In order to transform our world, we must unite behind a new kind of civility.

In a world that is more divided than ever, it will take a radical act to transform our discourse, our lives, and our world. International civility consultant and keynote speaker Shola Richards believes that unifying our world around the power of civility is that radical act, and it’s not for the faint of heart.

Do we want a safer world to live in? Do we want less toxicity in our politics? Do we want a world free of hate and discrimination? Do we want to work in organizations that allow us to do our best work? Do we want our children to learn in schools that are kind and supportive? Do we want to live in a world that prioritizes our mental health and overall wellness? If your answers are “yes,” then we must steel ourselves for the reality that uniting around civility is the only path that will get us there.

This deeply personal—and deeply practical—book will not shy away from addressing the challenging questions, such as: How can civil discourse be maintained during disagreements about topics that are profoundly polarizing, like abortion, gun control, or politics?

How can I be expected to be civil toward someone who has deeply wounded me—the drunk driver who killed my child, the relative who sexually assaulted me, the spouse who left me for my best friend, or the narcissistic parent who abused me?

How can I be civil when confronted with the hatefulness of intolerances such as racism, misogyny, antisemitism, homophobia, or Islamophobia?

How can I have a civil conversation with someone who isn’t tethered to reality and believes in baseless dark web conspiracy theories? It sounds like civility means that we just need to be agreeable, not rock the boat, avoid having opinions or keeping them to ourselves, and refuse to take a firm stand against the policies and people who are trying to harm me and my loved ones. What in the world is positive about any of that foolishness?

These questions—and more—deserve to be answered. To be clear, Civil Unity is not another book about turning the other cheek when faced with harmful or hateful behavior. This book is about providing the practical tactics to disagree more effectively, bridge ideological divisions, actively prioritize our mental health, and fiercely create a more civil world that will sustain over time.

If you are ready to transform our discourse, our lives, and our world, let’s get to work.