Definition
Civic grace is extending unearned kindness and goodwill to others—including opponents—beyond what duty requires.
Civic Grace
Why it matters
Civic grace extends beyond fairness and reciprocity. It helps people respond to disagreement with generosity, creating opportunities for trust, understanding and renewed civic engagement.
This virtue strengthens relationships and supports a culture where dignity is extended to others, even when it is not returned.
Classroom Activities
Resources to learn more
Complicating the Narratives
What if journalists covered controversial issues differently — based on how humans actually behave when they are polarized and suspicious?
Bridging Differences Playbook
A research-informed guide offering practical tools for bridging divides at intrapersonal, interpersonal and intergroup levels.
How to Lead a Conversation Between People Who Disagree
In a world deeply divided, how do we have hard conversations with nuance, curiosity, respect?