The City of Madison invites you to submit nominations for its annual JEFFREY CLAY ERLANGER CIVILITY IN PUBLIC DISCOURSE AWARD. This award honors Jeffrey Clay Erlanger, who was an individual of integrity, passion, intelligence, and civility. Jeff understood that thoughtful and caring people could have very different views on how to best address our community's many complex issues and problems. Jeff, who died on June 10, 2007, spent a significant part of his life committed to public service, focusing on constructive advocacy and civil debate, fairness, openness, and effective representation. He embraced the similarities that unite us.

Today, more than ever, we must take a stand, as Jeff did, for civil conversations and, by example, show others how to disagree without yelling, name-calling and open hostility. This is a time in our country when we are divided; neighbors, coworkers and even family members do not speak to one another. This is a wonderful opportunity to honor Jeff’s legacy - the legacy of a man who worked with others in an honorable and respectful manner regardless of political affiliation, religious belief, age, race, sexual orientation or any of the many other differences that contribute to our growing lack of civility.

Jeff served on the City of Madison's Economic Development Commission; he was chair of the Commission on People with Disabilities; chair of the Board of Directors of the Community Living Alliance; and ran for the Madison Common Council in 2002. He also held a number of other significant positions in the community. One of his greatest accomplishments was his successful push for the accessible taxicab service in Madison today. 

All nominations must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 02, 2018.

The award is presented annually at the Common Council meeting closest to the November 30th birthday of Jeff Erlanger.
The 2018 award will be presented on Tuesday, November 20, 2018.

More information is available on the City’s website at
https://www.cityofmadison.com/mayor/programs/jeffrey-clay-erlanger-civility-in-public-discourse-award