Civil Discourse Training Testimonial: The Fremont Area Community Foundation

“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)

Civil Discourse Training Testimonial: Public Relations Student Society of America GVSU Chapter (GVPRSSA)

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) 

CIVIL DISCOURSE TRAINING TESTIMONIAL: PK-12 ADVISORY COUNCIL

At a recent meeting of the College of Education and Community Innovation’s PK-12 Advisory Council, Drs. Lisa Perhamus and Greg Warsen provided an excellent Civil Discourse training session. The event included a presentation, engaging participant activities, and a space for robust dialogue. The advisory council, composed of school administrators from the region and education program faculty and staff, greatly appreciated the training. They left with practical takeaways and strategies that they can immediately implement in their PK-12 settings with students, staff, families, and community members. Drs. Perhamus and Warsen are highly skilled in facilitating training and fostering meaningful conversations about civil discourse.

~ Dr. Amy Schelling, Associate Dean

College of Education & Community Innovation