Word of the Day: Civility (CRC) | Respect Opens Every Door

Every young person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued: in school, at home, on the court, in a barbershop, and throughout the community. One powerful way to help create that kind of environment is through a simple daily practice: treating people with respect.

Today’s Word of the Day is civility.

Civility can help young men and boys build confidence, strengthen relationships, communicate clearly, and move through the world with purpose. It is not about being perfect or staying quiet when something is wrong. It is about choosing respectful words and actions while standing firmly in your values.

In St. Petersburg and throughout Pinellas County, families and community partners are helping young people turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth. At The Competitive Readers Coalition (CRC), literacy is more than reading words on a page. It is also about learning how to listen, express yourself, solve problems, and contribute to a stronger community.

What Does “Civility” Mean?

According to Merriam-Webster, civility means “civilized conduct; especially: courtesy, politeness.” It can also mean “a polite act or expression.”

In everyday language, civility is the practice of treating people with consideration.

That can look like:

• Saying “please” and “thank you.”

• Listening without interrupting.

• Greeting someone warmly.

• Disagreeing without insulting.

• Giving others room to speak.

• Showing respect to classmates, coaches, barbers, teachers, family members, and neighbors.

• Taking responsibility when your words or actions hurt someone.

Civility is not weakness. It is a form of self-control and self-awareness. It shows that you can manage your response, even when a situation is frustrating.

A respectful person can still be courageous. A confident young man can still be kind. In fact, civility often gives people the strength to lead without creating unnecessary conflict.

The Origin of the Word

Merriam-Webster traces civility through Middle English and Anglo-French to the Latin word civilitas, from civilis.

This history connects civility with the idea of public life and responsible citizenship. That connection matters because civility is not only about individual manners. It is also about how we help shape the spaces we share.

When young people practice civility, they help create classrooms where others can learn, teams where everyone can contribute, and neighborhoods where people feel safer and more connected.

One respectful action may seem small. But repeated every day, those actions can help transform the culture around us.

Why Civility Supports Success

Success is built through skills, relationships, and trust. Civility strengthens all three.

A student who listens carefully is more prepared to learn. A young athlete who respects teammates and opponents is more likely to become a trusted leader. A reader who can discuss a book thoughtfully is developing communication skills that will matter in high school, college, the workplace, and civic life.

Civility can also help young people recover from mistakes. When a child can say, “I was wrong,” “I’m sorry,” or “Can we try that again?” the conversation does not have to end in embarrassment. It can become a moment of growth.

That is why CRC connects literacy with identity, confidence, and community participation. Through FROM THE BARBERSHOP TO THE BOARDROOM, young people encounter books, conversations, mentors, and encouragement in barbershops and other trusted community spaces across Pinellas County.

These familiar spaces can become vibrant learning environments where a young man practices reading aloud, asks questions, learns a new word, and discovers that his voice matters.

Civility supports that experience. It helps young people understand that every person in the room has value, and that they have a responsibility to help others feel valued, too.

Civility in Action

A word becomes meaningful when we use it. Here are a few ways young men and boys can practice civility throughout the day.

At School

Before class begins, greet your teacher or another student. During a discussion, listen to the full idea before responding. If you disagree, try saying:

“I see it differently because…”

That sentence creates room for conversation instead of conflict.

Civility also means respecting the learning environment. Put away distractions when it is time to focus, give classmates a chance to participate, and ask for help without putting yourself or someone else down.

While Reading

Reading builds empathy because books introduce us to different experiences, viewpoints, and possibilities.

After reading a story, ask:

• What would I have done in that situation?

• How did the character show respect?

• Did the character change after listening to someone else?

• What would a civil response sound like?

At home, a caregiver and child can take turns reading a page or paragraph. Each person gets a chance to speak, listen, and encourage the other reader. That simple routine builds vocabulary and strengthens connection.

In Sports

Civility does not disappear when the score gets close.

A respectful athlete congratulates a teammate, helps someone up, follows the rules, and responds to a referee or coach without disrespect. Winning feels good, but character lasts longer than a final score.

Try this: after practice or a game, name one teammate’s effort, not just one person’s talent. Saying, “I noticed how you kept hustling,” can help build confidence and teamwork.

Through Service

Service gives civility a place to grow.

A young person can help organize books, hold a door, clean up a shared space, assist a younger child, or check on a neighbor. At CRC, these moments connect reading with civic engagement. Young people learn that their actions can improve the spaces they call home.

Through CRC’s 8-program family, including Youth Workforce Development and Training, young people are encouraged to build communication, leadership, and professional skills that support their journey from the shop to the professional world.

Civility is part of that preparation. Employers, mentors, customers, and community partners notice people who can communicate respectfully, accept feedback, and work well with others.

Try This Today

Complete the sentence:

“I can practice civility today by __________________________________________.”

Here are a few possibilities:

• “I can practice civility today by listening before I respond.”

• “I can practice civility today by thanking someone who helped me.”

• “I can practice civility today by encouraging a teammate.”

• “I can practice civility today by speaking respectfully when I disagree.”

• “I can practice civility today by helping take care of a shared space.”

Write your sentence, say it aloud, or share it with someone you trust. Then look for one opportunity to put it into action.

Caregiver Prompt

Ask your child:

“Tell me about a time when someone showed you respect. How did that make you feel, and how can you show that same respect to someone else?”

Give your child time to answer without rushing to correct or complete the thought. Listening is one of the clearest ways to model civility.

You can also share a moment from your own life when respectful communication helped you solve a problem, build trust, or move forward. These conversations show young people that civility is not just a school rule. It is a life skill.

One Word, Many Open Doors

Civility helps young people open doors to learning, leadership, friendship, teamwork, and opportunity.

It can change the tone of a classroom. It can help a team recover after a disagreement. It can turn a barbershop conversation into a mentoring moment. It can give a young man the confidence to speak with clarity while making room for someone else’s voice.

At CRC, we believe every word can become a building block for a stronger future. When young people see themselves represented, receive encouragement, and practice skills in trusted community spaces, they gain more than vocabulary. They gain tools for navigating life with confidence and purpose.

Let’s keep encouraging young readers to be thoughtful, courageous, and respectful. Let’s help them understand that civility is not about making themselves smaller. It is about using their strength in a way that helps the whole community rise.

Respect opens doors. Civility helps us walk through them together.

Learn More and Get Involved

Explore the work of The Competitive Readers Coalition, learn about CRC’s programs, or visit crcbooks.org/getinvolved to join the movement.

Connect with The Competitive Readers Coalition on LinkedIn.