Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics Reclaiming Civility with Cassandra Dahnke and Tomas Spath
May 6, 2025
Cassandra Dahnke and Tomas Spath, co-founders of the Institute for Civility, shed light on their mission to promote respectful dialogue across society. They reflect on their journey, the growing crisis of incivility, and the importance of empathetic listening. The duo shares ten key rules for improving conversation and highlights the role of optimism and information literacy in public service. With inspiring anecdotes, they emphasize that engaging with diverse perspectives is crucial for a healthier democracy and stronger communities.
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Advocacy Conference Reveals Dialogue Gap
- In the 1990s, Cassandra and Tomas took adults to Washington, D.C. for advocacy but found participants shut down when facing differing opinions.
- They realized people lacked skills to manage differences constructively and began teaching dialogue and civility.
Unexpected Call from Lee Hamilton
- Tomas received a surprising call from Lee Hamilton inviting the Institute to lead a conference at the Woodrow Wilson Center.
- This recognition encouraged the Institute's growing influence in Washington, D.C.
Civility Defined and Demands
- The Institute defines civility as claiming your beliefs without degrading others' beliefs.
- Civility requires commitment, practice, and patience beyond just good manners.
