Take the Civility Pledge

A Community Event

Join us for a day of civility, connection, and community leadership


Featuring a keynote luncheon with
Alexandra Hudson
Nationally known author of The Soul of Civility


The inaugural Civility Pledge Signing Ceremony will also take place during the event.

September 30, 2026
10:30 AM–6:30 PM
Penrose House Garden Pavilion · 1661 Mesa Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, this event is free to attend and open to the public.

Space is limited so secure your place now

WHAT IS THE CIVILITY PLEDGE?

The Civility Pledge is a shared commitment to greater respect, dignity, and understanding in how we engage with one another.

The pledge is currently being shaped with input from Reclaiming Civility collaborators and will be unveiled and signed for the first time on September 30, 2026.

Be among the first to take the pledge.

Event Schedule

Explore the day’s key moments, from registration and the keynote luncheon to the Civility Pledge Ceremony and cocktail reception.

10:30–11:15 AM | Special Elected Officials Meet and Greet with Alexandra Hudson

11:15–11:30 AM | Registration

11:30 AM–1:30 PM | Lunch & Keynote with Alexandra Hudson
"Civility: The Courage to Lead Across Difference"
Keynote presentation followed by audience Q&A.


1:30–1:45 PM | Break & Mingle

1:45–2:45 PM | Video & Discussion
Featured examples and dialogue on civility in leadership and bridging divides.

2:45–3:00 PM | Break

3:00–4:30 PM | Reclaiming Civility Workshop
Reclaiming Conversation: How to Stay Connected Even When Emotions Run High

3:45–4:45 PM | Registration for the Civility Pledge Ceremony


4:45 PM | Civility Training Video & Gathering


5:00 PM | Civility Pledge Signing Ceremony
with special remarks and signing by Mayor Mobolade and City Council President

5:35 PM | Reception

6:30 PM | Event Concludes

RESERVE YOUR PLACE

Complete the form below to register for the Civility Pledge on September 30, 2026.

Want to get more involved?

There are additional ways to support the Civility Effort and participate more actively

Explore opportunities to participate as an Inaugural Signer or Sponsor.

Support the Civility Effort

Help support the September 30 event and the broader work of Reclaiming Civility. Scan the QR code to make a donation.

In partnership with SWL Foundation

PRACTICING CIVILITY

Words That Help Build Understanding

How we speak and how we manage ourselves can shape the outcome of difficult conversations.

Try these civil sentence starters in difficult conversations:

💬 “Tell me more.”
💬 “I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this.”
💬 “What I hear you saying is... Did I get that right?”

View Civil Sentence Starters

Civility increases when we understand that how we show up in a conversation can greatly influence the outcome and that people are better able to listen when they feel seen, heard, and understood.

“We both want something here. Can we work together to find a win-win solution?”

“I really value our working relationship, and I’d like to find a solution that works for both of us. What are your ideas?”

“You sound really passionate about that. I imagine there’s a story behind how you arrived at your perspective, and I’d love to hear it.”

“Tell me more.”

“I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this.”

“That’s an interesting perspective. May I ask a few questions to make sure I understand you correctly?”

“What I hear you saying is... Did I get that right?”

“This is a complex topic, and I’m interested in hearing different perspectives. May I hear yours and then share mine?”

“I can see how you came to that conclusion. May I share some other information or data on the subject?”

“I can tell this is important to you. Can you help me understand why?”

View Civil Self-Talk

Civility begins with managing ourselves before we try to manage the conversation or relationship.

“This person is a fellow human being with whom I likely have more in common than differences.”

“I can value this person even when we disagree by keeping the focus on the issue — not making the person the problem.”

“I may not have all the answers and can benefit from another perspective. My goal is to find the best solution, not simply to be right.”

“I notice my emotions are rising. I can take a breath and approach this conversation with curiosity.”

“I am feeling — (Name it to tame it.)”

“How might my posture or behavior be contributing to the emotional tone of this conversation?”

“I can shift from ‘You are the problem’ to ‘We have a problem to solve.’”

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

This event is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors

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