Ronald Reagan Center on Civility and Democracy
Our Mission
To work with organizations across America to promote civil discourse, help us to find common ground and advance our democracy through informed patriotism. We follow President Reagan’s example of reaching across the aisle, despite political differences, to promote the interests of all Americans and make our country stronger.
The Civility Handbook
America faces a deepening divide that threatens our shared foundations. Where we once emphasized our common values and aspirations, many Americans now define themselves primarily by opposition to their fellow citizens. This polarization plays out daily across social media, news coverage, and political discourse, making it increasingly difficult to have constructive dialogue or pursue solutions that benefit the whole nation.
The Ronald Reagan Center on Civility and Democracy's Civility Handbook is a pocketbook designed as a practical, nonpartisan resource to help everyday Americans engage one another with greater civility. Published during the celebration of America's 250th birthday, it calls Americans to remember the traditions of civility and civic virtue that have led to our greatness and reinvigorate those values in their own daily lives.
If you are an educator, coach, organizational leader, civic leader or simply an engaged citizen who believes The Civility Handbook can help their community and you are interested in receiving several copies for use in a group setting please email apappas@reaganfoundation.org with your request.
Reagan National Civility Survey 2026
Civility and Sportsmanship
Americans have not forgotten how to disagree respectfully. They practice it every weekend in stadiums, arenas and living rooms across the country. A new national survey from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation’s Center on Civility and Democracy finds that while Americans are increasingly frustrated by politics and civil discourse, they strongly believe in the principles of sportsmanship, even as many feel those same values have disappeared from public life.
The survey reveals sports as a rare cultural institution where Americans from different backgrounds, political affiliations and beliefs routinely gather, disagree and accept common rules and outcomes. Despite a political landscape that feels divisive, harsh and sometimes violent, this survey reminds us of the positive example set forth by sports for how Americans can compete fiercely while also upholding the values of sportsmanship.
New from the CCD
Organization Spotlight & Featured Contributors
Featured Event Videos
Recent Events
A Common Ground Forum: Three Nations, One Game: North America’s Role in Shaping Global Sportsmanship
•Washington, DC
Attend Virtually
A Conversation and Book Signing with Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett
•Simi Valley, CA
In-personAttend Virtually
A Conversation with Ken Burns
•Simi Valley, CA
In-personAttend Virtually
The Challenges We Face
Deep Divisions
Americans of all political persuasions are frustrated with the deep divisions and increased polarization that is dividing our country and putting our democracy at risk.
The Decline of Civility
Differing views and vigorous debate have always been cornerstones of American society, yet so much of public expression today reflects profound incivility.
Polarization & Lack of Trust
Americans are losing faith in their institutions and their leaders, with some even questioning if our representative republic is the best form of government.
False Information
Foreign actors and some domestic groups pump out false information with the goal of confusing and misleading voters, further dividing us and portraying democracy as flawed.
Get Updates
Get Updates From The Center on Civility & Democracy
We’re publishing a quarterly newsletter with our latest events, publications, and resources for stopping misinformation.
Newsletters
Winter 2026: Can “We the People” Still Hold Together?
Autumn 2025: Civility Not Censorship
Summer 2025: We Can Be Informed Patriots
Spring 2025: Scoring Goals for Democracy
Winter 2025: Teaching Civil Discourse Now More Important Than Ever
Autumn 2024: Stand up for Civility and Democracy
“Let us act together.”
February 18, 1981
We must begin now. The people are watching and waiting. They don't demand miracles. They do expect us to act. Let us act together.
