Stories Are The Glue Of Our Community

A Letter to You, my Neighbors!

I am pivoting and asking you to go on this adventure with me.

I have always been passionate about CIVILITY though It has taken 58 years to realize it. I’m talking about CIVILITY in our families; CIVILITY in our neighborhoods; CIVILITY in our country; CIVILITY in our world.

After three months of campaigning for Florida State House, I realize CIVILITY is bigger than me running for office.

“So, Banks, what are you asking?”

I’m asking you to join this CIVILITY conversation.

“How?”

We remember others by how they make us feel. So, begin by telling a story about how someone made your day, lifted you up, a “wow” moment, an unexpected wave of joy – share with your friends how you felt the first time you met your partner, your child, your neighbor, your mail delivery person, your pastor, your choir director, your doctor, the Dollar Tree cashier, the waitress at Cheezers Palace, the blade sharpener at Clermont’s Farmers Market, Katie inviting you to tour her backyard garden, Sean the Chairperson of Lake County Commissioners, Maryann a new member on the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation Board, Caleb an AirBBer, Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway welcoming you into his office, Scott with Hope Center, laughing at what Guy Owen posts on Nextdoor, a phone conversation with Amelia, energetic Kimberly with Farm to Trunk, Trinity – a four-legged beauty with Horses with a Mission, dapper-dressed Omar in his kitchen making conconctions while talking about a better humanity – a smile flickers across his face when he sees we “get” what he’s saying, Derek passionately speaking with the group about Six Hats and the awe and transfixed nature of the conversation, Adam playfully jolly, explaining “As Seen on TV” and how his warehouse is so full he needs trailers for more storage. AND, then share with them.