Gary, Indiana — Jeff Veley was one of several experts invited to attend World Civility Day, organized by Community Civility Counts,.  Veley shared how to better promote civility and peace within educational institutions by empowering students and improving bullying prevention efforts.

Throughout the day, attendees had a chance to hear from Gary Chamber Commerce President, Dr. Charles Hughes and Dr. Gordon Bradshaw, Head of the Public Policy Department, who organized World Civility Day in partnership with the NWI Times.  Additional presentations included the Indiana State Police, the National Civility Center, and Lew Bayer of Civility Experts of Canada.  The day closed with an evening gala featuring a special address by World Peace Ambassador and World Civility Spokesperson Dr. Clyde Rivers as well as a keynote speech from Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill.

Jeff Veley meets with Dr. Louise Chickie Wolfe and students who were honored for their community service project and bullying prevention efforts. Jeff Veley meets with Dr. Louise Chickie Wolfe and students who were honored for their community service project and bullying prevention efforts.

“I commend the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the NWI Times for the great work that they are doing to promote civility.  This conversation started in Gary is reaching ears around the world.” Veley said,  “Creating dialogue around this topic is key at this time and I’m thankful for the work that these organizations are doing to initiate these conversations.”

Veley is the Global Ambassador for the Campus Peace-Building Initiative, an initiative focused at promoting peace and harmony in schools through through resilience education for bullying prevention.  He was honored with a World Civility International Award from Ambassador Dr. Clyde Rivers for his efforts in helping schools solve the bullying problem.

“It is an honor to receive this award and be commissioned as a World Civility Ambassador.  We can all agree that civility is important but we tend to forget this when we are put down by someone else,” says Veley.  Building resilience is one of the best ways that we can keep our emotions in line when we face conflict. It is the first step to seeking a peaceful and civil resolution”.

Jeff Veley is a national speaker, social skills educator, and entertainer specializing in resilience education for bullying prevention.  His mission is to equip students with the social and emotional skills that empower them to face adversity, grow in resilience, and solve their own social problems.  Jeff’s message has reached over one million people.  He’s received the Golden Rule International Award, the World Civility International Award, recognized by the United Nations for effectiveness in teaching conflict resolution skills.

The Campus Peace Initiative provides programs and resources for educational institutions, youth development organizations, and individuals that are working to make our schools places of peace and harmony.  The initiative is a non-religious, non-political effort governed by the Golden Rule – the simple yet transformational skill that solves social conflicts, promotes civility, and facilitates peace.

Learn more about World Civility Day.