Hull Select Board Adopts Dignity Pledge, Forms 250th Anniversary Committee
Town officials aim to foster civil discourse and plan for national celebration
HULL - February 5 - Hull's Select Board unanimously approved a Dignity Pledge aimed at promoting respectful communication and healthy debate during its Feb. 5 meeting. The board also formed a committee to plan celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Town Manager Jen Constable introduced the Dignity Pledge, part of the Dignity Index Project developed by the group UNITE. The initiative encourages treating others with dignity rather than contempt in political and community discussions.
"We're one community, but if multiple communities are taking a similar pledge, you know, the hope is that it grows and it's contagious," Constable said.
The pledge states: "As an American who knows and loves my country, I am convinced there's no America without democracy, no democracy without healthy debate, and no healthy debate without dignity. Therefore, I pledge to do more to treat others with dignity, not contempt."
Board Chairman Irwin Nesoff emphasized the non-partisan nature of the pledge. "This is not right or left. It's not conservative or liberal. It's not Republican or Democrat. It's how we speak across differences," he said.
The board discussed implementing the pledge at town meetings and potentially distributing cards with the pledge's principles. These include being curious rather than furious, regulating emotions before debating, listening to hear rather than respond, and challenging ideas instead of attacking people.
Board member Jason McCann suggested exploring a civil discourse initiative similar to one adopted in Wellesley. This would involve facilitated discussions on contentious topics to ensure all voices are heard.
"I think this could be the first step in, you know, a pledge is great in taking a leadership decision to say that pledge. All of these are things that I agree with. They're great," McCann said. "But then to move action behind it."
The board also approved the formation of a 10-member committee to plan Hull's participation in the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States from 2025 to 2026.
The committee will include three town officials, three recommended individuals, and four at-large members. Its tasks will include evaluating and planning town wide activities, coordinating events related to the country's founding, and aligning local events with state, regional, and federal commemorations.
John Riley, who initially proposed the committee in 2021, will lead the planning efforts. The board voted to post for four at-large citizen members to volunteer for the committee.
In other business, the board:
- Accepted resignations from two members of the Economic Development Committee.
- Approved a one-day wine and malt license for the Hull Lifesaving Museum's Festival of Trees event on Dec. 12, 2025.
- Reappointed Vinny Harte as the Wellspring representative on the Affordable Housing Committee.
- Approved the Hull Harbor Illumination event for July 26, 2025.
Constable provided updates on ongoing projects, including the public safety facility request for proposals and budget preparations. She also noted that the fire union ratified their contract, which will be presented to the board on Feb. 12.
The board's next meetings are scheduled for Feb. 12 and Feb. 26. Citizens' petitions for town meeting articles are due Feb. 13, with the warrant to be signed by the board on March 26 and posted on April 4.