David Mathews Center for Civic Life

10/19/2026

The DMC is pleased to share the new video featuring our namesake that premiered at the 10th Civic Institute earlier this month.

On July 4, 1976, Dr. David Mathews, U.S. Secretary of Health, Education & Welfare, spoke in New Orleans to mark the nation's bicentennial. At a moment when most American’s were looking to the past, the thoughtful Grove Hill, Alabama, native looked instead to its future. He addressed his remarks to Americans living in 2076—a century beyond their stormy present.

Today we stand at the midpoint between the year in which Dr. Mathews delivered his perceptive speech and its intended audience. Where are we now? What have we learned since 1976? Where have we succeeded in upholding the aspirations he espoused? Where have we failed?

Like every generation, we, too, have choices to make together: Where do we want to go? How do we get there? What’s next?

On July 4, 1976, Dr. David Mathews, U.S. Secretary of Health, Educa...

10/12/2026

Enjoy some 📸 from the best day this year! Thank you everyone for making it so special! 🩵

10/06/2026

Last but not least… because we had to save some of the best for the end! 🩵 What an AMAZING way to wrap up such a fun-filled day!

Join us this Friday! Register here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-david-mathews-centers-10th-civic-institute-tickets-1998385909049

10/05/2026

Introducing our next incredible panelists for the 10th Civic Institute!🩵

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.

Save yourself a seat and register now with the link in our bio!
We can't wait to see everyone this Friday!

09/30/2026

We have some amazing panelists joining us for the 10th Civic Institute! 🩵

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.

You don't want to miss this conversation! Register NOW! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-david-mathews-centers-10th-civic-institute-tickets-1998385909049

09/29/2026

We are so excited to announce that Steve Murray will join us for the 10th Civic Institute! 🩵

The day will begin 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.

Join us on October 9th and be apart of the conversation! Register here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-david-mathews-centers-10th-civic-institute-tickets-1998385909049

09/28/2026

It’s an honor to announce our keynote speaker for the 10th Civic Institute! 🩵
Cristin Brawner is the Executive Director of the National Issue Forums Institute, a nonprofit,
nonpartisan organization that serves to promote public deliberation about difficult public issues. On October 9th, she will discuss their recently launched “What’s Next, America?” initiative, a nationwide community-focused conversation series about America’s next 250 years, and how her time at the DMC helped to shape her views of civic life and this new national initiative.

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.

Have you secured your spot yet? Register now with the link in our bio!

09/17/2026

On this Constitution Day, may we be reminded that our democracy is strengthened by conversation, curiosity, and the courage to show up.

In that spirit, we invite you to join us at the DMC’s 10th Civic Institute on October 9 at the American Village, where thoughtful colleagues, grassroots changemakers, and civic champions will gather to ask a shared question: What’s Next, Alabama?

There is a place for you at the table.
Your voice matters.
Join us.

08/19/2026

It's TIME!!!! ⏰ Registration is open for the 10th Civic Institute!

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.

Get your tickets NOW! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-david-mathews-centers-10th-civic-institute-tickets-1998385909049

We hope to see you there!🩵

08/10/2026

The David Mathews Center for Civic Life (DMC), a nonprofit organization promoting civic skills for a stronger Alabama, seeks qualified, interested applicants for an Education Coordinator. This is an exempt, full-time (40 hours per week) position based at the DMC office on the campus of The American Village in Montevallo, Alabama. Supervisory duties will include any assigned interns or student workers. This position reports to the DMC Executive Director. For more information about the work of the DMC, visit www.mathewscenter.org.

The Education Coordinator works with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors to administer and manage the DMC’s signature programming reaching Alabama K-12 students, undergraduates, teachers, and faculty; researches, develops, and authors relevant resources for the DMC’s educational programming; provides general oversight of a community-based internship program; and assists in the development and ex*****on of other events and initiatives. To learn more about the position announcement check out our blog! https://www.mathewscenter.org/blog/applications-now-open-for-dmc-education-coordinator-position

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample to [email protected] by September 10, 2026.