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…
When we hear the words civility we often think of one being polite, having manners but it is somuch more than that. It’s about being open, receptive and showing consideration in everyinteraction one has. In a fast paced world like today with our endless emails, texts and socialmedia the way we communicate with each other…
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….
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….
The peoples’ voice builds democracy. The line that separates democracy and something like a dictatorship is not written on paper. It’s heard throughout the country. It’s given by the people. Representation in government is a massive part of why America has been so prosperous for 242 years. The people have gotten to choose who leads….
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…
