wfn.org | Radio Series Promotes Civility

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

CONTACT: Linda Green
(10-71B){165}
	   Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470		    March 19,
1998

Radio series champions qualities
of civility and politeness

by Nancye Willis*

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- United Methodist Communications (UMCom) has produced
a radio series that combines the Golden Rule with music to emphasize the
act of being civil.
 "Civility," produced by the radio ministries unit of UMCom, is a series
of 30- and 60-second radio spots designed to reach listeners who are
likely in the midst of "drive time," battling traffic jams or thinking
ahead to the workplace and its inherently difficult situations. 
The series combines Golden-Rule principles outlined by Jesus in the
Sermon on the Mount with non-mainstream music -- including
revival-gospel, rock and opera -- and a sense of humor.
In Webster's dictionary, "civility" means courtesy or politeness
--qualities that have been waning in modern-day society.
The radio spots are an answer to those in society who are calling for a
return to treating others with respect and good manners. Those calling
for a comeback of civility include the denominationwide committee
charged with restoring unity to the 8.5 million-member United Methodist
Church, New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and UMCom.
The unity committee outlines "10 Guidelines for Civility" when airing
theological and other differences; Giuliani asks citizens of the Big
Apple and beyond to treat one another more kindly; and UMCom is
releasing a new series of public-service announcements to every U.S.
radio station, emphasizing good, old-fashioned civility as a "goodwill
solution to anger pollution." 
The committee, Giuliani and UMCom promote the basic idea of "Give what
you'd like to receive."
"'Civility' emphasizes a major commitment, or at least the willingness
to count for good," said UMCom's Bill Wolfe, who was instrumental in
developing the series. "It urges a person to live out his or her best
intentions." 
The music, combined with "character" voices including Surfer Dude,
Proper Brit and Harried Preppie, addresses everyday situations, such as
road rage, supermarket courtesy and respect for others' opinions. 
In fact, in a letter to station program directors, the producers of
"Civility" call it "our most ambitious public service announcement
project yet. . . an off-the-wall, fun way to treat a serious subject,
one we all recognize - anger. Whether it is called rage, violence or
rudeness, it happens every day."
	The stations are invited to claim the project and a call to
civility as their own. 
	 As a public service announcement, "Civility" is used in
non-purchased time on the radio, at the discretion or whim of the
program director. Input from the audience never hurts, Wolfe says.
"If you really want to hear a positive message about doing good to
others, you can approach your local radio station and ask about
'Civility,'" he adds. "Often, the station will run the spots as a
gesture of community interest."
For more information on "Civility" or any of Public Media's other radio
and TV resources, such as "take 5" and "Move On," contact UMCom's Public
Media Marketing Division at (800) 476-7766.  
# # #
	*Willis is a staff member in the marketing unit at United
Methodist Communications.

United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/