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Summer 2013 City Hall - 3800 Laverne Avenue North - Lake Elmo, Minnesota 55042 (651) 747-3900 Community is most fre- quently defined as a group of people sharing common characteristics or interests. The key to building stronger commu- nities is the ability to find a common ground that honors a wide variety of viewpoints and beliefs. It is fairly safe to proclaim that citi- zens of Lake Elmo share a collective vision of living and working in an environment that is vibrant, offers a high quality of life, and enhances the natural, open space en- vironment. It is also fair to say that not every citizen has the same ideas on how to achieve this vision; especially when addressing change. In an effort to respect diverse attitudes and opinions, a group of community leaders have partnered with City of- ficials and staff to launch an initiative called ‘Speak Your Peace’. This effort provides the tools necessary for reach- ing agreements in a respectful and efficient manner. The campaign is centered on the Nine Tools of Civility, they are: Pay Attention, Listen, Be Inclusive, Don’t Gossip, Show Respect, Seek Common Good, Repair Damaged Relationships, Give Constructive Criticism, and Take Re- sponsibility. “The City of Lake Elmo is embarking on a period of inevi- table growth, which will affect every citizen of Lake Elmo in some capacity,” said Mike Reeves, campaign repre- sentative. “It is more important now for citizens to get engaged in our community. Speak Your Peace will equip us to address upcoming changes collaboratively, proac- tively, and respectfully.” The Nine Tools of Civility don’t only apply to efficient lo- cal government. Every group including church bodies, service organizations, school groups, and the workplace, can benefit from the principles of Speak Your Peace. The campaign offers the tools necessary to communicate more effectively, and become more productive as a result. The campaign was officially launched with City Council passing a resolution on April 16, 2013 to incorporate the Nine Tools of Civility as the foundation for conducting business of the council. The resolution was affirmed by city commissioners and introduced to the public with a community Speak Your Peace pledge signing event on May 22, 2013. Residents are welcomed and encouraged to sign the pledge, which is on display at City Hall. The next phase includes bringing customized presentations to groups and organizations in the community, introducing the tools and providing skills training. For more informa- tion or to schedule a presentation, visit www.SpeakYour- PeaceLakeElmo.org. Building A Stronger Community City Hall - 3800 Laverne Avenue North - Lake Elmo, Minnesota 55042 (651) 747-3900 Above, City Administer Dean Zuleger speaks to a room full of Lake Elmo residents and community leaders that gathered at City Hall on May 22 to sign the Speak Your Peace pledge and to support the vision of a stronger community. Left, the Speak Your Peace pledge is on display in the lobby of City Hall, awaiting new signatures. Lake Elmo Speak Your Peace campaign strengthens community in a civil way