Civil discourse is “robust, honest, frank and constructive dialogue and deliberation that seeks to advance the public interest” (Brosseau, 2011).  It is an exchange of ideas that simultaneously:

• Holds individuals accountable for their voice (how we talk);
• Remains curious about other people’s perspectives (how we hear),
• Respects multiple realities (how we honor personhood).

Civil discourse is not polite conversation, but, rather, intentional dialogue that builds understanding across difference. As Margaret Wheatley states, “We don’t have to let go of what we believe, but we do need to be curious about what someone else believes” (2009).

As a gift from Shelley E. Padnos and Carol Sarosik, the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse in the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies will promote engagement with the concepts and tools of civil discourse. Through the initiatives of this program, Grand Valley hopes to strengthen the commitment to informed, peace-based, and respectful dialogue across the campus community and the neighboring areas of West Michigan. 

The Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse was able to provide students at GVPRSSA with a workshop to assist them in their pre-professional journey by introducing them to civil discourse tools for the workplace. Thank you for having us, GVPRSSA!

"It was very insightful to hear from Lisa about how to engage in civil discourse in difficult situations and the importance of letting our personal values, as well as those of our peers, be heard and understood in those conversations. The workshop taught me new tactics that I previously did not know about redirecting and framing conversations. Learning what types of questions I could ask in a conversation to reframe the discussion will undoubtedly be helpful in my future professional and personal lives. For GVPRSSA and the members who were present, these skills will also be helpful in future professional conversations. Since we work in communications, there will certainly be instances when we are put in uncomfortable or difficult situations that we will need to navigate through. Having the chance at the end of the workshop to actively participate in a role-play scenario was also beneficial, as we were able to practice what we had learned and ask any questions that arose from the conversations we had. Overall, the workshop opened our eyes to the importance of civil discourse and provided us with various tools that will continue to help us work through complex discussions." (Morgen Head '24, GVPRSSA DEI Committee Chair) 

The Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse traveled to Fremont to facilitate a civil discourse training for the Fremont Area Community Foundation. We'd like to thank the FACF for their warm welcome.

“Fremont Area Community Foundation trustees and staff were moved by the valuable training provided by Lisa and Greg on Civil Discourse.  In fact, because of the training value, we are anticipating engaging in at least two – three more sessions to delve deeper into their techniques.  We view this work as essential to philanthropy, and to the quality of life in our communities.  I was particularly moved by the dialogues versus debate discussion, and the cues on body language and active listening.  I’ve never had better civil discourse engagement training, and highly recommend it to colleagues, communities and citizens concerned with an increasingly coarse society.” (Shelly Kasprzycki, President and CEO of The Fremont Area Community Foundation)

Interested in hosting your own civil discourse workshop for your business or organization? Reach out to us today at [email protected] or contact Lisa M. Perhamus, Director of the Center, at [email protected] for more information!

Questions?

Have a question about the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse at GVSU? Feel free to email us at [email protected].