Column: At-large councilors to present town hall meeting

Commentary by Jeff Worrell 

Projecting behaviors is a psychological phenomenon where individuals attribute their own traits or emotions to others, often as a defense mechanism. But what if we flipped this idea and started projecting civility instead? Imagine a movement where each of us consciously demonstrates respect, kindness and understanding in our daily interactions. That’s exactly the vision behind the evolving Civility Project in Carmel.

Civility has the power to transform communities. When people feel respected and valued, they’re more likely to engage in local events, attend town hall meetings and participate in governance. It fosters trust, strengthens relationships and builds a sense of belonging. By promoting constructive dialogue, civility reduces misunderstandings and helps resolve conflicts peacefully.

To kickstart this initiative, my at-large colleagues, Councilor Matt Snyder and Councilor Rich Taylor and I, are hosting a Carmel Town Hall meeting at 7 p.m. March 20 at Carmel Middle School. This will be an opportunity for residents to come together to ask questions, learn about ongoing initiatives, hear from department directors and become more informed about local government.

By projecting civility, we can enhance the quality of life for everyone in Carmel and create a vibrant, connected community. Let’s take this step together and lead by example—because kindness and respect are contagious.