September Newsletter
2025

Dear Friends of the Center for Civil Discourse,

Welcome to the school year and to the Center for Civil Discourse.

After a summer respite, it feels good to be back in conversation with you.

Conversations can connect people and bring communities together, especially during challenging moments such as the one the country is experiencing right now. Regardless of perspective, opinion, or political leaning, eruptions of political violence impact each of us. In this issue, I am checking in with you: How are you doing?

I ask this carefully because violence impacts people differently, and we are each having our own reaction to the news. But I do ask. I ask because a question can start a conversation, spark a connection, help us learn something new, and demonstrate care—all of which feel important during this time of societal division.

It can feel like the divides are too great and the differences among people too stark for us to be in productive conversation with each other. Some wonder if it is even possible. I do believe it is possible; I do civil discourse work because I believe in the healing power of dialogue. It is also hard work and can feel overwhelming. Where can one begin?

One starting place is to wonder about each other. Simply wonder. Be curious. Consider what you don’t know about the other person’s story. Wondering first helps us not jump to conclusions about one another. It helps us pause and ask each other, How are you?

And when we ask, when we check-in with each other, we can decrease division. It is an antidote to political violence.

Wishing you peace and wellness,

Lisa

Samantha Rypstra

Elamin Gasim Ibrahim Gasim

1. Please describe your professional interests, passions, and current positions.

SAMANTHA:

I graduated from GVSU in 2023 with my Bachelor's in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. I am just getting started in my new role as an office coordinator in the Brooks College Dean's office. As a part of my role, I am happy to be supporting the work of the Center for Civil Discourse. Prior to my current role I worked in the GVSU Padnos International Center where I supported global learning experiences for students and for the West Michigan Environmental Action Council where I worked on grant-funded sustainability projects across West Michigan. I hope to begin taking courses towards my Masters Degree next semester and to continue to expand my involvement across campus and the community as I pursue my professional goals.

ELAMIN:

I provide support for the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse and am the office coordinator at the Kaufman Interfaith Institute. I find myself passionate about spaces where people can express themselves honestly and candidly.

2. What types of things do you enjoy in your downtime?

SAMANTHA:

In my downtime I love being outdoors and traveling! Enjoying the Lake Michigan beach with friends and a book is my favorite thing to do, and I also have a goal to visit as many National Parks as I can. This past Summer I visited Glacier National Park in Montana, Banff National Park in Canada, and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, where my brother is working for the Park Service.

ELAMIN:

I'm a big fan of board games, tabletop RPGs, video games, social deduction games, you name it. I also enjoy walking, whether it's on a trail, around town, or just pacing in the living room when there’s no other option.

3. What does civil discourse mean to you (professionally and personally) and in what ways do you think civil discourse matters?

SAMANTHA:

To me, civil discourse means leading with patience and understanding and assuming positive intentions for the people you’re conversing with. There are always going to be people who disagree with us and we won’t be able to change their minds but using tools for civil discourse matters because it helps us find common ground or set healthy boundaries to prevent arguments or strained relationships.

ELAMIN:

Civil discourse means a few things to me. It's often a growth opportunity: sitting with something that is difficult to hear, challenging my comfort, and building a healthier response to ideas I might not agree with. I often find myself falling into the habit of listening to respond or, worse, to debate. Although I have not yet internalized a lot of the practices of civil discourse, I find that it makes my life a lot easier when I intentionally choose to apply its methods and tools. As for why it matters, that’s best gleaned from its absence. A world where fewer and fewer opportunities for discourse exist is one that can only become more and more difficult to live in.

4.  What do you hope to contribute through your involvement with the center?

SAMANTHA:

Already in my short time being involved with the center I can tell it is going to have a positive impact on my life both personally and professionally. I hope to help grow engagement with the center across campus and the community. I want more people to be aware of the center and grow participation in its events and workshops.

ELAMIN:

What I hope to contribute most is the same thing I hope to take away: perspective.

5. Please share an example you've experienced that involved elements of civil discourse, having a challenging conversation, or needing to communicate across differences. What do you think are the takeaways from this example that we might all reflect upon?

SAMANTHA:

I have recently set new boundaries in many of my family relationships in order to have healthy communication and protect relationships that mean a lot to me despite differences in beliefs and affiliations. I think the takeaways from that experience would be the reminder that you cannot control the beliefs and actions of others but you are in charge of how you respond and engage.

ELAMIN:

Providing a platform for people to express themselves will at least occasionally lead to conflict. I was one of the founders and organizers of an open mic poetry initiative quite a few years back in Khartoum, Sudan. We had quite a few situations, especially early on, when attendees would either leave during performances or confront performers because they disagreed with the content of the poems. Over time, we learned to incorporate invitations to be especially respectful to people during their performances, listening to performers, and acknowledging the vulnerability involved in performing your own work. That messaging would often spill into break times, with people having challenging discussions with minimal conflict.

I think the best takeaway is that when you are in a position of leadership, or you have the honor of setting a space for people, you have the ability and responsibility to set the tone of that space and the potential to have the spirit of that tone carried beyond it.

 

The Conversation Corner is a designated space in the newsletter for collective conversation. We want to hear from you!

Have a question about civil discourse or the current state of polarization? Please submit your question, and we will print a response in the next issue.

If you have a story to share that illustrates a constructive conversation across difference, please share it for consideration of publication in the next newsletter.

If you would like to share a general comment about the newsletter or state of civil discourse in our country, we are listening.

We thank you for your engagement and appreciate the opportunity to be in conversation with you!

The Civil Discourse Team

 

We’re doing things a bit differently this year. In lieu of the Center’s annual Civil Discourse Symposium, this Fall we are piloting a statewide storytelling program called Michigan Listens.

Michigan’s stories are vast, varied, and dynamic. Michigan Listens spotlights stories of Michiganders who represent a range of geographies; ideologies; identities; life experiences; and vocations and brings them together for an evening of storytelling.

As speakers share their stories, the audience listens deeply, remaining silent throughout the event. Without the distraction of talking or clapping, the listening of this event seeks to remind people of each other’s humanity.

After the storytelling, listeners and speakers share a family-style dinner together. As people share this meal and pass dishes between them, conversations about the impact of listening to each other as Michiganders round out the evening.

The limited audience for this initiative is being carefully curated to reflect the geographical regions of our state, the communities of our speakers, and the core intention of cultivating a space that centers listening over debate. For those who are interested in watching or hearing what is shared, we will be posting a recording of Michigan Listens shortly after the gathering.

* Michigan Listens is sponsored by the Talking Together: Strengthening Our Communities Through Conversation team (Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse; Kaufman Interfaith Institute; Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies; and WGVU Public Media) and is supported by GVSU’s Office of the President.

Families & Politics Workshop

Facilitated by Braver Angels

Sometimes our most difficult conversations are with the people we love. Staying true to one's values and political beliefs can be complicated, especially with people in one's own family. Do you wish you could speak your mind without feeling like you are risking the relationship?

This interactive workshop offers insights into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging and invites you to consider common roles that family members play in political conversations. Join us to learn strategies and skills for handling family political differences in constructive ways. Though serious in topic, the workshop also aims to be fun!

Hosted by the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse and facilitated by the national bridge-building organization, Braver Angels, this workshop is open to students, staff, faculty, and community members. Light refreshments served.

Muskegon: A Community Conversation is a collaborative initiative designed to spark meaningful dialogue, foster mutual understanding, and strengthen the fabric of our community—one conversation at a time.

This nine-event series, hosted across Muskegon County, offers safe, inclusive spaces for neighbors to come together, listen, share, and grow through open dialogue. Each set of conversations will focus on a unique theme aimed at helping individuals connect more deeply—with each other, and with the issues that shape our daily lives.

The second set of the series, Shared Waters: Conversations About Muskegon Lakes, Rivers, and Community, explores Muskegon waterways through dialogue on development, restoration, and safe water for the future.

Rooted in curiosity and respect, each event is free and open to all. Whether joining us to learn more about Musekgon waters, reconnect with fellow community members, or engage with new neighbors, we welcome you to the table.

Let's build a stronger Muskegon through conversation.

 

Currents of Change

Sept. 17 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm EDT

White Lake Community Library

Pedal for Progress

Sept. 27 @ 12:0 pm - 1:30 pm EDT

Lakeshore Museum Center

"Lead" the Way to Safe Water

Oct. 21 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm EDT

Hackley Public Library

Civil Discourse Podcast

...Drumroll, please!

We are excited to be developing a student produced and hosted civil discourse podcast. Featuring inspiring stories of people bridging differences through dialogue, the podcast will spotlight local community members, campus leaders, and national figures.

As an antidote to societal division, the monthly podcast series seeks to connect people through listening and offer a landing place for those interested in healing conversations.

GrandPR, the award-winning student marketing firm on campus, is coordinating a Podcast Naming Campaign. Look for a survey inviting your input soon!

Stay tuned for more ways to get involved as we prepare for the Fall 2026 launch of the first season!

We are gathering ideas for episodes now!

What topics interest you? What would you like to hear conversations about?

Submit an idea here.

Spotlight

Faye Richardson-Green

New Advisory Council Member

We recently sat down with Faye to learn more about her passions, interests, and hopes for her work on the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse Advisory Council.

1.  Please describe your professional interests, passions,, and current positions.

Community stewardship has been a passion since I was a 12 year old adolescent. I enjoy helping others find their voice and gain the skills/resources needed to be as independent and confident as possible, especially those who appear to be the most vulnerable.

My first volunteer job was as a tutor to a hearing impaired child about three years younger than me. Next as a swim teenage swim instructor for 5 & 6 year olds through the YWCA.  At 14 and 15 years of age I volunteered as a "Candy Striper" through the Red Cross and assisted the elderly in nursing homes.  I have volunteered during the past 40 years with over 50 organizations focused on youth, women, leadership, education and equity. Today, I volunteer as:

 - a board member and breeding dog foster parent at Paws With A Cause  

- a board member with the West Michigan Veterans Coalition

- a selection committee member with the (GRCC) Giants Awards

- a local (Parliamentarian), state (VA Hospital Rep) and national (Americanism) officer with the AMVETS Ladies 

- a tutor for elementary school students

- an Advisory Council member for the Center for Civil Discourse

- a greeter at my church

2. What types of things do you enjoy in your downtime?

What downtime?!? Seriously...spending time with my family, especially visiting our grands and great grands and traveling around the US with my husband. 

3. What does civil discourse mean to you (professionally and personally) and in what ways do you think civil discourse matters?

To me "civil discourse" means engaging with others you may disagree with in respectful and authentic conversations. It means feeling seen and heard by those who may differ from you. It means finding the areas of potential agreement and using them as avenues to examine where you actually differ. 

4.  What do you hope to contribute through your involvement with the center?

My problem-solving skills as well as curiosity and desire to help others find their voice and allies when and where difference seems present. 

5. Please share an example you've experienced that involved elements of civil discourse, having a challenging conversation, or needing to communicate across differences. What do you think are the takeaways from this example that we might all reflect upon?

Navigating difficult conversations has been nearly a lifelong endeavor. I have two family members with which I often disagree politically. They are at opposite ends of the spectrum from each other and I fall somewhere in the middle. Family discussions can often become heated and/or tense. They both feel justified in holding their specific beliefs. I used to think reason, logic and facts would prevail. I initially thought agreement was the goal. I've since learned to actively listen by asking clarifying questions and responding with empathy. What both really wanted was to feel heard and have their positions acknowledged. I learned I could engage in authentic conversations without trying to change their beliefs or justifying mine.

The Center for Civil Discourse is excited to partner with the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB). 

Through MASB, interested school district Boards of Education from across the state can request training. The center's PK-12 education focused training, Civil Discourse: Changing the Conversation, offers dialogue concepts, tools, and strategies for strengthening communication patterns in the school board room.

In August, we were honored to provide this training to the school board of Houghton Lake Community Schools. Thank you, HLCS, for hosting the Center for Civil Discourse and for your commitment to constructive and productive conversation.

The Center for Civil Discourse offers workshops and trainings for community organizations, area businesses, and professional groups, as well as for students, staff, and faculty at Grand Valley.

Thanks to all who visited our table during Campus Life Night! It was a beautiful night, and our table was buzzing with interested students. Students enjoyed meeting our mascot, Cecil, and learning about the center. We invited students to sign up for our mailing list and shared about courses, upcoming events, and the student organization affiliated with the center (Connections Through Conversation). Students took stickers, fidget toys, kinetic sand, and other giveaway items. Some students even received Cecil t-shirts for their willingness to offer their own advice about engaging in civil discourse! 

 

 

Cecil (pronounced see-sul), our mascot, is settling into the new school year.

Keep an eye out around campus for Cecil and some Cecil swag! 

Send Cecil a snapshot of your favorite campus spot and receive a Cecil t-shirt (Cecil is still learning about all the places on campus)!

Check out our resources for bridge-building and engaging in conversations across difference. Have a resource to share? Let us know what we could add to the list!

Building Bridges Through Dialogue

Learn more about the Center's mission.

Ex Officio
Shelley Padnos: Center Founder
Carol Sarosik: Center Founder
Mark Schaub: Dean, Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies

Advisory Council
Jessica Collette: Founder & CEO of Float Above Ventures
Alex Priebe: Assistant Director Digital Engagement & Communications                                        James Rademaker: General Manager, WGVU Public Media                                                      Faye Richardson-Green: Committed Community Steward
Milt Rowher: Community member (retired business leader)
Tamela Spicer: Founder & Principal at The Intentional Catalyst                                           Aaron Turner: Vice President of Philanthropy, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Britlynn Veliz: Civil Discourse Student Communications Coordinator
Greg Warsen: Graduate Program Director & Faculty, Educational Leadership  

Give to support bridge-building programs for students...

And be part of depolarizing our communities.

Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse
LMH Suite 167
Office: (616) 331-8044
Email: civildiscourse@gvsu.edu