10th Civic Institute

Past, Present, Forward

What’s Next, Alabama

Past, Present, Forward: What’s Next, Alabama?” The David Mathews Center for Civic Life’s 10th Civic Institute

As our nation continues to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, join civic-minded changemakers and leaders from across Alabama for a daylong discussion of our state’s past, present, and future.

This year’s Civic Institute is co-sponsored by the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI), which recently launched “What’s Next, America?” a nationwide community-focused conversation series about America's next 250 years. The Civic Institute will serve as the soft launch for a yearlong initiative to bring these thoughtful conversations to communities throughout Alabama. Participants in this highly interactive event will receive copies of books and other resources from the DMC and NIFI.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Our speakers will discuss strategies for addressing persistent challenges, celebrate what’s working in our communities, and offer perspectives on Alabama’s past and its future. Participants will be encouraged by leaders from across the state who will discuss challenges and successes. They will hear from an award-winning historian on lessons from Alabama and American history that we can take into our next 250 years. A panel of experts will explore the current landscape of Alabama’s civic life across several sectors, including healthcare, education, and economic development. Attendees will hear from a group of local democracy practitioners who led one of the nation’s first “What’s Next?” forums earlier this year, right here in central Alabama.

Cristin Brawner, executive director of the National Issues Forums, will give the keynote address. She will discuss how her time at the DMC helped to shape her views of civic life and this new national initiative.

  • Where are we now?

  • Where do we want to go?

  • How will we get there?

What’s next, Alabama? Let’s find out together!

REGISTER HERE

Agenda & Speakers

  • 9:00AM-9:30AM

  • 9:30AM

    • Jonathan Cellon, Ph.D., David Mathews Center

    • Col. Alan Miller, American Village Citizenship Trust

    • Scotty Kirkland, David Mathews Center for Civic Life

  • 9:45AM

    It seems fitting, in this 250th year of America, to begin the Institute with a conversation about our shared past. What parts of history speak to our moment? How do earlier triumphs and struggles echo in the choices we face today?

    Director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History Steve Murray has spent three decades asking—and answering—these questions through exhibits, public programs, and scholarship. He will remind us that history can shape how we live, lead, and imagine what comes next for our communities, state, and nation. Civically engaged Alabamians once changed the world. They can do so again.

  • 10:40AM

    Experts and changemakers from Alabama’s healthcare, education, economic development, nonprofit, and local government sectors will join in a clear-eyed conversation about the state of civic life in 2026. What’s working? What stubborn obstacles remain? Where are the openings for shared progress that we must seize to build our future together?

    In 1975, while reflecting on the nation’s founding, Dr. David Mathews reminded us that “this nation was not formed as much by the fiery slogans of the revolution as it was by the hard and quiet work in the decade that followed.” That spirit guides this panel: not slogans, but an honest assessment of our strengths, our persistent challenges, and the possibilities for the hard and quiet work ahead.

    • Moderator: David Dada, David Mathews Center for Civic Life

    • John Dorsey, M.D, Project Horseshoe Farm

    • Ryan Hankins, Ph.D, PARCA

    • Hon. Theoangelo Perkins, Mayor of Hapersville

    • Chandra Scott, Alabama Possible

  • 12:00PM

    • Marsha Folsom, David Mathews Center for Civic Life, presiding

    • Jean O’Connor-Synder Award Recognition

    • Keynote Address by Cristin Brawner, National Issues Forums Institute

  • 1:15PM

    Earlier this year, the David Mathews Center partnered with Keys to the City Community Coaching and Montevallo Main Street to lead one of the nation’s first What’s Next? forums. This panel brings together several of the local democracy practitioners who made that effort possible, alongside leaders from the National Issues Forums Institute, our Civic Institute co‑sponsor. Participants will hear real-world examples of how the discussion series can spark positive civic action in communities of all sizes. Panelists will share facilitation strategies drawn from moderating dozens of forums and offer practical tips to help neighbors talk honestly, listen intently, and move forward together.

    • Moderator: Christine Fernando, National Issues Forums Institute

    • Courtney Bennett, Montevallo Main Street

    • Hollie Cost, Ph.D, National Issues Forums Institute

    • Herman Lehman, Keys to the City Community Coaching

    • Chauntina Whittle, David Mathews Center for Civic Life

  • 1:50 PM

    After a day full of insight and perspectives from leaders across Alabama, we turn the spotlight to the people who matter most—those in the room. The afternoon will conclude with guided reflection and discussion at each table based on the What’s Next series guide, led by staff and Board members from the DMC, NIFI, and the University of Montevallo’s Falcon Facilitators. This is your chance to compare notes, add your perspective, explore differing views, and consider what’s next for your community. All of us have a part to play in the future of civic life in our state and nation. What’s next, Alabama? Let’s find out together!

  • 2:50PM