What is CivicMark?
CivicMark is a public commitment to baseline civic values. Organizations, spaces, and individuals display the amber diamond ◆ to signal they operate by these basic principles of civil discourse. No registration, no fees, no gatekeepers. Just a shared understanding that we can coexist and communicate constructively.
The CivicMark Charter
By participating in spaces and experiences that display the CivicMark ◆ we agree to these basic principles:
- Great things happen through open exchange - Constructive dialogue creates progress and understanding.
- We can disagree without being enemies - Different opinions are normal and healthy.
- Words are not violence - Even offensive speech is not the same as actual violence.
- No promoting violence - Never encourage or celebrate harming others.
- Attack ideas, not people - Criticize what someone says, not who they are.
- Anyone can walk away - You can leave any conversation or situation you don't like.
- Good faith first - Assume others mean well unless they clearly show otherwise.
- Being offended doesn't make you right - Uncomfortable feelings don't win arguments.
- Don't share people's private information - Respect privacy regardless of disagreements.
The Simple Promise
"I won't promote violence. I'll engage with ideas, not attack people. I understand others will disagree with me, and that's okay."
The CivicMark applies to online spaces, in-person events, and anywhere people gather to connect and exchange ideas. People or organizations can use this charter as a basis and add their own rules on top.