A Call for Civil Discourse in Complex Times

Civil discourse lies at the heart of our democratic republic. Our system was not designed for uniform agreement, but for principled disagreement—expressed with respect, dignity, and a shared commitment to the common good. This nonpartisan session will explore the essential elements of civil discourse, examine its role as a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, and identify practical steps we can take to strengthen and promote civil discourse in today’s complex and polarized political environment. They will share information about the LeaderEthics initiative—A Call for Civil Discourse.

Presenters:

Rusty Cunningham: Member of the LeaderEthics board and President in 2023 and 2024, Rusty is the former Executive Editor of the River Valley News, the La Crosse Tribune, Winona Daily News and the Chippewa Herald.

Lee Rasch: Executive Director of LeaderEthics. He is the founder of the organization, established in March of 2018. He has published numerous articles on civility and principles of ethical leadership among elected officials.