I’m recently back from the Maryland Municipal League summer conference (an annual gathering of municipal leaders in the state), and one of the biggest highlights for me was the opening keynote given by Tim Shriver centered on The Dignity Index.

In his talk, Mr. Shriver described the ‘contempt industrial complex’ that’s evolved over the years, where, as described by sociologists like Arthur Brooks, we’ve unfortunately created an ‘addiction to contempt’ and which is taken advantage of by media and algorithms to drive ‘engagement’ to their platforms but also sadly driven us apart.

But, as Mr. Shriver quoted from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ‘you can’t use hatred to defeat hatred’. Part of the solution he proposed: Commit to honoring everyone’s dignity, even (or especially), when things get heated. How can you do this? It begins with recognizing where your own language falls on The Dignity Index illustrated below – conversations characterized by phrases “5” and above can be helpful and productive, while conversations exhibiting the phrases from “4” or below can be harmful or even dangerous.

Being able to exhibit and promote healthy conversation has been a critical cornerstone for me, and I really resonated with Mr. Shriver’s message. Added to that, I’ve taken The Dignity Pledge to exhibit these principles in my public service.

You can learn more about The Dignity Index and their work with schools, businesses, youth, organization and more at their website, and I humbly encourage you to also consider joining me in taking The Dignity Pledge.