The David Mathews Center for Civic Life in Monetvallo, Alabama, will hold the 2017 Civic Institute on Friday, August 18, 2017. Tickets ($15-$25) and registration are available online.

The following is from the David Mathews Center (DMC) website's description of the upcoming 2017 Civic Institute:

The 2017 Civic Institute is your chance to connect with civic-minded change-makers and thought leaders from across Alabama in a dialogue on our state's past, present, and future.

From the morning panel discussion on the "geography of economic prosperity" in rural and urban communities, to the keynote address by Dr. David Mathews, (President and CEO of the Kettering Foundation), the day will be packed with engaging speakers and interactive sessions centered around some of the most profound issues we encounter as Alabamians.

Participants are able to choose among three different learning tracks for the day, including: building civic infrastructure, renewing civic education, and creating civic media (see descriptions below). Each track includes a deliberative forum in the morning, as well as an interactive workshop in the afternoon--all in addition to the panel discussion and keynote address, which will be delivered over lunch!

With our state's bicentennial on the horizon, we believe that the Civic Institute is the perfect event to collectively ponder the power of our citizens and our communities to build the kind of Alabama they want to call home. To this extent, the Civic Institute will serve as the official, statewide launch of the DMC's newest forum series, aptly titled, What's Next, Alabama?

This series is a three-year endeavor, focused on what economic prosperity means in different communities across our state. The series will conclude in 2019, coinciding with Alabama's bicentennial celebrations, and will frame the conversation about our future, even as we celebrate our past.

“Lunch Only” tickets are available for those interested in only attending the luncheon keynote address by Dr. David Mathews.

Click here for registration and tickets.