What if the crisis we’re facing isn’t just political, institutional, or cultural—but perceptual?

In this Civility Dispatch, Diane Kalen-Sukra introduces metanoia, an ancient word we rarely use but can no longer afford to ignore. Meaning a profound change of mind, metanoia names the inner turning that makes moral renewal possible—personally, relationally, and civically.

Drawing on Greek philosophy, early Christian thought, and modern warnings from figures like Carl Jung, this episode explores how societies slide into decay when they normalize domination, winner-take-all thinking, short-term gain, and transactional relationships—and how those choices show up everywhere from crumbling infrastructure and broken institutions to rising despair and fractured communities.

Metanoia, Diane argues, is not about guilt or self-help. It is about seeing clearly again—about recognizing when the way we’ve been living together no longer works, and having the courage to turn.

This episode connects metanoia directly to civility, leadership, and local governance, asking what it would mean for leaders and citizens alike to take responsibility not just for policies and outcomes, but for the moral direction of our shared life.

Diane also introduces the upcoming Global Civility Summit: Leading Through Uncivil Times, where renowned thinkers and civic leaders will gather to help translate this deeper seeing into practical action—renewing civic culture where it matters most: in communities, institutions, and everyday leadership.

If you’ve sensed that something fundamental must change—but haven’t had the words for it—this episode is for you.

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This is a special dispatch episode of the Cultivating Civility podcast series.

Hello, I’m Diane Kalen-Sukra, founder of Kalen Academy, author of Save Your City and the upcoming book Lead with Civility—a practical guide for uncivil times.

One year ago today, nearly 500 civic leaders from 350 cities and 10 countries came together for the inaugural Global Civility Summit—a gathering that reminded the world that even in divided times, civility still has champions.

That conversation didn’t end when the summit closed; it continues to grow in communities everywhere.

And today, I’m thrilled to announce that registration for Civility Summit 2026 is officially open!

💻 Join us online April 16 2026 for Leading Through Uncivil Times—
a 3-hour global summit offering practical tools to help you lead boldly and foster a culture of civility.

We’ll open with Mayor David Holt, President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, whose principled leadership sets the tone for this year’s event.

Then, hear from leading thinkers Mark Kingwell, Donna Hicks, Kim Scott, Josiah Ober, and Seth Kaplan,
followed by a Q&A with pioneering mayors, city managers and other officials sharing real-world strategies you can apply right away.

You’ll leave with a Civility Toolkit, a Personalized Roadmap to Renewing Civic Culture, a certificate and connection to a global network of leaders committed to turning the cultural tide—together.

🗓️ Early-bird registration (20% off) ends December 10, 2025.

➡️Seats are limited—register today at KalenAcademy.com/CivilitySummit.

Let’s lead with civility in uncivil times—and rebuild the culture that makes democracy possible.

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Civility Summit 2026 is brought to you by Kalen Academy and supported by the Municipal Association of South Carolina, Victorian Local Governance Association and the Australia’s number 1 local government podcast Local Government News Roundup.

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Support the show

🌟If you have an inspiring story to share of how civility was cultivated in your community or would like support in cultivating civility, please message KalenAcademy.com/contact.🌟

🏛️Support the Cultivating Civility podcast & help the civility movement thrive! Subscribers receive exclusive access to special episodes & subscriber-only content. Subscribe today. (Only $5/month.)

Civility is not about being polite. It’s about having the moral courage to protect human dignity, uphold respect, and build communities where democracy can thrive.

In this powerful keynote from the 2025 Compassionate Action Conference, your host Diane Kalen-Sukra—author of Save Your City and founder of Kalen Academy—explores what civility really means and why it’s the key to healing toxic public life.

Addressing thousands of changemakers gathered for the Charter for Compassion’s global summit, Diane connects the ancient wisdom of Socrates and the Athenian Oath with modern civic challenges and examples.

She issues a rallying call for courageous civility: a compassionate practice that goes beyond surface niceness to embody principled action, respect for others, and the strength to lead without dehumanizing our opponents.

Through stories of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Robert F. Kennedy, this episode shows how restraint and moral clarity can interrupt cycles of violence and restore public trust.

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of civility as a cultural force, a leadership practice, and a survival skill for democratic societies.

🌱 Learn more or access free resources at KalenAcademy.com
📘 Get the book: Save Your City

Send us a text

Support the show

🌟If you have an inspiring story to share of how civility was cultivated in your community or would like support in cultivating civility, please message KalenAcademy.com/contact.🌟

🏛️Support the Cultivating Civility podcast & help the civility movement thrive! Subscribers receive exclusive access to special episodes & subscriber-only content. Subscribe today. (Only $5/month.)