This fall, Canadians in several jurisdictions will have the chance to Elect Civil. Elect civil means using your vote to support leaders who lead with civility, not just talk about them, people who build bridges, engage respectfully, and lead with integrity. Diane Kalen-Sukra first shared the call to "Be Civil. Elect Civil" in her Spring 2024 article published by the National Civic Review, "Incivility Anywhere is a Threat to Civility Everywhere".

Given our divided times, it’s wise to pause and reflect on what civility truly means—beyond mere politeness or its misuse as a means to silence dissent—and consider the deeper significance and essential role it plays in shaping culture, leadership, and the survival of democracy.

Civic culture doesn’t collapse overnight. It erodes gradually—through tone, trust, and behavior. And that tone is shaped by the people we elect, the way we treat them, and—just as importantly—the way we treat each other. That’s why the Elect Respect pledge matters.

You're invited to rethink The Lord of the Rings. Not as a fantasy epic about kings and wizards, but as a parable about humble public service. Not about the lust for power, but the quiet strength of those who prioritize people, justice and community.

You're invited to this gathering of minds wrestling with a question as urgent today as it was 2400 years ago: Can democracy survive itself? Diane Kalen-Sukra will be joining a powerful lineup of speakers at "Democracy & Tyranny", a virtual event hosted by Plato's Academy.

At a time when hostility feels like strength, I shared this keynote message with global changemakers at the 2025 Compassionate Action Conference: real strength is courageous civility—compassion in action. 🎥 WATCH HERE.

What if Alexis de Tocqueville, the 19th-century thinker who warned about the fragility of democracy, could see our media landscape today?

Real leadership isn't about winning at all costs—it requires the moral courage to challenge bad actors within our own ranks.

Division, outrage, and chaos aren’t new. Marcus Aurelius faced worse and stayed steady. Find strength in his timeless wisdom.

Great leaders resist the urge to return hostility with hostility. True civility is strength—the key to leading through conflict and chaos.