Choose Civility in Montgomery County is a Countywide initiative convened by Leadership Montgomery. The impetus for Choose Civility was a keynote by Dr. P. M. Forni, author of Choosing Civility: The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct, at Leadership Montgomery’s 2007 Homecoming. P.M. Forni's Leadership Montgomery Homecoming Presentation, September 24, 2007 "Civility Initiative Launched" from The Gazette About Dr. Forni Dr. Forni is author of Choosing Civility:The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct and co-founder and Director of the Civility Project at Johns Hopkins. His work, which illustrates the connections among civility, ethics and quality of life, has been recognized by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and Forbes magazine. Find out more about Dr. Forni on his Civility Web Site Buy and read the book: Choosing Civility: The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct Choosing Civility can be borrowed at the Chevy Chase, Davis, Gaithersburg, Little Falls, Wheaton, and White Oak libraries. Visit the Montgomery County Maryland Libraries website to check on availability. In Choosing Civility P.M. Forni offers 25 rules for connecting effectively with others – at home, at work, in our daily encounters.  1. Pay attention   2. Acknowledge others   3. Think the best   4. Listen   5. Be inclusive   6. Speak kindly   7. Don't speak ill   8. Accept and give praise   9. Respect even a subtle "no" 10. Respect others' opinions 11. Mind your body 12. Be agreeable 13. Keep it down (and rediscover       silence) 14. Respect other people's time 15. Respect other people's space 16. Apologize earnestly 17. Assert yourself 18. Avoid personal questions 19. Care for your guests 20. Be a considerate guest 21. Think twice before asking for favors 22. Refrain from idle complaints 23. Accept and give constructive criticism 24. Respect the environment and be gentle to animals 25. Don't shift responsibility and blame