Civil society is framed as the organized systems of collective human experience, including economic exchange, political governance, and social relationships that enable people to prosper, reach their potential as productive citizens, and flourish as human beings. Discussions feature national experts with GVSU alumni.

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Leadership remains a concept widely written, discussed and one that is critical to the existence of people, organizations, social movements, and civil society. Our guests unpack its depth, breadth and complexity to offer insights and sound advice for effective leadership.

This episode's guests (pictured  clockwise starting from the top):

• Angela Barnard - Communications Consultant, Career Coach, and Keynote Dpeaker
• Theresa Ricke-Kiely - Executive Director at the Center for the Common Good, University of St. Thomas

Baby boomers retiring, the impact of the pandemic, rapid technological change, and generational differences on how work is viewed are all impacting the American workforce. Many high-tech manufacturing jobs remain unfilled, and there is a shortage of people working in trades. Our guests remind us that workforce development is complex, impacted by environmental factors and needs to be part of human development for it to be an effective part of civil society.

This episode's guests (pictured  clockwise starting from the top left):

• Jordan Baah-Sackey – Program Manager, Jobs For the Future
• Melissa Robbins – Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Workforce Development Professionals
• Justin Arnold – Director of Workforce Development, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission

There are over 900 community foundations across the United States, and they can be found in all 50 states ranging in size with assets ranging from less than $100,000 to more than $1.7 billion. They recently gave over $7 billion to a variety of nonprofit activities. Our guests discuss their role in civil society.

This episode's guests (pictured  clockwise starting from the top):

• Jocelyn Hines -Senior Community Investment Officer, Community Foundation for Muskegon County
• Wes Miller - Director of Philanthropic Services, Fremont Area Community Foundation
• Kevin van Bronkhorst - Executive Director, Community Foundations National Standards

Higher education in the United States continues to face demographic, technical, economic, social and political challenges. Can institutions adequately address these challenges while retaining their important value proposition for civil society? Our guests provide insights in an engaging, thought-provoking discussion.

This episode's guests (pictured  clockwise starting from the top):

• Liz McMillen – Executive Editor of Chronicle Intelligence, Chronicle of Higher Education
• Kasey Stevens – Associate Dean of Integrative Learning, Hope College
• Ashley Nickels – Associate Professor, Kent State University

The U.S. increasingly relies on philanthropy to address societal challenges and needs. Should we? How can philanthropy reach its potential? Our guests address these questions and more in this thought provoking discussion.

This episode's guests (pictured clockwise starting from the left):

• Aaron Dorfman – President and CEO, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) (Washington, DC)
• Madeleine Williams – Philanthropic Associate, Strategic Philanthropy Ltd. (Chicago, IL)
• Yah-Hannah Jenkins – Senior Program Manager, MillerKnoll Foundation (Zeeland, MI)

When we read or hear the word "government," we tend to think of the federal government, particularly the White House, Congress and the Supreme Court given the media exposure of a 24/7 news cycle. However, our lives are also significantly impacted by our local government, and some who research this issue argue more so than the federal level. Our three guests help us put the role of local government in civl society in perspective and offer up examples of some of he creative and impactful things local governments are doing for their citizens.

This episode's guests (pictured clockwise starting from the top left):

• Kathryn Beemer – City Administrator, City of Fennville, MI
• Jason Grant – Director of Advocacy, International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
• Patrick Waterman – Deputy County Administrator, Ottawa County, MI

Local news is being threatened in the United States with many local news outlets either going out of business or being bought up by larger entities. This has left many local communities with little to no news coverage. Why should we be concerned? Thriving communities and civil society require that citizens be informed and engaged in what impacts the lives of people at the local level. Research on unethical and illegal behavior within communities increase when there is o local news coverage. Then, there is the overarching threat this issue has on our democracy. Our guests help us connect the dots and unpack this important issue.

This episode's guests (pictured clockwise starting from the top right):

• Chuck Plunkett – Director, Colorado University News Corps
• Tom Norton – Executive Director, WKTV Community Media 

Fundraising is more than a mere simple transaction. It's an art and science driven by trust, relationships and social capital that if done well transforms the giver as well as the recipient. Nonprofit organizations provide important services for the public and rely on effective fundraising to complement their other sources of revenue, and remain vibrant and competitive. Our three guests dive into this important work and help us understand how fundraising impacts the ideal of civil society:

This episode's guests (pictured clockwise starting from the top left):

• Jeff Brooks –Fundraisingologist, Moceanic
• Steven Nicolet – Director of Development, Home Repair Services of Kent County
• Katie VanDoeselaar – Senior Donor Relations Director, Grand Rapids Public Museum
   

   

The Sentencing Project, courtesy of the United States Bureau of Justice Statistics, reports there are 2 million people in the nation’s prisons and jails, a 500% increase over the last 40 years with a current incarceration rate of 350 imprisoned per 100,000 residents. This makes the U.S. the leading nation in incarceration. It is important to realize that in addition there are approximately 4 million people under "community supervision" meaning either under probation supervision or parole supervision. How does the prison experience impact their ability to return to the general population, and participate in and contribute to civil society? Join our guests in an engaging discussion

This episode's guests (pictured clockwise starting from the top left):

• David Pitts – Interim Associate Vice President, Justice Policy at the Urban Institute
• Rob V. Howard – Supervisor at Kent Parole, Michigan Department of Corrections - GVSU alum (BS in Psychology and MS in Criminal Justice)

Libraries have played a critical role in civil society concerning matters of education, literacy, enlightenment and expanding our minds, perspectives and worldview as human beings. Libraries have expanded and evolved over time, and despite their tremendous value, in some locations are now being threatened. For an insightful and engaging discussion, please join:

This episode's guests (pictured clockwise starting from the top left):

• Ana Drown – Branch Manager, Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Valley State University alum)
• Heather Zeoli – Director of Development and Volunteer Services, the Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County (Grand Valley State University alum)
• Lessa Pelayo-Lozada – President, American Library Association 

It has been 43 years since President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). How far have we come as a society since then in how we treat, defend the rights of, accommodate and value people with disabilities? How much work still needs to be done? Our esteemed guests including an interpreter for the deaf provide an engaging discussion around how people with disabilities and our interactions between us can be seen as positive contributions to civil society. 

This episode's guests (pictured clockwise starting from the top left):

• Jeanette Johnson – Director, Communications at Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.
• Maria Town – President and CEO, American Association of People with Disabilities

The important role of public relations in civil society at first might not be obvious and might also might be driven by our narrow view of what this profession does. Our three guests will help us understand why public relations is increasingly vital in a society of misinformation, 24/7 news cycles, divisiveness and lots of noise. If done correctly, professionally and ethically, public relations has the powerful ability to tell a story and inform the public, enhance our knowledge and awareness, and help us make informed choices for ourselves and others. For an insightful, enlightening and engaging discussion, please join:

This episode's guests (pictured clockwise starting from the top):

• Dr.Timothy Penning – Professor, Grand Valley State University
• Stephen Szymanski – Program Associate, Great Lakes Political Academy (GVSU alum with a major in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Philosophy)
• Jason Manshum – Principal, 45th Parallel Strategies, LLC (GVSU alum with BS and MS degrees in Communications)

When you read the mission statements of most nonprofits they inherently call for advocacy on behalf of their cause and the people they serve. Yet, research tells us very few nonprofits engage in this important activity. If nonprofit organizations are to maximize their effectiveness, have a voice in matters of policy that impacts whom they serve, and enhance the awareness of members of their local communities around their cause they need to invest time and resources in advocacy. Join us for this engaging discussion with three advocates for advocacy:

This episode's guests (pictured clockwise starting from the left):

• Adrienne Goodstall – Chief Engagement and Advocacy Officer, Mel Trotter Ministries
• Tracey Hamlet – Executive Director, MOKA
• Pat Libby – Author and Consultant

Museums play in important role in the ideal of civil society. They help us learn about history, appreciate art, engage in hands-on activities, and enhance our awareness of ourselves and the world in which we live. Join us for this engaging discussion with three museum professionals:

This episode's guests (pictured clockwise starting from the top):

•  Sonnet Takahisa – Independent Museum Consultant
•  Kimberly Kelderhouse – Executive Director, Leelanau  Historical Society
•  Jennifer Parks-Strack – Associate Director, Development at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens