Urgency of Civility 2021 Virtual Conference
The 2021 Virtual Conference was held in May. We look forward to our next Conference.
Join Us In 2023
To learn more or get involved, contact us to discuss civility projects in your community. Network with like-minded professionals.
Presented By :

The Conference
The Urgency of Civility Conference was an action-oriented opportunity, facilitating connections to build bridges and apply the transformative power of civility within our community. Presenters discussed civility projects and solutions.
We thank all presenters – authors, political figures, mayors, organizers, professionals, and professors – for your valuable time and great insight.
2-DAY SCHEDULE
Tuesday - Repairing Society
Presenters:
Edgar Cahn, ‘Elements of Civility’
Robert Thurman, ‘Mindfulness’
David Sawyer, ‘Tactics of Trust’
Presenters:
Richard Gillett, ‘How to Survive Thrive In Divisive Times’
Ted Wetzel, ‘5 Critical Arenas for Civility’
Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, ‘Facilitating a Civil Dialogue Event’
Wednesday - Building Bridges
Presenters:
Dune Lankard of the Native Conservancy, ‘(un)Common Ground’
Mina Lee
Trabian Shorters – Asset-Framing: A New Civility Skill
Presenters:
Mayor Heidi Harmon, ‘Adventurous Civility’
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, ‘Washington Civility’
Rick Raddatz, ‘The Path To Political Harmony’

Confirmed Speaker
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver
Emanuel Cleaver, II is now serving his ninth term representing Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, the home district of President Harry Truman.
He is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services; Chair of the subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance; member of the House Committee on Homeland Security; member of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security; and member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.
Civility In Society
Incivility is all around us, and if left unchecked, it may become so much a part of our moral fabric that it can’t be reversed. Civility on the other hand is about treating those holding opposing opinions or positions with dignity and respect. Disagreement shouldn’t mean hostility.
Without the ability to engage in difficult conversations, it will be nearly impossible to advance ideas, progress, or free expression. More people will be inclined to participate in a deliberative process if it focuses on the merits and demerits of an issue, rather than personal opinion or ideology.

2021 Sponsors













2021 Presenters

Edgar Cahn
Elements of Civility

Edgar Cahn
Elements of Civility
- Phone:+1-650-701-7021
- Email:connect@converge.net

Robert Thurman
Mindfulness

Robert Thurman
Mindfulness
- Email:tbob@bobthurman.com

Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn
Facilitating a Civil Dialogue Event

Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn
Facilitating a Civil Dialogue Event
- Email:tarasuwin@gmail.com

Rick Raddatz
The Path To Political Harmony

Rick Raddatz
The Path To Political Harmony
- Phone:303-720-9913
- Email:Rick@PoliticalHarmony.org

Mayor Heidi Harmon
Adventurous Civility

Ted Wetzel
5 Critical Arenas for Civility

Mina Lee
Strengthening Leaders & Organizations

David Sawyer
Tactics of Trust

David Sawyer
Tactics of Trust
- Phone:+1-650-701-7021
- Email:connect@converge.net
How do I pay for this event if I don’t have a PayPal account?
A PayPal account is not required. Refer to the instructional video on the payment page (after you complete the registration form).
When will I receive the instructions for attending the virtual event?
Expect to receive an email with log-in instructions, at least 1 day prior to the event. Please “white-label” info@urgencyofcivility.org by adding it to your contacts. Also, be sure to check your spam and promotions folder in case any emails have gone there.
I registered, but haven’t yet received a link to the event.
Please check your spam and promotions folder to ensure you receive all communications. Add info@urgencyofcivility.org to your contacts as well. If you did not receive any emails, please contact info@urgencyofcivility.org and include your name, along with the date you registered.
Besides my laptop or desktop computer, may I attend the event using my tablet or mobile device?
The platform will be desktop and smartphone compatible. Per the link you receive, you will login to attend the virtual conference from any device, although using a computer or tablet will be preferable for viewing.
Do I have access to all of the educational sessions?
This virtual conference will be held over two days, May 18th and May 19th. You will have access to all sessions held as they are occurring in real time and via on-demand download for the month following the event.
* Sessions and speakers are subject to change without notice.
Can I share my virtual conference login information with other members of my team?
For every paid registration to attend virtually, only one device (computer, tablet, phone) will be allowed to enter the virtual conference. The sessions, submitted questions, and the polling conducted within that single login session are connected to the account of the individual who purchased the virtual event. That said, there is nothing stopping you from attending the virtual event and allowing your colleagues to enjoy the conference right next to you from wherever you are viewing the event!
What if I am unavailable to attend the virtual conference on the day of the event? Will I still have access to the content afterwards?
The content will be available on-demand for all registered participants for one month following the conference. All speaker presentation sessions will be recorded. The breakout sessions and panel discussions may not be available (recorded).
Will I be able to ask questions during the virtual conference?
Discussion groups will be created for each session and you will be able to ask questions. Speakers will be asked to join the discussions as well and address the questions posted. Live sessions will have live Q&A responses.
Do I need to download a software or app to attend the event?
The online platform will be cloud-based and will be accessible from most any device. Download will not be required. Users will be required to login using a unique link.
What are the cancellation or refund terms and conditions?
Please consult the cancellation and refund policy outlined on this page. See “Cancellation & Refund Policy” tab, below.
A consortium of individuals and groups working to restore civility in society will be convening for a virtual conference, May 18th and 19th (2021). Among these groups is the Worldwide Civility Council, the Institute for Civility in Government, Institute for Civil Civic Engagement, Institute for Civil Dialogue, and the Masonic Family Civility Project.
This timely, important meeting of organizations engaged in the civility space is hosted by several organizations who all share the objectives of encouraging open dialogue, purposeful thought, and capacity building among all groups in pursuit of building a more civil society.
Designed to be a springboard for action, this important meeting is intended to open conversations around our various goals, and how we can leverage the strengths of each, while remaining independent. Groups and speakers from around the globe are being invited to attend and participate in the discussion sessions.
The Urgency of Civility Conference will formally begin on the morning of May 18th, with facilitation of a wide range of topics within the civility space. The sessions on May 19th will feature a keynote speaker, plenary and breakout sessions on specific topics that are designed to meet the needs of the various participants.
If you are passionate about the topic of Civility and willing to share your passion, we invite you to be a sponsor for this great event. Your organization will be recognized throughout communications, presentations, and through email and marketing campaigns for the activities of this important virtual conference.
Premier Sponsorship – $500
For additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. To speak with an organizer with specific questions, please indicate a time and date that works best for you.
We are a non-profit organization and we will use all funds collected to promote Civility in Society.
Should a paid participant be unable to attend the Urgency of Civility Virtual Conference:
– Cancellations made prior May 1, 2021, will be refunded in full.
– Cancellations made up to 72 hours prior to the virtual conference, will be refunded, minus a $50 administrative fee.
– Cancellations occurring within 72 hours of the virtual training, will not be refunded.
When you participate in the Urgency of Civility virtual conference, you will be participating in an event where video and audio recording may occur.
By participating in the Urgency of Civility event, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction; which can be used for news, web casts, marketing campaigns, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion by the Urgency of Civility for web sites, or for any other purpose(s) that Urgency of Civility organization, its partners, affiliates and/or representatives deems fit to use. You release Urgency of Civility organization, its officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or or sound recordings.
By joining online events and virtual conferences, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by Urgency of Civility or the person or entity designated to do so by Urgency of Civility organization.
In addition, the event will be monitored for unauthorized recording and redistribution. By attending the Urgency of Civility online event / virtual conference, you agree not to record or digitize any parts of the presentation.
You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before participating in the Urgency of Civility event.