Embracing Our Community Values with Civil Discourse

Published on July 17, 2024

By Sue Burness
Director of Communications

Recently, we have witnessed an increase in negativity and misinformation on City and community social media platforms. This trend not only affects the atmosphere of our online spaces but also impacts our beloved community, our businesses, and our neighbors.

As we reflect on the broader calls for unity and lowering the temperature in our national discourse, we believe it is crucial to reaffirm our commitment to the values that make Dunedin a special place to live, work and visit. Our City is built on a foundation of respect, kindness, and a shared sense of community. Every voice in Dunedin matters, and every opinion deserves to be heard in an environment that is welcoming and free from judgment.

We encourage everyone to:

• Practice Kindness and Respect: Engage in conversations with empathy and understanding. Remember that behind every comment is a fellow community member with their own experiences and perspectives.

• Verify Information: Before sharing news or opinions, take a moment to verify facts from reliable sources. Misinformation can spread quickly and cause unnecessary harm.

• Constructive Dialogue: Share your thoughts and opinions constructively. Disagreements are natural, but let’s approach them with a mindset of finding solutions and common ground.

• Support Each Other: Dunedin thrives when we support each other. Let’s lift up our local businesses, celebrate our successes, and work together to address our challenges.

We are a family here in Dunedin, and like any family, we are strongest when we support each other with respect and compassion. Let's create an environment which reflects Dunedin’s delightful community spirit where we define the art of living.