March 14, 2023

Incivility in the Moment

Together, let's explore productive, intentional, and perhaps even wishful ways to respond to incivility in the moment in which we experience it. 

The following haunting comment was returned in an evaluation of one of my recent From Conflict to Conversation keynote presentations to a state association of school boards:


  • “The speaker's message was a good one, but in these hyper-polarized times, it is not really possible to have a civil conversation or find common ground with people who think you are grooming children for sexual abuse, for example.”


Such a raw comment deserves deeper consideration. Our March Zoom Chat asks: "How do you practice civility in even the sharpest moments of contention?"


From school boards to town & city councils, leaders can be on the receiving end of so much misinformation, demands, and vitriol - whether from the public or even other council members.


Together, let's explore productive, intentional, and perhaps even wishful ways to respond. All perspectives and experiences are welcome in this safe and respectful space.


As always, there’s no presentation and no pressure. You’re welcome to engage in the group chat or to just observe. And there’s no cost. (Attendance is limited to 45 people.) Hosted & gently facilitated by Matt Lehrman, Social Prosperity Partners.  [EVENT HAS PASSED]

Trustee Maiaika Velazquez, of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District in California
By Matt Lehrman March 10, 2026
Optimism is not the first quality many people associate with public office. It is, however, the quality that defines Trustee Maiaika Velazquez.
Governing in the Silly Season
By Matt Lehrman March 4, 2026
In local government, you can feel it when it arrives. Speeches at council or board meetings grow sharper. Social media clips get shorter and more theatrical. Questions from the dais sometimes sound less like inquiry and more like messaging. The focus can shift from working with colleagues to signaling to voters.
 Clerk Trustee Tauna Rodarte, Fallbrook Union High School District, CA
By Matt Lehrman March 3, 2026
A Fallbrook school board leader shares lessons on moving from nonprofit service to public governance, emphasizing civility, trust, and long-term community impact.
More Posts