Civility panel hopes to elevate discourse

The Idaho Civility Summit wrapped up on a positive note today, with participants including elected officials, civic leaders and members of the press backing several moves to enhance civil discourse in the state, from education and training in the schools to apossible civility pledge to formation of more City Clubs around the state. “The incivility that is rampant in our national media and political environment is seeping into Idaho, and these Idaho leaders have expressed they want to do something about it,” said Carolyn Lukensmeyer, executive director of the National Institute for Civil Discourse at the University of Arizona. “I think Idaho is in a position to model for other states both short-term and long-term actions that can be taken to ensure civility and effective public decision-making”/ Betsy Russell , Eye on Boise. More here.

Question: Do you think this is a good exercise. Or a pie-in-the-sky approach to civility?