Building a State of Civility in Your Legislature

Leaving it better, for the Next Generation

“There is one Thing, my dear sir, that must be attempted and most Sacredly observed or We are all undone. There must be a Decency, and Respect, and Veneration introduced for Persons … of every Rank, or We are undone. In a popular Government, this is the only Way”

~ John Adams, in a letter, (1776)

State Legislators recognize

growing partisanship and lack of respect

are a threat to effective policy making

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Murrell SmithSouth Carolina Speaker of the House
“[The State Legislative Program] with the National Institute for Civil Discourse is desperately needed in today’s political environment. The ‘Building Trust Through Civil Discourse’ presentation was the most impactful segment of our 2024 new member orientation program, and its influence was immediate and palpable.”

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Matthew RitterConnecticut Speaker of the House
“In Connecticut we are proud of our tradition of civility and bipartisanship. Fostering discussion and listening to opposing viewpoints yields better policy - and can get you the votes to cross the finish line. NICD has long been a leading voice in returning civility to the legislative process. We are so appreciative that NICD comes to Hartford to work with our new members and puts a bold headline on civil discourse.”

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Denny HeckWashington State Lieutenant Governor
“Our members loved [the workshop]. They left energized and even more committed to advancing the cause of civility and respectful discourse in the public square.”

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Brent HillFormer Director of Next Generation and former Idaho Senate President Pro Tem
“We learned that civil discourse does not mean abandoning one’s principles—rather it means listening respectfully to those with whom we disagree while advocating our own beliefs and principles in a respectful manner—an approach that, when employed, has improved and strengthened our process.”

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Joann WardFormer Minnesota State Representative and Next Generation Facilitator
“It’s really about learning and trusting, being present for each other in a way that is counterintuitive for the way that our politics have developed.”

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Frank LaRoseOhio Secretary of State
“Civility is more than just having good manners; without it, our system of government cannot function effectively. As citizens, it is our responsibility to expect better from our leaders and from each other. We all benefit when improved civility becomes a mutual priority.”

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Jeni James ArndtColorado State Representative
“[Next Generation] is what we need in our country. I feel like the public is really crying out for civil discourse.”

Improving civil discourse and collaboration in state legislatures

Through our Workshops by Trained Facilitators

Workshops

NICD’s State Legislative Program offers a workshop made for state legislators by state legislators. “Building Trust through Civil Discourse” is an interactive, half-day workshop that equips legislators with the tools and time to practice civil discourse in their state’s legislature and work more effectively across the aisle. The energizing program improves the culture so civil discourse and collaboration are at the heart of legislating. In addition to the half/full-day workshops, the Legislative Program has a full menu of shorter offerings curated to assist state legislatures.

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Facilitators

Workshops are led by current and former state legislators who are trained as facilitators to help foster civility and bipartisan collaboration around the country. Each year, NICD’s Legislative Program trains additional legislators to join this dynamic group of leaders. Becoming a facilitator provides state legislators with a chance to effect change in their states and nationwide.

Learn More

Get Involved

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What interests You?
- Become a Facilitator
- Bring a Workshop to your State

What We Do

Partner Organizations

Contact NICD's State Legislative Program

PHONE:
202-975-7145

EMAIL:
jackthomas@arizona.edu