Building a Bridge One Person at a Time

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true civility begins with a mindset

True Civility Begins With a Mindset

The signs of division are seemingly everywhere. It’s no wonder people report feeling lost or at a breaking point as our country, communities, and even families struggle to find common ground.

But all is not lost.

At Reclaiming Civility, we believe that when we learn to see the irreducible value in every person, it fosters deeper respect and connection. Leaning on that connection, we believe, will unlock our potential to build bridges and heal within our personal lives and community at large. 

It’s not too late to drive positive change by improving relationships within our families, our communities, or our country. It just takes building a bridge of civility, one person at a time.

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Build Practical Skills

Select a workshop tailored for individuals, workplaces, or communities.

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Learn & Engage

Participate in an interactive workshop and gain practical civility skills.

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Transform & Lead

Apply what you’ve learned to build stronger relationships and a more respectful environment.

Our Mission

At Reclaiming Civility, our mission is simple:

We aim to inspire people to understand and cultivate a disposition of civility and develop it through practical skills.

Understanding

Gaining clarity on what civility truly means—its history, purpose, and relevance in today’s society.

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Cultivating

Fostering a mindset of respect, empathy, and open-mindedness through intentional reflection and dialogue.

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Developing

Building real-world skills that translate civility into everyday interactions, even in moments of tension or disagreement.

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Meet Our Founders

Lisa Brandt

Lisa Brandt

Lisa has launched multiple business endeavors, most recently the Community Education and Awareness Chair for The Human Trafficking Task Force of Southern Colorado.  She also developed and taught a program for high school speech and debate leaders for Resolve Speech and Debate from 2010 to 2023. Her strong conviction regarding hospitality originated with the Air Force as a military spouse. She and her family have hosted international military officers and students at the United States’ Naval Test Pilot School and Air Force Academy for more than 20 years.  Equally rewarding was Lisa’s experience providing home education for seven children spanning three decades. Her conviction for cultivating community culminates in Reclaiming Civility.

She and her husband, Steve, make their home in the Black Forest of Colorado.

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Lori Leander

Lori has spent decades teaching manners and personal presentation skills. She developed and taught a student leadership program for 14 years and has taught relational wisdom and conflict resolution. As a certified TalentSmart Emotional Intelligence trainer, and a commissioned Colson Fellow, Lori believes civility and emotional intelligence can bridge divides.

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Lori Leander

Stay in the Loop

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Having Lisa and Lori present Reclaiming Civility to our El Paso County Clerk & Recorder leadership team—including Clerk to the Board, Recording, Elections, and Motor Vehicle Managers, was nothing short of transformative.

Their message resonated deeply with every department represented. Lisa and Lori created a space where our leaders could reflect honestly on the human side of public service: the stressors, the pressure, the pace, and the essential role we each play in shaping community trust.

What stood out most was their ability to connect civility not as an abstract concept, but as a practical, applicable approach we can use daily—especially in the hard, often emotionally charged duties our team’s handle. They acknowledged our challenges, validated the complexity of frontline service, and gave us tools that were realistic, adaptable, and immediately usable.

Since their session, our leadership has continued to integrate Reclaiming Civility into our everyday operations. We have seen more intentional communication, more thoughtful interactions, and a renewed commitment to leading with empathy, even when circumstances are difficult. Their training has strengthened the culture we strive for: one grounded in respect, calm, and integrity.

Lisa and Lori are gifted communicators. Their work is not only timely but essential for public servants navigating increasingly demanding environments. Reclaiming Civility has made a meaningful impact on our organization, and I highly recommend their program to any team seeking to elevate their culture, strengthen leadership, and better serve their community.

Steve Schleiker Clerk & Recorder El Paso County, Colorado
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