A recent study from Independent Sector shows that 94% of Americans are worried about growing division and a lack of national unity. As stewards of positive social change, nonprofits have a unique opportunity to foster civility, collaboration and connection. In fact, Americans trust nonprofits to reduce national divisions more than corporations, government or media.
By bridging divides, nonprofits strengthen the fabric of our communities, ensuring that relationships — among individuals, organizations and sectors — are built on respect and empathy.
Nonprofit leaders, board members and business partners are uniquely positioned to lead by example, fostering environments where differences are met with curiosity rather than conflict.
Three Ways Nonprofit Professionals Can Advance Civility in Communities
Here are three action steps to support nonprofits in building brides and advancing civility within communities:
1. Lead with empathy.
Nonprofits can model civil discourse by hosting forums, workshops or dialogues that prioritize listening and understanding. Encourage honest conversations where diverse perspectives can be shared constructively and without judgment.
2. Invest in community building.
Design programs that connect individuals across divides, creating spaces where common goals that everyone can get behind — like better education, safer neighborhoods or child well-being — unite rather than separate.
3. Engage cross-sector partnerships grounded in relationships.
Businesses, nonprofits and civic organizations must deepen collaboration to champion initiatives that promote civility, such as public awareness campaigns or skill-building programs in conflict resolution and emotional intelligence. The Nonprofit Leadership Center offers a course on managing and mitigating conflict and administers the Conflict Dynamics Profile Assessment — an excellent opportunity to start and build for individuals and teams.
By prioritizing relationships, we can create communities where respect and understanding triumph over division. Let us lead boldly in this mission, together.
