This past weekend, we were devastated by the horrifying news that Minnesota legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in an act of political violence. Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife also were shot and remain in serious condition, according to published reports.
There are no words to capture this heartbreaking tragedy. Melissa and John were dedicated public servants who chose a life of dialogue, compromise, and service. One is now gone forever. Others are fighting for their lives. Their families, friends, and colleagues are forever changed.
Enough is enough.
Violence is never the answer to a disagreement. In a nation built on democratic ideals, we must vow to resolve conflict through respectful debate. Somewhere along the way, anger and judgment have replaced empathy and humility. We’ve allowed self-righteousness to divide communities and dehumanize those with whom we disagree.
At Community Associations Institute, we know community strength lies in the ability to work together even when we have opposing views. Our legislative action committees across the country collaborate closely with lawmakers like Melissa and John. We listen. We engage. We compromise. We share the belief that stronger communities begin with respectful conversation.
These leaders are human beings just like you and me. They deserve to be safe.
In that spirit, I am sending a personal message on behalf of CAI’s members to all 541 members of the U.S. Congress, including the House of Representatives and the Senate, and to more than 8,000 state legislators serving in their state capitols and the District of Columbia. The message expresses our support for their leadership and courage, our gratitude for their public service, and our shared commitment to promoting civility in the communities we serve.
I’m asking all CAI members; board members, community managers, business partners, homeowners, and neighbors to take CAI’s Civility Pledge. Not to just sign it, but live it. Let’s model leading with empathy and courage, listening before reacting, and creating an environment to really hear different perspectives.
Join me in living and leading by example. Let’s be the steady voice, the open heart, and the pillar of responsible citizenship our communities and country so urgently need.
Civility starts with us. Take the pledge today: www.caionline.org/civilitypledge
