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Project Civility, a nonprofit organization designed to strengthen communities through empathy, respect, and productive dialogue, will host its first-ever Project Civility National Summit presented by Merchants Bank on Sept. 26 and 27 in Carmel.
The two-day event will bring together community leaders and national voices to explore how principled disagreement can be a catalyst for growth, innovation, and the common good.
Founded by civic leader and entrepreneur Jeff Worrell, Project Civility began as a local initiative and has since evolved into a national model, with the goal of equipping communities across the country with the tools and frameworks needed to establish and build their own civility endeavors.
“Civility is not just about politeness and cannot be mistaken for passivity,” Worrell said. “It’s a radical effort aimed at creating spaces where people can truly listen, understand, and work together towards a better future. This isn’t about manners, it’s about moral courage. Our hope is for this Summit to spark a movement where Project Civility chapters take root in communities across the country, supported by the resources and guidance needed to drive progress.”
The Summit starts with an evening welcome reception on Friday, Sept. 26. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and engage with participating keynote speakers and changemakers. The organization will also present its inaugural Project Civility National Award.
An inspiring keynote presentation from Alexandra Hudson will kick off the full day of events on Sept. 27 at the Carmel Clay Public Library. As the bestselling author of The Soul of Civility and founder of Civic Renaissance, Hudson has advised foreign governments and regularly contributes her perspective and expertise to national media and events. Her book sparked a national conversation and a call to action that ultimately influenced Worrell to embody its teachings in the city of Carmel and create Project Civility to establish Civility Cities across the country.
“I wrote The Soul of Civility as a practical guide for civic leaders who want to build communities grounded in respect, courage, and human dignity,” Hudson said. “Across America, there is a quiet rebellion against the toxic status quo of polarization and contempt. I’m eager to gather with those leading this movement – not to seek perfect agreement, but to explore how we can flourish together in the midst of disagreement, and build a culture where difference is not erased, but honored.”
Participants will also have the opportunity to hear from the following national voices:
- John Wood Jr.: Wood is a national ambassador for Braver Angels, an organization leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic. He is a former nominee for Congress, former Vice Chairman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County, a noted writer and speaker on subjects including racial and political reconciliation.
- Ken Sande: As founder of Relational Wisdom 360 and author of The Peacemaker, Sande is dedicated to teaching others how to resolve conflict, improve relational wisdom, and manage responses and relationships constructively.
The day will continue with collaborative workshops, interactive discussions, and immersive experiences focused on cultivating community, building civility in cities, and fostering meaningful personal connections. Reclaiming Civility, an early supporter of the Civility City concept, is collaborating with Project Civility and its founders, Lori Leander and Lisa Brandt, who will present a personal civility skills training at the Summit.
In addition to presenting sponsor Merchants Bank, corporate supporters, including Duke Energy, have come together to support the Summit’s mission. Community leaders, policymakers, educators, nonprofit professionals, business leaders, and citizens committed to fostering civility in their communities are invited to register for this event here.
About Project Civility
Project Civility, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a grassroots initiative that began in Carmel with founder Jeff Worrell and a small group of citizens united by a shared belief: cultivating civility in communities across the country is key to rebuilding connections and driving positive change. Its mission is to promote respectful dialogue, active listening, and constructive community engagement through educational programs and chapter partnerships to establish more Civil Cities throughout the United States. To learn more and join the movement, visit projectcivility.com.