Reclaiming civility.

Since 1997, the Institute for Civility has been working to promote civility—in government, workplaces, schools, and anywhere people gather to live, learn, work, and play.

In 2023, we updated our name from the Institute for Civility in Government to better reflect the broad scope of our reach.

About us

Our goal is a more civil society.

The Institute for Civility is dedicated to reducing polarization by facilitating dialogue, teaching respect, and building civility in both the public and private spheres.

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What’s new?

Here’s the latest.

Civility in the Workplace: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Civility isn’t just about holding doors or saying “please” and “thank you”—it’s about how we show respect, value others’ perspectives, and foster collaboration, especially in the workplace. With hybrid teams, diverse workforces, and fast-paced demands, maintaining a civil environment can make or break a company’s culture. Here’s why civility at work isn’t optional—it’s essential: 1….
Read More » Civility in the Workplace: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Civility Is Not Agreement—It’s Respect: Founders Featured on SideBar Podcast

What does civility mean in a world of noise, division, and outrage? For Institute for Civility co-founders Cassandra Dahnke and Tomas Spath, civility is more than just manners—it’s the foundation for meaningful change. In their recent feature on the SideBar podcast, they reflect on their 30-year journey advocating for civility in schools, workplaces, and government….
Read More » Civility Is Not Agreement—It’s Respect: Founders Featured on SideBar Podcast

Building Bridges: How Civility Training is Transforming Workplaces and Communities

In today’s polarized climate, civility training is becoming increasingly crucial for fostering respectful and effective communication in diverse settings. The Institute for Civility is seeing a surge in requests for our programs as political, racial, gender, religious, and generational differences continue to spill over into the workplace. Organizations across various sectors—businesses, educational institutions, government bodies, and more—are seeking…
Read More » Building Bridges: How Civility Training is Transforming Workplaces and Communities

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