Alexandra Hudson
AUTHOR, STORYTELLER, SPEAKER.

ALEXANDRA O. HUDSON:
The Leading Voice for Civility and Civic Renewal

Invite Alexandra to Speak

Alexandra Hudson is America’s leading voice on civility and civic renewal. As the author of The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves (St. Martin’s Press) and founder of Civic Renaissance, she is sought after by governments, schools, corporations, and communities who long for practical, hopeful ways to bridge divides and heal fractured public life.

 

Her work has already catalyzed change:

  • State legislators launching bipartisan book clubs

  • School systems adopting civility curricula

  • HR leaders weaving civility into workplace culture

  • National summits focused on political and social healing

 

In an age of escalating polarization and political violence, Alexandra’s message is both timely and urgent. Her talks combine intellectual depth, moral clarity, and actionable frameworks that move audiences from understanding to transformation — helping leaders and citizens alike build cultures of trust and respect.

“Civility is not politeness — it is the courage to honor dignity, even when we disagree.”

- Alexandra Hudson

Signature Topics & Sample Talks

If you’re looking for a compelling and insightful voice on civility and civic renewal, Alexandra Hudson delivers a message that both inspires and equips audiences to lead with dignity. She tailors each talk to your audience, drawing from these core themes she’s known for addressing:

 
  • What Civility Really Means
    Why it’s not about manners — it’s a leadership competency rooted in moral imagination and respect across difference.
 
  • How to Defuse Division
    Practical tools for workplaces, schools, churches, and communities to navigate conflict without fracturing relationships.
 
  • The Cost of Incivility
    How polarization erodes trust, fuels anxiety, and weakens institutions — and how we can reverse that trend.
 
  • Steps Forward: Rebuilding Trust Today
    Concrete practices for leaders and everyday citizens to restore dignity, connection, and shared purpose.
 
  • Civility as a Duty in Democracy
    Why civil society is indispensable to democracy — and how citizens must reclaim their role in nourishing it.
 
  • Goodness, Virtue & the Inner Work
    Why personal character and inner orientation matter in public life, drawing historical and literary inspiration.
 
 

What Audiences Say...

Alexandra Hudson spoke eloquently and passionately on the topic of civil discourse and navigating a better path out of the polarity that paralyzes our politics today. Her intellectual curiosity and approach to encouraging better citizenship were refreshing to me, as the lead champion of The Tennessean’s Civility Tennessee campaign. The conversation was illuminating and refreshing. She is fluent on the subject of respectful discourse, viewing civility as more than just politeness, but a civic duty that American citizens must carry out to defend their democratic values and their republic. Her references to the early history of the United States and her reading of Alexis de Tocqueville’s 1835 classic “Democracy in America” demonstrate her expertise in connecting the past with the present time. Hudson makes me optimistic that we can continue to make this union more perfect.
David PlazasEditor, The Tennessean (part of the USA Today network)
Alexandra Hudson gave a brilliant inaugural lecture—”Civility’s Importance to American Democracy”—for St. Lawrence University’s program promoting Civil Dialogue Across Difference. She set a high standard in both illuminating America’s present challenges and modeling how to respond to incivility with grace and dignity.
Caroline BreashearsProfessor of English, St. Lawrence University
With both precision and passion, Lexi Hudson helps us confront our greatest social challenge—healing our political divides and finding a way forward together as one nation. In hard times, hers is a voice of hope. We at Braver Angels loved having her speak as a keynote at our national convention because she cast a hopeful vision for our nation’s future.
David BlankenhornPresident and CEO, Braver Angels
The Indiana Historical Society had the pleasure to invite Alexandra Hudson to speak recently. She has a clear passion for and knowledge of history and is uniquely connected the subject matter. It was particularly impressive how well Alexandra helped the audience connect to beauty and art in history and art as a tool for cultural healing. This is best evidence by stupendous participant reviews. And, she is a joy to work with. Her thoughtfulness and creativity are infectious. The staff look forward to more opportunities to team up with her! Anyone looking to engage their audiences in a deep but accessible discussion will do well to work with Lexi. You’ll be happy you did.
Jody BlankenshipPresident and CEO, Indiana Historical Society
Alexandra gave an enlightening and engaging presentation to the Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis. We cannot wait to read her book!
David YoungPresident, Indianapolis Kiwanis Club
I first discovered Alexandra’s work in 2018 when I asked her to speak about the Rotary Scholarship, on which she attended the London School of Economics where she earned her Master’s Degree in Public Policy. I was impressed with the quality of her thinking and communication, so proceeded to invite her to speak to Rotary Clubs throughout Indiana, where I am District Governor. She is an in-demand speaker, but was generous with her time in visiting our clubs throughout the state. Her passion for civil discourse is contagious. I heard her talk on a number of occasions, and was impressed by her ability to tailor her remarks to speak specifically to each audience she addressed. Her message on civil discourse and civility in our country is essential. Given my involvement with Rotary Clubs, I hope to include her speaking and ideas throughout the state in the years to come. She is an amazing person, passionate about her causes and able to command her audiences easily and professionally every time. I can assure you that you will not regret inviting her to speak to your group or at your event!
Raymond KrampDistrict Governor, Rotary Clubs of Indiana (2020-2021)

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