Kalen Academy is delighted to share that our founder, Diane Kalen‑Sukra has been named a global Top Thinker in Local Government in 2026 by the United Kingdom's Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) in recognition of her “groundbreaking research and expertise on civic culture transformation which has catalysed a movement to renew civility and trust in public life.” LGiU is an independent, non‑partisan organisation that has championed local democracy and supported councils f

Each January, instead of resolutions, I choose a single word. Resolutions focus on what we do. A word, however, sets the tone. Like a tuning fork, once struck, it shapes how we hear everything else — how we see, judge, and respond. In recent years, those words have named what felt most absent in our civic life. This year, the word is Metanoia. A moral turning.

This past weekend, the world’s largest gathering of Stoics explored a question that feels more urgent than ever: What kind of citizen does this moment require? Between apathy and outrage, the Stoics offer a third way—one grounded in moral courage, civic duty, and thoughtful engagement in public life. Diane Kalen-Sukra was honored to contribute to the program with my talk, “What Would a Stoic Say? Civil Discourse in an Age of Outrage”.

Join us at Stoicon 2025, the world’s largest gathering of modern Stoics, happening Saturday, October 18 (10 am–5 pm EDT). This year’s theme—Engaged Citizenship—could not be more timely. I’ll be speaking on “Civil Discourse in an Age of Outrage,” exploring how Stoic wisdom can cultivate courageous citizenship— the kind that is outspoken yet principled, well-reasoned yet able to listen and understand. 

This fall, voters in Alberta, Nunavut, and Quebec will choose more than mayors and councillors. They will decide whether to keep paying the hidden incivility tax that is crippling local democracy and wasting tax dollars.

Registration for Civility Summit 2026 is OPEN—one year after our inaugural summit united 450+ civic leaders from 350 cities, 10 countries.➡️You're invited! Join 20+ visionary civic leaders and world-renowned experts online for practical and empowering tools YOU can use to lead boldly in uncivil times and foster a culture of civility.

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.