Civility Leadership
While leading legislative conferences to Washington, DC in the 1990’s Cassandra Dahnke and Tomas Spath were among the first to identify the decline in civility as a critical issue for effective government process and community life in our nation. Finding no national organizations specifically addressing the issue of civility at the grassroots level at that time, they launched the Institute for Civility in Government, and have since developed a strong track record of positive relationships with elected officials on both sides of the political aisle. Cassandra and Tomas have also developed an effective multi-tiered educational approach that helps provide citizens of all ages the skill set they need in order to effectively practice civility. The Institute provides opportunities to engage government and develop the foundations of civil dialogue through innovative programs such as Congressional Student Forums and civility workshops.
As leading civility experts, Cassandra and Tomas have appeared in media outlets nationwide and regularly serve as speakers and workshop leaders. They have addressed public schools, college classes, civic groups, corporate boards, faith communities, and Members of Congress. Their book, Reclaiming Civility in the Public Square – 10 Rules That Work, calls attention to the growing civility crisis, serves as a blueprint for personal action, and offers practical advice to make our nation’s politics less harsh and more effective.
