Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) and public officials from both sides of the aisle came together recently to sign the Civility Pledge for a Stronger Minnesota. Organized by Majority in the Middle, nonpartisan organization that promotes respect, dialogue, and shared responsibility in government and public life.

The pledge encourages leaders to reject political violence, engage in good faith dialogue, and work together to build a healthier democracy.

“It is no secret we are in a time of deep division,” Sen. Nelson said. “Unfortunately, it’s no longer merely words and tenor and attitude. It’s violence. We all need to take a step back and remember that our commonalities are greater than our differences. I’ve always believed that we can stand firm in our convictions while still treating others with dignity. Minnesotans deserve leaders who listen, lead with grace, and never lose sight of our shared humanity.”

Attendees included:

• Steve Simon, Secretary of State
• Senator Julia Coleman
• Senator Michael Kreun
• Senator Carla Nelson
• Representative Anquam Mahamoud
• Representative John Huot
• Representative Matt Norris

Civic Pledge for a Stronger Minnesota

Standing Together for Respect, Dialogue, and Democracy

As a community member committed to the wellbeing of our state

and one another, I pledge to:

Engage peacefully with my fellow Minnesotans.

Work in good faith to resolve disputes.

Reject political violence in all forms,

and stand firmly against rhetoric that incites that violence.

Embrace the hard but necessary work of finding common g round.

By signing this pledge, I commit to being part of a Minnesota

that confronts division not with silence or hostility,

but with hope, honesty, and shared responsibility. 

About Majority in the Middle

Majority in the Middle is an objective, outside force for systemic change to improve transparency, participation and civility within political and civic life.

We're giving those in the middle a place to gather outside the back-and-forth, elevating voices of people who are modeling behavior we want to see, and working on ways to bring a little more civility and a little less partisanship to our politics.