Civic Values Quotes

“Democracy is not something we have by divine right. It is a hard-won privilege granted to us by those who came before us and fought for it. These were people who knew the tyranny and injustice of oppressive masters who would deny ordinary people a voice and basic human rights, such as freedom of expression and association. But we forget that democracy requires an active, informed, and engaged citizenry that seeks the well-being of all, not just their gang, in order to thrive.”
― Diane Kalen-Sukra, Save Your City: How Toxic Culture Kills Community & What to Do About It

“As much as we like to say "every vote counts", a much richer understanding of what creates and maintains thriving democracies is "every heart counts".”
― Diane Kalen-Sukra, Save Your City: How Toxic Culture Kills Community & What to Do About It

“In a democracy, we are all trusted cup-bearers to each other, commissioned by our common purpose and citizenship to be city builders and community builders.”
― Diane Kalen-Sukra, Save Your City: How Toxic Culture Kills Community & What to Do About It

“Culture doesn't just change because it ought to. It changes because we decide to honestly assess the values, behaviours, and systems that are not working for us—not helping us thrive and flourish as a community—and replace them with ones that do.”
― Diane Kalen-Sukra, Save Your City: How Toxic Culture Kills Community & What to Do About It

“Why did we have to do terrible things to get what we needed? When all of this bloodshed and heartache and resentment could have been avoided if we received those needs in the first place?”
― Kailey Bright, Unity

“We must be clear: the rule of law, the dignity of persons, and the ethic of respect are not optional in a democracy. Protest, yes. Accountability, yes. But cruelty, never.”
― Diane Kalen-Sukra, Save Your City: How Toxic Culture Kills Community & What to Do About It