About the Collaborative
The Collaborative for Leadership and Civic Live (CLCL) is a newly established entity at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) that seeks to prepare students and community members to lead effectively and navigate an increasingly complex and polarizing world. Using ethics, inquiry, and civil discourse as a grounding framework, the Collaborative will address many of humankind’s most challenging topics while equipping individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary to navigate disagreement, build trust, and strengthen democratic and civic life.
The Collaborative is comprised of three distinct centers that are joining arms to maximize their impact: The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, Kaufman Interfaith Institute, and Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse.
Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies
Kaufman Interfaith Institute
Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse
Our Foundational Practices
Consistent with the original visions of Ralph Hauenstein, Dick and Sylvia Kaufman, and Shelley Padnos and Carol Sarosik for their namesake centers, CLCL will establish GVSU as the nationwide standard-bearer for educating and convening people across lines of difference, demonstrating how universities can foster ethical leadership, meaningful dialogue, and community engagement in service of the public good. Participant and programming outcomes will be rooted in five foundational practices:
- Exercise ethical leadership
- Understand multiple perspectives
- Practice deliberation and dialogue
- Build trust and belonging
- Advance the common good
Exercise ethical leadership
Apply sound judgment, ethical reasoning, and principled leadership when addressing complex challenges in organizations, communities, and public life.
Understand multiple perspectives
Engage thoughtfully with differing religious, civic, cultural, and political viewpoints while recognizing how beliefs, experiences, and values can shape human understanding.
Practice deliberation and dialogue
Listen deeply, ask productive questions, communicate across disagreement, and engage in deliberation that strengthens understanding and informed decision-making.
Build trust and belonging
Build relationships, organizations, and communities characterized by respect, trust, shared responsibility, and meaningful participation.
Advance the common good
Work with others to address shared challenges, identify areas of common interest, and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of their organizations, communities, and societies.