This historic election is one of those defining moments we’ll likely always remember where we were. I found myself on the eve of it all, thousands of miles away in Australia, delivering the opening keynote to the Annual State Conference of municipal CEOs represented by Local Government Professionals WA (1 min video clip). This keynote marked the sixth year of my global Civility Tour—a journey dedicated to cultivating civility and fostering civic culture renewal in communities everywhere.
Standing before a room of dedicated city managers and civic leaders, I spoke about the principles that anchor my work: compassion, respect, and a commitment to building cohesive, resilient communities.
Even as we awaited the results of a deeply divisive election, the question on everyone’s mind was universal, resonating across borders: What’s next?
In times like these, it’s natural to feel the pull of fear and uncertainty. A pivotal election can amplify anxieties, prompting us to worry about what might come. But drawing on the timeless wisdom of the Stoics, we can step back, reality-test these fears, and focus on what lies within our sphere of control. Rather than letting fear of the unknown dictate our actions, we might ask: What in our immediate world needs our attention and care?
The answer is often closer than we think. While we may feel helpless in the face of larger political waves, each of us holds the power to make a difference where it matters most—within our own communities. By focusing on our day-to-day interactions, by prioritizing the well-being of those around us, and by fostering trust and inclusivity, we actively counter the despair and division that often arise from broader societal struggles.
Robert Putnam’s observations in The Upswing remind us that American society, on both the left and right, has veered toward individualism, eroding the communal bonds that once strengthened us. As we stand at this historical crossroads, we have an opportunity to reflect on how we can reclaim those bonds, prioritizing our duty of care to one another. What might it look like to renew our commitment to our neighbors, to support each other in times of need, and to find common ground amidst our differences?
This reflection brings us back to the work we do as civic leaders, city builders, and engaged citizens. Our path forward may not lie in grand gestures or sweeping reforms but in the quiet, consistent actions that build trust and resilience.
No matter where we find ourselves—whether on the ground in our communities or in conversations across borders—the work of civility endures. It is woven into every act of kindness, every effort to listen with empathy, and every step we take to create spaces where everyone feels they belong.
The question What’s next? might seem daunting, but the answer can be as straightforward as it is profound: to continue doing the work that makes a difference. Together, let’s cultivate communities where trust, respect, and a shared sense of purpose bring us closer.
After all, it is in these everyday choices that we find our greatest strength, transforming our neighborhoods into places where everyone has the chance to flourish.
As I concluded my keynote, I was reminded that while elections and political tides may shift, our shared humanity and the bonds we nurture endure. This is where true strength and resilience lies—locally, in the relationships we build, and in the unwavering commitment to treat each other with dignity and kindness.
Let’s carry this spirit forward, one interaction at a time, towards a future grounded in civility and care for one another.
If you would like to supercharge your efforts to lead with civility in your community, join our Cultivating Civility Masterclass today.
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