Institute for Civility Co-Founder Cassandra Dahnke Takes the TEDxFoggyBottom Stage to Champion the Power of Civility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOUSTON, TX. — The Institute for Civility proudly celebrates co-founder Cassandra Dahnke’s recent TEDxFoggyBottom presentation, where she challenged audiences to rethink the role civility plays in strengthening communities, fostering meaningful dialogue, and creating lasting change.

Speaking before a live audience at TEDxFoggyBottom in Washington, D.C., Dahnke shared insights drawn from decades of experience helping individuals, organizations, schools, and communities navigate difficult conversations with respect, empathy, and purpose.

“In today’s world, disagreement is inevitable,” said Dahnke. “Division doesn’t have to be. Civility isn’t about avoiding differences; it’s about choosing how we engage with one another despite them.”

The invitation to speak at TEDxFoggyBottom reflects growing national recognition of the Institute for Civility’s mission to inspire respectful dialogue and equip people with practical tools to build stronger relationships across differences.

Founded in 1997, the Institute for Civility has spent nearly three decades providing educational programs, leadership development, student engagement opportunities, and workplace training designed to strengthen communication and encourage civil discourse. Through initiatives including the Student Legislative Seminar, community workshops, and organizational training, the Institute empowers people of all ages to become leaders who listen, collaborate, and lead with respect.

“We are incredibly proud of Cassandra and the message she shared on the TEDx stage,” said Carolyn Zasada, Executive Director of the Institute for Civility. “Her talk reflects the heart of our mission—that civility is not weakness or agreement. It is the courage to engage thoughtfully, even when conversations are difficult.”

The TEDx presentation comes at a time when communities across the country continue searching for ways to bridge differences, restore trust, and foster productive conversations. The Institute believes that meaningful change begins with individual actions rooted in curiosity, respect, and a willingness to listen.

“As our communities face increasingly complex challenges, the need for civility has never been greater,” Zasada added. “We hope this talk encourages people to recognize that every conversation presents an opportunity to build understanding rather than deepen division.”

The Institute for Civility continues to offer workshops, keynote presentations, educational programming, and customized training for schools, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations nationwide.

For more information about the Institute for Civility, its programs, or speaking opportunities, visit the Institute’s website or contact the communications office.

About the Institute for Civility

The Institute for Civility is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering respect, empathy, and meaningful dialogue in communities across the nation. Through education, leadership development, public engagement, and professional training, the Institute equips individuals and organizations with practical skills to strengthen relationships, navigate conflict constructively, and build more civil communities.

Media Contact

Talysa McCall
Director of Communications
Institute for Civility
Email: [email protected]

About the Institute for 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. Learn more at instituteforcivility.org.

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