The Institute for Civility in Government

Houston, TX · Founded 1998

Reduces political polarization through dialogue, civility training, and respectful engagement in government and public discourse

Primary audience
Elected Officials
Work area
Dialogue Facilitation
Topic
Political Civility
Contact
Cassandra Dahnke

About Organization

The Institute for Civility in Government works to reduce polarization in legislative processes by facilitating dialogue and teaching respectful engagement across political divides. Based in Houston, TX, the organization reported $113,092 in revenue for 2023. Founded in 1998, it serves legislators, public officials, and civic organizations seeking to build more constructive political environments.

What They Focus On

Legislative Relations

Facilitates dialogue and builds relationships between elected officials across partisan divides to reduce political polarization

Civility Education

Teaches communication skills and respectful engagement practices to government officials, staff, and community leaders

Public Discourse

Promotes civil conversation and constructive disagreement in public forums and civic spaces across communities

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$113K

-20.7% vs 2022

Expenses (2023)

$130K

+40.9% vs 2022

Assets (2023)

$316K

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2023 $113,092 $130,485
2022 $142,583 $92,640
2021 $79,291 $64,954

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Identify Stakeholders

    Connect with legislators and public officials across political spectrum seeking constructive dialogue

  • 02

    Facilitate Dialogue

    Create structured settings for respectful conversations between parties with differing viewpoints

  • 03

    Teach Skills

    Deliver training workshops on civility, respectful communication, and productive disagreement techniques

  • 04

    Build Culture

    Support sustained culture change through ongoing engagement and reinforcement of civil norms

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by The Institute for Civility in Government

Legislative Dialogue Programs

Facilitates structured conversations between elected officials across party lines to build understanding and reduce polarization

Civility Training Workshops

Teaches respectful communication and conflict resolution skills to legislators, government staff, and community leaders

Public Civility Initiatives

Promotes civil discourse in public forums and community settings through educational programs and resources

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind The Institute for Civility in Government.

CD

Cassandra Dahnke

President
ET

Erica Thomas

Executive Director
DR

Dasha Rhodes

Director
JA

John Alford

Director
MJ

Mary Josie Blanchard

Director
RD

Randy Dietel

Director
SR

Scott Roberts

Director

Milestones

1998

Organization Founded

1998

Institute for Civility in Government established to address political polarization

September 1998

IRS Recognition

September 1998

Received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service

2021

Program Expansion

2021

Revenue increased to support expanded legislative dialogue and training programs

2022

Record Engagement

2022

Achieved highest annual revenue at $142,583 reflecting increased program delivery

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

DR
Dasha Rhodes Director
JA
John Alford Director
MJ
Mary Josie Blanchard Director
RD
Randy Dietel Director
SR
Scott Roberts Director
TS
Thomas Spath Secretary

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2022)

$39K

Highest Paid

$39K

Erica Thomas

Compensated Officers

1

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Erica Thomas Executive Director $39,388 $39,388

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$11K Grants Received
1 Organizations

Top Funders

1 total
FI
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
$11K

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Contact

Get in touch with The Institute for Civility in Government

Social

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P O Box 41804 Houston, TX 772411804