Institute for Civility

Our meet & greet was well attended! It’s always so lovely to connect with like minded people! As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another!

👕 Wear Your Values. Start Conversations.

What if something as simple as a T-shirt could spark a meaningful conversation?

Our new Institute for Civility apparel is more than just merchandise—it's a way to share your commitment to respect, dialogue, and building stronger communities wherever you go.

Every purchase helps support the Institute's mission to reduce polarization by facilitating dialogue, teaching respect, and building civility in both the public and private spheres.

Whether you're attending an event, volunteering, or simply out running errands, your shirt can be a reminder that civility starts with each of us.

🛍️ Visit our online shop and find your new favorite tee: https://institute-for-civility-zud-shop.fourthwall.com/

Thank you for helping us spread civility—one conversation at a time.

Today, our Executive Director, Carolyn Zasada (and her adorable assistant), had the pleasure of connecting with community members at our information booth at the DeKalb Public Library

One of the best parts of events like these is the opportunity to meet people of all ages, answer questions about our mission, and share how the Institute for Civility is working to reduce polarization through dialogue, education, and leadership.

📚 Come Meet the Institute for Civility!

We're excited to be at the DeKalb Public Library next week today and would love to meet you!

Stop by our information booth to learn more about how the Institute for Civility is working to reduce polarization by facilitating dialogue, teaching respect, and building civility in both the public and private spheres.

Whether you're interested in our educational programs, community initiatives, training opportunities, or ways to get involved, we're happy to answer your questions and share more about our mission.

📅 Tuesday, July 7, 2026
🕤 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
📍 DeKalb Public Library Lobby
309 Oak St.
DeKalb, IL 60115

Bring a friend, stop by, and say hello—we look forward to seeing you!

Civility begins with the people who inspire us to be better.

Whether it was a teacher who believed in you, a mentor who challenged you, a friend who stood by you, or a family member who led by example, we all have someone who has made a lasting impact on our lives.

✨ Tag someone who made a difference in your life and tell them why you're grateful.

A simple message of appreciation can strengthen relationships, build community, and remind someone that their kindness matters.

🇺🇸 This Independence Day and America's 250th Anniversary, let's celebrate more than our freedom—let's celebrate our shared responsibility to one another.

The Fourth of July is a time to reflect on the ideals that shaped our nation: liberty, equality, and self-government. But those ideals flourish only when we are willing to engage one another with respect, even when we don't see eye to eye.

In our newest blog, "Independence Without Division," we explore an important question:

Can we honor our nation's founding ideals while acknowledging our differences?

As our communities become more polarized, civility isn't about avoiding disagreement—it's about choosing dialogue over division and understanding over assumptions.

Take a few minutes to read the blog and join us in reflecting on how each of us can help build a stronger, more connected community.

Happy Independence Day from all of us at the Institute for Civility!

Independence Without Division: Celebrating Freedom Through Civility - Institute for Civility Every Fourth of July, Americans gather to celebrate the ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government. Yet in today’s climate, it can sometimes feel as though our differences overshadow the very freedoms we share. Patriotism doesn’t require uniformity. One of America’s greatest strengths is...