The Greater Akron Civility Center
hosted by
The Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
“Since I began actively working to improve civility and create more productive public engagement eight years ago, I’ve been saying that civility isn’t just about being nicer to each other - civility allows us to do a better job of serving the public through dialogue and compromise. I believe that making self-government function again will be the work of my generation, our great challenge. I salute The University of Akron and I’m proud that a university from my home town is helping lead the charge for this important cause.”
- Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose
Mission
To set standards for civility; provide resources to promote civility and prevent incivility; coordinate an annual summit celebrating civility; and, most importantly, create a culture of civility in the Greater Akron community.
ALSO SEE
Sign the pledge
Greater Akron Civility Compact
We, the undersigned members of the greater Akron community, pledge to practice and encourage civility in our community.
Our goals are to set standards for civility; provide resources to promote civility and prevent incivility; coordinate an annual summit celebrating civility; and, most importantly, create a culture of civility in the Greater Akron community.
To aid this endeavor, we are supporting the creation of the Civility Center, which will be housed and maintained by the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at The University of Akron, with advice from a representative committee of community leaders.
“Let there be civility on Earth and let it begin with us!”
Advisory Committee Members
- Dr. John Green
Interim President, The University of Akron
Director, Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
- Ms. Carla L. Chapman
Director of Community Relations, Akron Public Schools
- Rev. Mark Ford
Executive Director of Love Akron
- Ms. Greta Johnson
Assistant Chief of Staff and Public Information Officer
Office of Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro
- Rev. Dr. Carl P. Wallace
Co-Convenor, Akron Faith Community
- Mr. Bruce Winges
Editor and Vice President, Akron Beacon Journal and Ohio.com
- Dr. Matthew P. Akers
Public Liaison, Office of the President, The University of Akron
Assistant Director, Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
Watch the ceremony
Questions?
Contact Dr. Matthew Akers at akers1@uakron.edu.