Quick Poll

Community & Civility

Small towns are built on relationships. When we engage with each other (in person, at Council meetings, or online) we either strengthen our community or diminish it. The choice is ours. I hope we can all strive to be kind in all our interactions.

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My Commitment

I'm committed to engaging respectfully, even when we disagree. I believe in listening more than talking and remembering that behind every opinion is a neighbor who cares about this community.

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What I Ask

Disagreement is healthy. But how we disagree matters. When engaging online or in public forums:

• Assume good intent, even when you disagree

• Focus on ideas, not personal attacks

• Remember that tone is hard to read online: what feels passionate to you might feel aggressive to someone else

• Ask yourself: would I say this face-to-face with my neighbor?

• Recognize that reasonable people can reach different conclusions from the same information

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About Social Media

I don't use social media comments or direct messages. For real conversations, email me at cmacleod@irricana.com—I respond personally to every message.

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The Small Town Difference

In Irricana, we see each other at the grocery store, the school, community events. The person you're disagreeing with online might be the one who helps you shovel your driveway or coaches your kid's team.

That's not a reason to stay silent: it's a reason to engage thoughtfully. Civility isn't weakness; it's what makes community possible.

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When Things Get Heated

If you find yourself getting heated online:

• Step away from the keyboard

• Ask yourself: would I say this to their face?

• Consider reaching out directly instead of posting publicly

• Remember you can't un-send something on the internet

• If someone is unkind to you, resist the urge to respond in kind. Breaking the cycle starts with one person choosing differently.

 

Final Thought

Small towns thrive when we choose kindness.