Southtown Board Member John Couture receives 2018 Civility Award

Civility award winner John CoutureCongratulations to Southtown Board member John Couture! John was selected as one of only five recipients of the 2018 Consensus Civility Award. The Civility Awards honor people who have worked across differences to improve the community and who build bridges instead of tear them down. Each year Consensus selects recipients based on respect, integrity, engagement, inclusiveness, objectivity and finding common ground. John was selected for creating the Green Dragon room at the Bier Station as a place for political discussion and discourse, and held candidate and issue events on both sides of the political aisle. John was nominated by southtown member Joel Jones, Kansas City Public Library.

John was in great company – other 2018 recipients:

Rachel Gonzalez, became Missouri’s youngest-ever elected delegate to a national political convention at the age of 17. She helped organize the March for Our Lives rally, and a panel that gave those opposed to gun control the chance to ask questions of Parkland students and others.

Damon Daniel, executive director, Ad Hoc Group Against Crime. Damon has worked to bridge the gap between the police and the community, and has used new and innovative approaches to discourage disputes from turning into violence.

Sunayana Dumala, whose husband was the fatal victim of a hate crime. While dealing with grief and loss, Sunayana started Forever Welcome, a social media campaign to show that America is still a welcoming place for immigrants.

Rosilyn Temple, executive director of KC Mothers in Charge. After losing her son to homicide in 2011, Rosilyn has devoted herself to comforting grieving families and building trust and respect in the community.

For more about Consensus and the Civility Awards click here. https://www.consensuskc.org/civility-award/