United WE Wins PRISM Award for Speech on Civility and Leadership

United WE received a 2026 PRISM Gold Award from the Greater Kansas City Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for its speech on “The New Language of Civility: How United WE Redefined It as Powerful Leadership in a Divided America.” The award honors the speech delivered by United WE President and CEO Wendy Doyle at the organization’s 35th anniversary celebration on May 6, 2026. 

At a time when political polarization can make productive dialogue feel increasingly difficult, the keynote offered a different perspective: civility is more than politeness. It’s a leadership discipline that helps people work through disagreement and build better solutions together.

Drawing on United WE’s decades of experience bringing together business leaders, policymakers and community partners across differences, Wendy challenged the audience to approach complex problems with curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to act.

The speech’s central message and its call to “Build. Don’t wait.” resonated beyond the event. In the months that followed, the keynote’s ideas were incorporated into United WE’s executive communications, media outreach, fundraising and thought leadership, helping shape how the organization talks about collaborative leadership and lasting change.

The PRISM Award recognizes the power of strategic communications to turn an organization’s values into a message that connects with audiences and inspires action.

We’re proud to see this work recognized and grateful to everyone who helped bring the message to life.