Overview

The 2019 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.
This year’s theme is “Closer to Home” and the day will be packed with engaging speakers and interactive sessions centered around some of the most profound issues we encounter as Alabamians. 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. Dr. David Mathews, president and CEO of the Kettering Foundation, will deliver the luncheon keynote address. Breakfast and Lunch are provided.

Sessions:

  • Inside Out: Using Dialogue and Deliberation to Build Civic Skills and Craft Belonging Behind Bars
  • The Benefit of the Doubt: Preparing Ourselves for Authentic Engagement and Productive Disagreement
  • Building a Durable Life: The Impact of Social Infrastructure on Alabama’s Public Health
  • Geographical Imaginations: The Role of Storytelling in Southern Culture and Identity
  • Found in Translation: Engaging Communities Across the Language Barrier
  • A Public Enterprise: Civic Education and Community Collaboration in Workforce Development
    *Each participant will attend two of the six sessions, which run concurrently.

FAQs
Registration:
*If you have a promotional code to enter, click the “Tickets” button on the event page. In the box that appears with your ticket options, there is a link in the upper right hand corner that says “Enter Promotional Code.” Click the text, enter the code, and continue the registration process.

To register:

– Click the green “Tickets” button on the event page and a box will appear with your ticket options.

– Select your ticket type: All-Day ($35), Lunch Only ($20), or Student Rate ($25).

– After you make your selection, fill out the questions that follow, and proceed to checkout.

To contact the event organizer:

If you need some assistance or have other questions, please contact DMC Civic Fellow Kate Zeliff at kmauldin@mathewscenter.org or 205-665-9005 ext. 69.

To register a group:

If you are registering a total of three or more people to attend the day-long event, you are eligible to save 10% per person. Contact the event organizer, Kate Zeliff, with the details and you will receive a promotional code.

Payment:
What is the refund policy?

Refunds are available up to 7 days before the event.

Can I pay by check?

Yes. However, you must still complete the online registration. When you get to the payment options in the registration process, simply select “check” and complete your registration from there. Checks should be made out to The David Mathews Center for Civic Life and mailed to P.O. Box 136, Montevallo, AL 35115.

Please note that we cannot accept cash payments, nor can we accept checks in person.

Planning:
What kind of accommodations are nearby for those traveling from out of town?

For those interested in booking a hotel room, we’ve set up a block of rooms at the Hampton Inn in Calera (a ten-minute drive from the American Village). The hotel is located at 93 Metro Drive, Calera, AL 35040. To reserve, click on the link below, or call the Hampton Inn in Calera at 205-668-6565 and request a room in the “Civic Institute” block. To recieve the discounted booking rate when booking over the phone, please mention “Civic Institute” to the Hampton Inn in Calera representative.

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/C/CALALHX-CIV-20190815/index.jhtml

What kind of parking is available at the venue?

There is ample parking at the American Village. When you arrive, follow the signs that say “Mathews Center.” Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Liberty Hall, which is Building B on this American Village map.

For folks needing assistance getting to and from buildings, we will have a shuttle service available.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No.

Can I bring/house/leave my pet somewhere during the event?

Except for service animals, American Village has a strict no pets policy. We do not have anywhere for you to keep your pet during the event. A local animal hospital in Calera (10-15 minutes away) offers boarding services.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

After you purchase your tickets and enter your personal information, you are able to indicate any dietary restrictions. We will pass on this information to our caterer so there will be sufficient alternatives. Contact the event organizer with any questions or concerns.

What is the dress code?

The dress code is business casual.