30 people to attend leadership institute

Little Rock-based Renew America Together has selected 30 individuals to participate in its inaugural Civility Leadership Institute, retired Gen. Wesley Clark announced last week.

“These diverse individuals from across the country represent different backgrounds, beliefs, and demographic profiles. We are encouraged that they recognize we need to work towards a more civil future and that they are hoping to help in this process by using the tools they will learn from our program,” Clark said in a news release.

The former NATO supreme commander launched Renew America Together in November 2018. The nonprofit group seeks to “revitalize public and political discourse by teaching and promoting civics, citizenship, and civility.”

Members of the inaugural class will meet on a monthly basis during the six-month program. Once it is completed, they will participate in a yearlong “follow-up program to continue building relationships with one another and measuring their progress and accomplishments and receive professional coaching from industry leaders,” the news release stated.

The inaugural class includes pastor Mark Evans of The Church at Rock Creek in Little Rock; Hana Mariah Hatta, operations and engagement director for Little Rock’s Opera in the Rock; Democratic Party of Arkansas Chairman Michael John Gray; Leigh Keener, discovery lab specialist at Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock; UALR Vice Chancellor for University Affairs Joni Lee; Eric O. Reece, Human Rights Campaign, Arkansas state manager; and Michael A. Sanders, Community Resources manager for Little Rock.