The Center on Civility & Democracy to Host Inaugural Reagan Civility and Democracy Forum

National event to convene leaders and students in Washington, D.C. to advance civil discourse, find common ground and become better-informed patriots.

SIMI VALLEY, CA – The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute’s (RRPFI) Center on Civility & Democracy announced today its inaugural Reagan Civility and Democracy Forum, planned for Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The Forum, held at the Ronald Reagan Institute in Washington, D.C., will convene current and future leaders from all facets of American life for a day of dialogue about the importance of civility and its role in American society and democracy.

Future leaders, including undergraduate and graduate students, will have the opportunity to hear from and engage with elected officials, policymakers, academics and others about the necessity of civility and how to restore it in public and private life. Grounded in President Reagan’s model of principled civility and optimistic leadership, conversations at the forum will focus on promoting civil discourse, finding common ground, and advancing democracy through informed patriotism. Students will also learn effective strategies to take back to their campuses and communities about how to navigate ideological differences and disagree respectfully.

“Today’s world presents many challenges to civil behavior,” said Fred Ryan, Director of the Center on Civility and Democracy. “Social media algorithms and fast-paced news cycles value virality over decency. We must remind ourselves of the essential role that civility plays in a healthy democracy and prepare our future leaders to work to find common ground with their opponents. We’re hopeful that the Reagan Civility and Democracy Forum will inspire participants to become lifelong ambassadors for civility.”

The Reagan Civility and Democracy Forum is made possible by a generous grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), who are the exclusive supporters of the Forum. Future announcements about speakers will be released in the coming months.

“Wherever we’re coming from and whatever matters most to us, we need to be able to talk to one another. That’s the sine qua non of democracy,” said SNF Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos. “SNF is proud to support opportunities for people—especially young people—to come together, connect meaningfully across divides, and leave more committed to civil discourse as a cornerstone of civic engagement—and at the end of the day that is what keeps us human.” 

About the Center on Civility and Democracy

The Center on Civility and Democracy, an initiative of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to addressing the deep divisions and discord that threaten the foundations of American democracy. The Center works with organizations across America to promote civil discourse, help us to find common ground and advance our democracy through informed patriotism. It follows President Reagan’s example of reaching across the aisle, despite political differences, to promote the interests of all Americans and make our country stronger. Learn more at www.reaganfoundation.org/center-on-civility-and-democracy

About the Reagan Foundation and Institute

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – limited government, individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride.

A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, and distinctive educational initiatives. In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library, which routinely hosts major special exhibitions.

An hour from Los Angeles International Airport, RRPFI’s Simi Valley campus sits on 400 acres, serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, displays a chunk of the Berlin Wall, and houses the plane President Reagan flew as Air Force One to 26 countries. Onsite are the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, Presidential Learning Center, Air Force One Pavilion, and the Reagan Leadership Academy.  More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org.

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