Gracious reader,
Two years ago, after The Soul of Civility was published, Carmel city councilor Jeff Worrell asked me a simple but profound question: “How do we embody your book in our community?” My answer was honest: “I don’t know—but let’s build something together.” This weekend, the Civility Summit in Carmel was the fruit of that experiment—and the beginning of something far larger.
I am overflowing with gratitude:
🌿 To Jeff Worrell, whose vision, leadership, and friendship made this summit possible. His willingness to take the first step turned an idea into a living community.
🌿 To Lori and Lisa of Reclaiming Civility—who traveled from Colorado Springs because they longed to go deeper into these ideas and believed others would, too. I connected them with Jeff, and together this dream took root.
🌿 To the dozens of Civic Renaissance subscribers who journeyed from across North America. Meeting you in person, and seeing how the garden we’ve cultivated together has blossomed into friendship and fellowship, was a gift.
🌿 To the mayors, city councilors, elected leaders, and public servants who modeled the conviction that agreement is not the goal—human flourishing and mutual respect across difference is.
🌿 To Mitch Daniels, who joined me in dialogue on civility and leadership. As governor of Indiana, Mitch refused to run negative campaigns, reminding us that a portion of the American electorate still believes in that kind of politics. I do, too.
🌿 To the dozens of volunteers in Carmel who embodied hospitality and made visitors feel welcome—showing us that grassroots leadership is the foundation of renewal.
🌿 To our extraordinary keynotes: Braver Angels’ John Wood Jr., world-renowned peacemaker Ken Sande, and Indianapolis’ own Porcher-in-Chief, Joanna Taft. Your wisdom and example inspired us all.
In the Indianapolis Star, Jeff Worrell captured the spirit of this weekend: “Local is the thing that I can affect the most. I can’t fix the president. I can’t really fix Congress. But by speaking about it with my neighbors and the people who govern me, I have a better chance of making a difference.”
This is precisely the theory of change I argue for in The Soul of Civility: that renewal does not begin in Washington, but in our towns, neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools—when ordinary citizens choose to see and honor one another as fellow human beings of equal worth.
Carmel is now a living case study of what it looks like when a community embraces this vision. And it is only the beginning. Already, state legislatures are reading The Soul of Civility together. Schools are seeking curriculum. Workplaces are asking for tools. But the greatest transformation comes when all these spheres—schools, workplaces, government, civic life—are activated at once. That is what we piloted in Carmel, and what we are now building across the country. If you are inspired to follow in Jeff’s footsteps and bring The Soul of Civility to life in your own community, I would be honored to help. Together we can cultivate ecosystems of civility that endure long after a single event.
🌍 A movement is afoot. Join us. Become part of the solution.
✨ Stay tuned for details on the Civic Renaissance Ambassador Program, which we’ll be announcing soon. If you’re ready to explore what this could look like where you live, email ahudsonassist@gmail.com.
Warmly,
Lexi
In the news:
Carmel civility summit offers hope amid era of political violence
Indiana to Host Inaugural National Civility Summit in Carmel
Year Ago on Civic Renaissance:
How to start a civil renaissance according to Carmel, Indiana—Inspired by The Soul of Civility!- A guest post by Carmel City Council President Jeff Worrell about how “The Soul of Civility” can empower local leaders to create cultures of civility in their community.
Thank you for being part of our Civic Renaissance community!
