See NY Times article for reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/opinion/civility-fantasy-power-kirk.html?unlocked_article_code=1.oU8.rlob.TKn5jZsU_w8M&smid=url-share To the Editor: If civility is understood as merely a prescribed set of manners designed to make sure thatnothing unpleasant is said or heard, that no disagreements exist, that life is all honey androses, then it is indeed a fantasy, a type of script where everyone must know…
Think about a time someone annoyed you in public. Were they on a call full volume and on speakerphone or scrolling on social media while stalling traffic at the light. You’re not alone, nearly half of Americans feel people have become ruder since the pandemic. But here’s the thing, maybe it’s not that people are…
Welcome to the Team! Institute for Civility Welcomes Two Dynamic Leaders to Its Team [Houston, TX] — May 2, 2025 — The Institute for Civility is proud to announce the addition of two accomplished professionals to its leadership team: Carolyn Zasada, Director of Programs & Development, and Talysa (Lysa) McCall, Director of Communications. Both bring…
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…
From June 1-6, the Institute for Civility proudly led its second Student Legislative Seminar of 2024, featuring enthusiastic students from Palacios and Wharton, TX high schools. Both schools have been valued participants in our program for many years, and this session was no exception in terms of impact and engagement. Despite the summer heat and…
March 2-7 saw twelve students and three teacher chaperones from Texas City High School in Washington, DC for one of the Institute’s Student Legislative Seminars. This is the 13th time Texas City has participated in this program, and with chaperones who have experienced the trip before on hand with us again, the trip just keeps…
If you were asked to pick a word of the year, what would it be? Since 2004, the Oxford English Dictionary has selected a Word of the Year. They select one “that is judged to reflect the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of that particular year and to have lasting potential as a word of cultural…
July 17-21 found myself and fellow co-founder Tomás Spath walking the halls of Congress again for the first time post-pandemic. It felt really good to be back. But you may wonder, why do we do that? We try to walk the halls every year for a number of reasons. First, and perhaps the most important,…
Same Mission, New Name The Institute for Civility in Government has simplified our name to the Institute for Civility. Our mission remains steadfast: to facilitate dialogue, teach respect, and build civility in both the public and private spheres. Our vision is to see a day when civility is the norm for all of us where…
June 3-8 found us back in DC – this time with students from Palacios High School (TX) and Wharton High School (TX). This student trip was underwritten by two area foundations who like to focus their support on their local communities. It is through the generosity of these organizations that we have been able to…
