Alexandra O. Hudson

Alexandra O. Hudson is a writer and speaker based in Indianapolis, recognized for her expertise in civility, civic renewal, leadership, education, and civil society. Hudson holds a master's degree in public policy from the London School of Economics and has served in various roles at the local, state, and federal levels of government, including an appointment at the U.S. Department of Education. Her government experience informed her perspective on the distinction between politeness and civility, shaping her approach to civic engagement and public discourse.

Hudson is the author of the book "The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves," which explores the difference between civility and politeness through history, philosophy, and analysis of social norms. The book draws on insights from ancient philosophers such as Socrates, Epictetus, and Confucius, as well as modern figures including Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, and Henry David Thoreau, and incorporates Hudson's own experiences in government. "The Soul of Civility" examines the necessity of civility for societal survival and development.

Hudson founded Civic Renaissance, a publication and intellectual community focused on beauty, goodness, and truth, with a global membership. She serves as an adjunct professor at Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy and created the series "Storytelling and The Human Condition" for The Teaching Company. Hudson was named a Novak Journalism Fellow and contributes to CBS, PBS, C-SPAN, Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, TIME Magazine, POLITICO Magazine, and Newsweek.

Hudson has advised foreign governments, including The Parliament of Canada and the UK House of Lords, and has spoken at venues such as Stanford University and Yale Law School. Her presentations address the role of civility in countering polarization, partisanship, and threats to democracy, offering audiences foundational principles of civil discourse and respectful engagement. Hudson's work continues to inform discussions on civic renewal, civil society, and the importance of civil discourse in contemporary society.