January Newsletter
2026

Dear Friends of the Center for Civil Discourse,

At the Center, we have been hearing from people who are feeling overwhelmed in the current political climate and who are looking for ways to cope with stress. Many are seeking points of connection beyond differences in viewpoints and are looking for ways to be in relationship with people whose values appear to clash with their own.

Ironically, a common human response to stress is to shut down and close oneself off from things that feel overwhelming. For many, it becomes harder to reach out to others, increasing a sense of isolation at a time when connection is most needed.

No single person can handle all the news headlines we are currently facing about political violence and social unrest by themselves. It is too much for one person to carry. The weight of this moment’s division calls for findings ways to share the load.

Sharing the load not only lessens one’s sense of overwhelm and stress, but it also reminds us of our shared humanity. While we each respond to stress in our unique ways, feeling stressed is a shared experience.

And this offers a starting place. We can ask each other, “How are you feeling right now? How are you doing? What do you need? What can I offer?” In our asking, we are connecting.

I invite us each to ask someone these questions today (and tomorrow) as the country sorts out its conflicts. Let’s remember the mutuality of this moment’s stress and build points of connection through checking in with each other.

As adrienne maree brown writes, “What we pay attention to grows.” Asking each other how we are doing is one way we can pay attention to each other—and grow connections between us.

Wishing you peace and wellness,

Lisa

In response to interest in creating more conversation spaces on campus, the Center is launching a new Campus Conversation Series. Twice a month, the campus community will be invited to engage in conversation with one another around a variety of issues. We seek to offer a space for genuine dialogue, care, connection, and community. 

 

At this moment in our country and world, change is happening at a rapid pace. Some are excited by what they see as positive movement while others struggle with fear and anger over changes they see in negative terms. And yet, we live and work together on a shared campus. What does this mean for our campus community? What does this mean for you?

This Campus Conversation offers a space for the campus community to talk collectively about how people are doing. Our goal is to increase awareness, understanding, and mutual support on campus. Conversation can strengthen community.

The Conversation will be facilitated by the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse in partnership with Mediation Services.

February 4th, 2026 6:30pm

This Event is INT 100/201 Approved! 

Please register for this campus-only Event. 

Fun at Campus Life Night

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Center's information table at Campus Life Night. So many people braved the frigid temperature to learn more about the campus community. We enjoyed meeting new friends of the Center and had fun sharing our snazzy swag!

Connections Through Conversation, a student organization focused on being able to have courageous conversations about things that matter, joined us. They are an org that "Listens to Understand." Find them on Instagram and LakerLink! Next meeting: Wednesday, January 28, 6:30-7:30 Kirkhof room 1108.

 

We’re celebrating the conversations that bring our community together by giving away FIVE t-shirts featuring our mascot, Cecil! Ready to win?

1️⃣ Follow us

2️⃣ Like the linked post

3️⃣ Tag a fellow Laker

Winners will be contacted on Friday, January 30. Good luck! 

At the GVSU Civil Discourse Center, we believe better conversations lead to stronger communities. Follow along for tips and events to help you have better conversations in class, at work, and beyond.

What questions do you have about having challenging conversations?

Are you wondering how to hold true to your own values yet remain open to another's differing values? Or perhaps you seek concrete strategies for keeping conversations constructive and productive. Let us know what you are curious about. Responses to questions will appear in the following month's newsletter. 

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!

The Power of Bridging: How to Build a World Where We All Belong

"We don't want to live in a society in turmoil. In fact, 93 percent of people in the US want to reduce divisiveness, and 86 percent believe it's possible to disagree in a healthy way. Yet with increasing political and social fragmentation, many of us don't know how to move past our differences. Civil rights scholar john a. powell presents an actionable path through "bridging" that helps us communicate, coexist, and imagine a new story for our shared future where we all belong.

With inimitable warmth and vision, powell offers a framework for building cohesion and solidarity between disparate beliefs and backgrounds. Bridging is more than a discrete list of actions to follow - it's a mindset we can develop to help us foster belonging and connection." 

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