The Civility Book
A Guide to Building Bridges Across the Political Divide
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Once pitted as adversarial counterparts as the opinion editors of right- and left-leaning newspapers, veteran journalists Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson join forces in this groundbreaking work to champion a novel approach to political discourse. Finley, a resolute conservative, and Henderson, a committed progressive, defy expectations by demonstrating that civil conversation is not only possible but also richly rewarding, even across colossal ideological divides.
In 2020, they launched the Civility Project with journalist and author Lynne Golodner, beginning their journey to teach Americans how to engage in respectful dialogue and maintain relationships despite political differences. The Civility Book is an extension of that mission, offering practical tools and strategies for fostering civility in everyday interactions. At the core of this work, the authors position their four pillars of civility to explain what civility is, why it matters, and how individuals can use it to overcome the antagonistic rhetoric that threatens our society today, one conversation at a time. This conversational, no-nonsense guide provides valuable lessons, a detailed curriculum, probing questions for consideration, and an extensive appendix of resources outlining ongoing efforts to curb unproductive contention and advance a more harmonious society.
About this Author
Nolan Finley has held many positions at the Detroit News since the start of his career there as a copy boy, including city editor, business editor, politics editor, and deputy managing editor. In 2000, he was named editorial page editor, where he directs the expression of the newspaper's editorial position on various national and local issues and writes a column in the Sunday newspaper. He graduated from Schoolcraft College and Wayne State University, and in 2012, he was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. Finley is also cohost of One Detroit on Detroit Public Television. Stephen Henderson is an American journalist and winner of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary and the 2014 National Association of Black Journalists Journalist of the Year Award?both received while writing for the Detroit Free Press. A native of Detroit, Henderson is a graduate of the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and the University of Michigan. Since 2015, he has been the host of Detroit Today on WDET, and in 2020, he founded BridgeDetroit, where he serves as executive editor. Henderson is cohost of One Detroit and host of American Black Journal on Detroit Public Television. Lynne Golodner is a native of Detroit and an award-winning author, marketing entrepreneur, and writing coach. Her writing has appeared in 45th Parallel, the Chicago Tribune, Better Homes and Gardens, Midwest Living, and many more publications. She served as executive director of the Civility Project from 2020-24. Golodner teaches writing around the world, leads writers' retreats, and has taught writing at University of Detroit Mercy since 2010 and with WritingWorkshops.com since 2018. A former Fulbright Specialist, Golodner is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Goddard College and earned a certificate in entrepreneurship from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program at Wayne State University.
Reviews
"Too many people write off those who don't share the 'right' views, preferring to live in their own echo chambers. In this artful and lively book, Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson offer a guide, rooted in their own unlikely friendship, to how we can bridge political divides and find our shared humanity. Bravo."?Ingrid Jacques, national opinion columnist, USA TODAY
"At a critical time in our nation's history, Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson show us the path toward civil and constructive political discourse. I know firsthand of the impact of the Civility Project to draw us away from reactionary attitudes and reductionist rationalizations. Nolan and Stephen challenge us to find common ground on a human level, one conversation at a time. Together, they renew our faith in democracy and in one another."?Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, president, Oakland University
"Finley and Henderson convey an important message that all Americans can make civil discourse a reality by providing us with the tools and examples needed to make it happen. This book should be required reading in high schools and universities."?Michael Benedict, author of The Civil Society Playbook: A Commonsense Plan for a Return to Civility
"In a clear and engaging way, Nolan, Stephen, and Lynne explain the need for and how to accomplish civility. Greater civility is a must for a brighter future in our society. This is not just a book to be read but a book to be lived."?Rick Snyder, 48th governor of Michigan
"Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson have written an essential book for our times: a story of an unlikely friendship across partisan divides and, even more, a guide to learning and growing together even when we disagree. Civility and civic engagement are critical for our democracy."?Santa J. Ono, president, University of Michigan
"Civility is not dead! But it's bloodied, beaten, and mortally wounded. The arena of American politics has descended into racism, sexism, and xenophobia. Finger-pointing and name-calling have become our weapons. The chief motivation is to win, not to find answers to our common problems. This book gives us a pathway to reach what Abraham Lincoln called 'the better angels of our nature.' For years, Stephen Henderson and Nolan Finley have engaged in passionate debates over policy and politics, yet they have consistently refused to demonize each other. They are articulate examples of how to prioritize collaboration over conflict, dialogue over dismissal. If you're looking for justification to stand in your ideological corner and shout at your opponent, this book is not for you. But if you're looking for a way to bridge the deep divisions that continue to separate us, I urge you to read, study, and open yourself to the real-life solutions you'll find in these pages."?Huel Perkins, Emmy award?winning news anchor, WJBK-TV from 1989?2022
"Two veteran journalists from opposing ends of the political spectrum show us that meaningful dialogue across ideological divides isn't just possible?it's transformative. Through their groundbreaking work with the Civility Project and this practical guide, Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson give us concrete tools to move beyond toxic polarization toward more productive conversations that strengthen the fabric of our society."?Bridget McCormack, president and CEO, American Arbitration Association
"Nolan and Stephen are like the old cartoon characters, Ralph Wolf and Sam Sheepdog. They pummel each other from nine to five, then punch out at the time clock and walk home with their lunch pails and their arms around each other. Please try it."?Devin Scillian, news anchor, WDIV-TV from 1995?2024
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