Registration is Open for Civility Week 2026: Democracy Takes Creativity

Brookdale Invites Campus and Community to Register for Civility Week 2026: Democracy Takes Creativity

Brookdale Community College invites students, employees, and community members to register now for Civility Week 2026, a dynamic series of thought-provoking discussions, creative experiences, and community conversations centered on this year’s theme, Democracy Takes Creativity. Taking place October 12–15, the program will explore how imagination, collaboration, and civic engagement can help shape a stronger future.

Produced by Brookdale’s Center for Transformative Learning and the Student Development Committee of Governance, Civility Week has become one of the College’s signature initiatives, bringing together diverse voices to encourage respectful dialogue, critical thinking, and meaningful civic participation. Faculty, staff, administrators, students, and members of the public are welcome to attend all events.

“This year’s theme asks us to think differently about what creativity really means,” said Angela Kariotis, Director of Brookdale’s Center for Transformative Learning. “Creativity isn’t limited to the arts. It’s the ability to imagine new possibilities, solve problems together, listen across differences, and find common ground. Those are the very qualities that strengthen our communities and our democracy. Civility Week invites everyone to practice those skills through conversation, collaboration, and shared experiences.”

The four-day series features nationally recognized speakers alongside Brookdale faculty and community partners, offering presentations, workshops, conversations, art experiences, and interactive programs designed to inspire dialogue and action.

Highlights include:

• Opening Keynote – “Imagining the World We Want” featuring former Two River Theater Artistic Director John Dias, followed by international human rights leader Kerri Kennedy, who will offer practical insights into recognizing challenges to democratic norms and the power of collective action.
• A Civic Engagement Power Panel exploring voting, public service, and community involvement.
• Workshops on confronting misinformation, building empathy through poetry, strengthening creativity, and learning how the arts foster democratic engagement.
• Interactive experiences including the unveiling of the Peace-by-Piece Brookdale Community Quilt, a culture-sharing program where participants bring meaningful personal artifacts, and hands-on art-making inspired by influential American artists. – Sessions examining music, storytelling, and quilting as powerful expressions of community, healing, and social change.

Whether attending one presentation or participating throughout the week, Civility Week offers opportunities to connect with others, exchange ideas, and explore how creativity can strengthen communities and democratic life.

“One of the greatest strengths of Brookdale is the diversity of perspectives our students, faculty, staff, and community members bring to campus,” said Sara Burrill, Professor of Psychology. “Civility Week creates space for meaningful conversations that challenge us to think critically, listen with empathy, and engage respectfully. Whether you attend one session or several, you’ll leave with new ideas, new connections, and a renewed appreciation for the role each of us plays in building stronger communities.”

Engagement begins well before Civility Week officially opens. Through a series of satellite events produced by departments and organizations across campus, Brookdale is extending the themes of democracy, creativity, and civic engagement throughout the fall semester.

Beginning September 21, participants can contribute to Brookdale’s Community Quilt during an open stitch-in at the CVA Gallery, celebrating the creativity, diversity, and shared experiences of the College community. On October 1, the Center for Transformative Learning will host Signs of Democracy, an interactive workshop exploring the history and power of civic expression through the creation of advocacy and community signs.

Additional satellite events include Faith in Democracy, featuring Rev. Dr. Craig Rubano on October 7; Stars, Stripes, and Architecture on November 2, where Brookdale architecture faculty and alumni will discuss designing a commemorative pavilion for America’s 250th anniversary while helping attendees prepare to vote in the November 3 election; and Brookdale’s Reading Circle, a virtual Friday morning book discussion series that invites participants to continue exploring the ideas behind Democracy Takes Creativity throughout the semester. The first 20 Reading Circle registrants will receive a complimentary copy of the featured book.

Civility Week 2026 offers something for everyone, from students exploring new ideas to community members interested in meaningful conversations about democracy, creativity, and civic life. Advance registration is encouraged, and participants are welcome to attend one event or experience the entire series.

For the complete schedule, additional resources, and registration information, visit brookdalecc.edu/civility-week or complete the Civility Week registration form.