Convening for Action in British Columbia

LEAD WITH CIVILITY TO TURN THE CULTURAL TIDE TOGETHER: “Lead with Civility reframes civility as a core leadership discipline, one that enables leaders to hold the line, make tough decisions and navigate disagreement without tipping into dysfunction or harm,” wrote Diane Kalen-Sukra, internationally recognized thought leader, author, and former municipal CAO in British Columbia

May 19, 2026 - Posted in Convening for Action in British Columbia

Note to Reader:

Published by the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia, Waterbucket eNews celebrates the leadership of individuals and organizations who are guided by the Living Water Smart vision. Storylines accommodate a range of reader attention spans. Read the headline and move on, or take the time to delve deeper – it is your choice!

Downloadable versions are available at Living Water Smart in British Columbia: The Series. Stories are structured in three parts: One-Minute Takeaway, Editor’s Perspective, and the Story Behind the Story.

The edition published on May 19, 2026 features Diane Kalen-Sukra’s new book, Lead with Civility. For the Partnership, this isn’t just a handbook; it provides the philosophical context we need to fulfill our intergenerational mission. In practice, mentorship and respect are the bridge between different age groups that ensures hard-fought knowledge is never lost.

Take 2 minutes to view the video. It is powerful.

ONE MINUTE TAKEAWAY for the extremely busy reader

Publication of Lead with Civility in a local government election year is timely. Diane Kalen-Sukra shines the spotlight on leadership and what really matters. For the Partnership, this book provides the philosophical context to fulfill our intergenerational mission; in practice, mentorship and respect are the bridge between different age groups or eras.

What kind of leader are you?

Lead with Civility is a modern day mirror for civic leaders, both elected and staff. It presents the reader with a choice of pathways.

“Bold leaders who lead with civility will restore trust, bring people together, and renew civic culture. Those who don’t will see the weeds of incivility [take over],” Diane Kalen-Sukra says. She shows how doing right by each other builds the shared strength our communities and institutions depend on.

Lead with Civility Portraits

Diane Kalen-Sukra uses “Lead with Civility Portraits” to provide vivid examples and case studies of civic leaders in action. Some contributed guest essays, including four British Columbians, namely Henry Braun, Patricia Ross, Bill Sims and Maja Tait.

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE / CONTEXT FOR BUSY READER –
by Kim Stephens

“The election of Donald Trump to the US presidency opened a Pandora’s box,” stated Kim Stephens, Waterbucket eNews Editor and Partnership Executive Director. “The cascading impact of his uncivility spilled across the US-British Columbia border and has poisoned our well. Over the past decade, the consequences of incivility have been playing out in the world of local government. Now what?”

NOW WHAT: Out of the ashes comes renewal

“History reminds us that seasons of civic decay and renewal are not new, writes Diane Kalen-Sukra. Based on what I am observing, local government is at a tipping point. Could Lead with Civility be the spark that catalyzes action to turn the cultural tide?”

“Turning the tide is not easy. The challenge is to overcome amnesia and inertia. It takes effort and energy to get everyone moving in the right direction. But once you do, anything is possible! This was Lower Mainland experience a generation ago (refer to chart). If it happened once, it could happen again. It is all about creating a movement that builds momentum,” concludes Kim Stephens,

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: Turning the Cultural Tide Together – Diane Kalen-Sukra is a passionate advocate and tireless champion for restoring civility

EDITOR’S NOTE: My objective in providing the selection of quotes that follow is to inspire you, the reader, to take the next step and read Diane Kalen-Sukra’s book. The downloadable document version of this story behind the story provides further insight. Australian podcaster Chris Eddy captured it well when he wrote: