Diane Kalen-Sukra Named Global Top Thinker in Local Government

Kalen Academy Founder Recognized for Catalyzing a Movement to Renew Civility

Kalen Academy is delighted to announce that our founder, Diane Kalen‑Sukra, has been named one of the global Top Thinkers in Local Government for 2026 by the United Kingdom's Local Government Information Unit (LGIU). This recognition is for her “groundbreaking research and expertise on civic culture transformation, which has catalyzed a movement to renew civility and trust in public life.”

LGIU is an independent, non-partisan organization that has championed local democracy for over 40 years. It supports councils, practitioners, and researchers across the UK, Ireland, Australia, and beyond with ideas, resources, and connections. As the country's leading local government policy and practice institute (LGiU.org), being recognized by such a body underscores the seriousness and practicality of the work that Diane and the Kalen Academy community have been advancing.

Reflecting on the announcement, Kalen-Sukra expressed, “It is a profound honour and a quiet encouragement that the long work of renewing civic culture, civility, and trust in public life is both needed and, in small ways, already underway.”

This recognition highlights Diane Kalen-Sukra’s diagnosis of toxic civic environments and her development of a practical roadmap to renewing civic culture. This roadmap is now utilized by municipal leaders across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and beyond.

Diane's bestselling book, Save Your City: How Toxic Culture Kills Community & What to Do About It, along with her forthcoming Lead with Civility: A Handbook for Uncivil Times, showcases her commitment to improving civic life. Furthermore, Kalen Academy’s inaugural Global Civility Summit convenes hundreds of civic leaders to share tools, research, and best practices for leading through uncivil times.

As a learning community devoted to cultivating wise, ethical, and resilient local leadership, Kalen Academy sees this honour as an affirmation of the thousands of public servants and civic leaders who have engaged with our teaching, writing, and civic-culture frameworks over the past decade. Together, they demonstrate that it is possible to confront toxicity without becoming toxic. They lead with courage, compassion, and civility in some of the most challenging public environments of our time.

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Join the Movement for Civility

If you would like to be part of this growing civility movement, a practical place to start is by joining the upcoming Global Civility Summit in April 2026 on the theme "Leading Through Uncivil Times".

In just three hours, you will hear from leading practitioners and renowned thinkers. You can ask your questions, gain tools you can use immediately in your organization, and generate your personalized roadmap to renewing civic culture.

➡️ Seats are limited and 25% sold out. Register today: KalenAcademy.com/civilitysummit

Together, we can turn the cultural tide! Join us.

Civility is more than just politeness; it is a foundational element of a healthy democracy. When citizens engage respectfully, they create an environment where diverse opinions can flourish. This leads to better decision-making and stronger communities.

Trust in public institutions is essential for effective governance. When citizens trust their leaders, they are more likely to participate in civic activities. This participation can take many forms, from voting to community service.

Education plays a crucial role in fostering civility. By teaching young people the importance of respect and dialogue, we can cultivate a generation that values civic engagement. Schools and community organizations can implement programs that promote these values.

The movement to renew civility is not just about leaders; it involves everyone. Each individual has a role to play in creating a more respectful and engaged society. By participating in events like the Global Civility Summit, you can contribute to this vital cause.

Together, we can foster a culture of civility that benefits everyone. Join us in this important work.