Like many of you, I’ve been watching what’s happening in Minneapolis, and it’s heavy. People are hurting, angry, sad, disgusted, and frustrated. Emotions are running high. I cannot imagine how Minnesotans feel as they wake up and step outside their homes into their communities. The effects of what’s happening stretch outside Minnesota. We are all feeling its impact in our communities too.

It shows up in the way neighbors speak to each other. In the tone of a board meeting. In social media posts that escalate quickly. In the way people assume the worst before they’ve even heard a word. I am particularly dismayed by social media posts that invite people with a different opinion to “unfriend them now.” These are emotional, sad, challenging, and unprecedented moments.

That’s why I want to take a moment to speak directly to CAI members and community leaders across the globe, not to make a political statement, and not to tell anyone what to think. But to remind us of something important: This is the moment when our leadership matters!

Most days, the work of community associations is practical. We run meetings, monitor budgets, and focus on maintenance and contract coordination, elections, reserves, architectural review, resident relations, customer service, and meetings. In times of stress and uncertainty, our work becomes more than that. It becomes about helping communities remain harmonious places that residents are proud to call home. Our work becomes about creating and protecting a culture where people live together with respect, even when they see the world differently.

At CAI, we often talk about “building community” and that’s how we can have an impact now. When the world becomes messy, we have an opportunity to create a sense of calm, respect, grace, and human kindness in the communities we serve.

Building community is not just about the programs we offer or the events we host. It is what happens when we choose calm over conflict, leadership over outrage, and to respect different opinions.

That’s also why the CAI Civility Pledge matters. It’s not something we promote because we want communities to be quiet or avoid hard conversations. On the contrary, we promote it because we want communities to be strong, welcome different points of view, and have a culture of open communication where differences are recognized and embraced.

Civility is a core competency and a standard of excellence. It is a framework that encourages listening before reacting and staying respectful when points of view are different. When emotions run high, civility is finding common ground and engaging in civil discussion about issues important to each of us. It’s working together during difficult circumstances for the good of the community.

When civility becomes the norm, better outcomes follow. Conversations are more productive. People are more willing to participate. Problems are more likely to be solved. Communities become healthier. People become happier.

I want to encourage every leader in the CAI network, which, in my humble opinion, is the greatest community on Earth, to recognize the influence you have. The tone you set matters. People take their cues from you. People take their cues from us. This is a great honor and a tremendous responsibility. Use this influence wisely for the good of your community and our country.

Let’s set an example for peace and public safety, restraint, de-escalation, and dignity for every person. This expectation shouldn’t be controversial. It’s the core of humanity and democracy.

I’m proud of the work CAI members do every day to help communities be the best places to live. This moment is another opportunity to lead in a way that reflects the very best of who we are. Let’s keep building community. Let’s stay committed to civility. Let’s set a tone that brings people together even when it may be easier to let things fall apart.

I want to be clear about something. I very intentionally chose not to make this political. Some may feel this goes too far, others that it doesn’t go far enough. But my goal wasn’t to weigh in politically. It was to protect the heart of the message: that community leadership, civility, peace, and human dignity matter, especially right now.

To our friends and colleagues in Minnesota, we stand with you and pray for de-escalation, peace, common sense, and the protection of all people. Our communities need calm, dignity, and leadership that brings people back together.