It’s not often that four former governors from both parties appear side by side, but the Mackinac Center, along with its partners Michiganders for Civic Resilience, Oakland University Center for Civic Engagement, the Democracy Defense Project, and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, will be able to achieve just that in Lansing for “A Defining Moment for Civility: A Forum with Four Governors.” Former governors Rick Snyder, James Blanchard, Jennifer Granholm, and John Engler will make the case for civility in an increasingly divided political climate. The event will also serve as the official kickoff of the Michigan Civility Coalition, whose goal is to promote civil discourse and bring civility back to the public square.

The discussion will center on the growing concerns over censorship, cancellations, doxxing, and rising threats toward public figures, while also demonstrating what respectful disagreement looks like in practice. Despite political differences, the former governors will emphasize and encourage cooperation, personal relationships, and a shared commitment to civic engagement.