City council meeting room

National Civility Summit


Civility and Effective Leadership
Be the leader your community needs during divisive and difficult times.
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (CST) | Virtual Event

When faced with high-pressure situations or contentious issues, leaders who remain composed, respectful, and empathetic become beacons of stability for the communities they serve.

As a local government official, elected or appointed, you will face challenges in your leadership journey where stressful situations exacerbate conflict and hinder progress. By being prepared to lead with civility, you can foster a more productive and collaborative environment where your community can thrive.

Join us to learn best practices and to receive resources that will help you inspire trust, promote unity, and create a sense of stability, even when facing the most trying of situations. This program is beneficial for local government leaders such as mayors, city council members, administrators, clerks and chamber officials.

Keynote Speakers:

Clarence E. Anthony
CEO and Executive Director, National League of Cities

Secretary Tom Vilsack
Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture


This event is hosted by:

The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, in association with the Olson Center for Public Democracy
Iowa League of Cities
National League of Cities 
Des Moines Partnership 




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