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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 Co...
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