For half a century, the Columbus Metropolitan Club has cultivated conversations and connections that drive our region forward. The very first CMC forum was held nearly fifty years ago on September 10, 1976. We’ve gathered through moments of crisis and celebration, disagreement and discovery—holding the belief that dialogue truly matters.
As we mark CMC’s 50th anniversary, we step back to ask a deeper question: In an age of outrage, what actually makes true dialogue possible?
Dr. Kurt Gray offers a powerful and timely answer. A leading social psychologist and author of Outraged, Gray studies the moral mind—how we form judgments, why we experience political conflict, and what it takes to bridge divides. His research has revealed that liberals and conservatives – and everyone in between – don’t have different moral foundations. We share the same moral mind and care about harm and protection. Conflict erupts not because we value different things, but because we see different victims.
At a moment when civic trust is fragile and polarization is entrenched, Gray’s work reframes the challenge before us. If outrage grows from a perceived threat, then understanding begins by asking a simple question: What harms do they see? Join us for this special 50th anniversary forum as we reflect on 50 years of civic discourse—and explore how the science of moral understanding can shape the next 50 in Central Ohio and beyond.
Featuring keynote speaker and panelist Dr. Kurt Gray, Professor of Social Psychology, The Ohio State University, and Author, “Outraged: Why we Fight about Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground” with moderator Sophia Fifner, President and CEO, The Columbus Metropolitan Club.
Dr. Gray will be signing copies of of Outraged following the forum.
This event is by invitation only. To sponsor, purchase individual tables or seats, please contact lanie@columbusmetroclub.org.
September 9, 2026
Lunch is served 