to violence prevention, public health, and community healing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners also recognizes South Suburban College for its leadership in promoting civic engagement, respectful dialogue, inclusion, and community-building throughout the Southland and Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that suitable copies of this Resolution be presented to Reverend Anthony Williams, Dr. Lynette Stokes, President of South Suburban College, and other appropriate partners as a token of our respect and esteem.
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