A Call for Civil Discourse

Purpose

The Call for Civil Discourse is a shared commitment to respectful dialogue, thoughtful disagreement, and ethical leadership in public life. By adding your name, you are affirming the belief that how we engage with one another matters and that civil discourse strengthens our communities, institutions, and democracy.

Pledge Statement

Civil discourse lies at the heart of our democratic republic. Our system was not designed for uniform agreement, but for principled disagreement—expressed with respect, dignity, and a shared commitment to the common good.

We believe elected leaders and those running for public office should practice civil discourse as they seek to represent us in our democratic republic. Furthermore, we urge voters to hold elected leaders accountable for upholding the principles of civil discourse in their deliberations.

We invite you to consider endorsing this Call by filling out this form:

Endorsers will be listed on the LeaderEthics website. This small but meaningful action helps amplify a message that is urgently needed: our democracy works best when we engage one another with respect and good faith.

Thank you for considering this invitation to help strengthen civil discourse…and, in doing so, the future of our democratic republic.

Warm regards, Lee Rasch

LeaderEthics Statement on Civility

We recognize that civil discourse represents but one aspect of civil behavior. The LeaderEthics board has adopted the following pledge in December 2025, as a statement of our commitment to the vital importance of civility.

A Pledge for Civility

Preamble: In a nation divided by our current politics, progress can be difficult to achieve. At LeaderEthics, we believe civility is a foundation of our democracy, and that civil dialogue can help bring us together to move forward in a better way. We believe when the voice for civility is united, that voice is strong and can truly make a difference.  

Civility Pledge: Wherever I go, I will try to raise people up, not tear them down.

I will offer respect to those with whom I disagree, even when others do not.

When engaging, I will rely on facts, not opinion, and I will share my sources.

Wherever I go, I will tell the truth, seek to establish goodwill, and find a benefit for all.