AS SEEN IN….

ABOUT THE CIVILITY PROJECT

It’s hard to think of a time in recent memory where our nation felt more divided. It sometimes seems as if our national creed—“out of many, one”—would more aptly describe our country if it were “out of one, many.”

It may seem like an understatement to describe our current context as “uncivil.” But ours is an era marked by a decreasing ability to live alongside those with whom we have deep differences, and a disregard for humanity and dignity in every person—including those who are different than us, and those with whom we disagree.

The mission of The American Civility Project is to reverse this trend. By equipping children, students, leaders, and citizens alike to rediscover dignity at life’s everyday intersections, we aim to play a role in redeeming civility, citizenship and unity in our present age.

The American Civility Project – ACP (originally the American Project for Manners & Civility) was birthed in 2006.  Seeing the chaos and growing incivility across America, the pressing need to reach whole communities in a timely way with this vital message of kindness and civility was obvious, along with the need for a nonprofit organization, and so, ACP was born to make resource available for families and communities on a national scale.  Inner city families and schools are realizing the need to get back to basics.  Schools, churches and nonprofit organizations like Rotary, Kinsmen, Lions, etc., can come together with ACP to help restore civility and harmony to their communities.

True civility is moderating words and actions for the sake of respecting the dignity of other people. Through our resources, events and programs, The American Civility Project will offer a renewed vision of true civility, and how civility ought to look in contemporary society.

Our goal is to revive values-informed conduct that promotes human flourishing and good citizenship because the heart of our project is that all individuals have value and are deserving of respect—regardless of race, gender, religion, or political persuasion.

Join us as we embark on a journey to redeem civility

WELCOME FROM JUDI, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Welcome to The Civility Project! We’re glad you’ve joined us. We share your concern at the lack of civility in our society – in the media, schools, business, government or in our homes. Common courtesy is no longer common. Instead, we see rudeness and crudeness. Bullying and fighting. Stealing and cheating.
At The Civility Project, we believe the path to restoring civility in our nation begins in our homes, with mom and dad and grandma and grandpa, intentionally and organically passing on timeless principles of civility, character, kindness and manners. It has been said that “manners are the oil that lubricate society” – they just make everything work better and help people get along.
We are excited to partner with you as together we help restore civility in our nation, communities and families—and bring hope to a child and healing to our world.
Our vision at the Civility Project and my mission as The Manners Lady is to come along side parents and teachers with fun ways to help pass on these principles to our children. Children love to laugh and have fun, and as Aristotle reminded us, “That which is learned with laughter, you will never forget.” If we can get our children laughing and singing as we teach them manners, they will never forget what they have learned. After all, our manners are an outward expression of our inward character. We want to help inspire a new generation to live with the attitudes, words and actions that will bring our families and communities together. Strong families build strong communities. Strong communities build a strong nation

Judi Vankevich, The Manners Lady
Executive Director, The Civility Project

OUR STRATEGY

EDUCATION

We provide speakers on Civility and Civics, such as ACP President, Alexandra Hudson, a much-requested speaker for corporations, conferences, and universities. Judi Vankevich loves to celebrate Kindness and Civility at her Manners Lady concerts and Civility forums for businesses and schools.

INSPIRATION

“That which is learned with laughter is never forgotten.” Aristotle

Through our seminars, presentations and concerts, we want to make learning manners and kindness fun! 

ACTION PROJECTS

Our Action Projects are meeting needs across the nation as we empower youth to have a larger vision for their lives and to see the need to be intentional in living with kindness and character.

CIVILITY ACTION PROJECTS

Hi Friends! Here are 8 Civility “Actions Projects” that might be fun and meaningful for your family, schools, church or temple, or your community to help promote civility and kindness!

The Kindness Concept

Every family, school, church, or organization can focus on Kindness Day… all year long! Here are a few ideas for Celebrating Kindness Day!
Download the attached letters to schools or churches…   read more

The Kindness Concept

Every family, school, church, or organization can focus on Kindness Day… all year long! Here are a few ideas for Celebrating Kindness Day!
Download the attached letters to schools or churches…   read more

“Never Better — Proud to Be American” Project

Enjoy the patriotic story of Fred–inspired by a true story. Fred came to his new country and embraced all that America had to offer. He worked hard at school, sang his new national anthem with pride, and helped other immigrants learn English too…..   Read More

The Kindness Concept

Every family, school, church, or organization can focus on Kindness Day… all year long! Here are a few ideas for Celebrating Kindness Day!
Download the attached letters to schools or churches…   read more

The Kindness Concept

Every family, school, church, or organization can focus on Kindness Day… all year long! Here are a few ideas for Celebrating Kindness Day!
Download the attached letters to schools or churches…   read more

The Kindness Concept

Every family, school, church, or organization can focus on Kindness Day… all year long! Here are a few ideas for Celebrating Kindness Day!
Download the attached letters to schools or churches…   read more

MEDIA CENTER

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Renowned Psychiatrist Smiley Blanton noted, “80% of my patients would not be in my office if their parents had taught them manners— how to get along in society.”

Dr. Smiley Blanton, Renowned Psychiatrist

“Judi Vankevich aka The Manners Lady, is influencing the next generation through her Civility Project and her powerful Manners Lady programs. In a winsome, attractive, fun and exciting way using music, visuals and mnemonic devices, she is helping young children (and adults!) learn the powerful principle of civilized living. Bravo! Every school and family needs her material!”

Dr. Ted Baehr, Chairman, Movieguide

“The Manners Lady comes along at the right time with the right information. In a loving,
exciting and inspirational way, she “sells” manners, then teaches them! It’s good stuff! I wish Judi and her music had been around when my kids were growing up, but I’m going to make sure all my grandchildren learn from her! Judi’s CD needs to be in every home in North America!”

Zig Ziglar, International Motivational Speaker

“Judi The Manners Lady has a gift for reaching children.  Her contagious joy and exciting music inspires children to honor their parents, respect their elders and live by The Golden Rule as they learn the vital social skills they need to be first-class citizens. My three kids loved Judi’s music.  Her CD was worn out between our car and home.  Every school, church and home with young children will love The Manners Lady!”

David Spady, Salem Radio Network

“I had a great time at Judi’s concert – and stayed till the very end!  If everyone did what Judi is teaching, I’d be out of a job!
Her work is important to the future of our country and our society.”  Armand La Barge, Chief of Police, York Regional Police”

Armande LeBarge, Police Chief, York

“If more people would learn what Judi is teaching, we’d have fewer teens
in trouble and fewer people in jail.”

Mark Earley, Prison Fellowship (Former)

“Judi stresses life skills and values such as respect,
empathy and self-confidence.”

The Boston Globe

“My son loves Judi’s CD. After 3 days, we noticed amazing changes in his behavior! He was obeying ‘right away without delay” and he said, ‘Look mom! I’m wearing my ‘happy eyes!’ not my ‘mean eyes’! He also started setting the table because he loved the story of the Princess Spoon and the Evil Mr. Fork. But the highlight was when Lucas asked, “Is there anything else you would like me to do?’

Greg Strom, Music Producer, Vancouver

“God Almighty has set before me two great objects,
the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.”

William Wilberforce, 19th Century British Member of Parliament, Abolitionist