November/December Newsletter

Dear Friends of the Center for Civil Discourse,

Welcome to our first winter newsletter, timed with the snow. Whether you welcome the beauty that winter can bring or you’re the first one headed to a warmer climate, the onset of a new season can inspire reflection on cycles of change and times of transition. 

As I write to you today, I am mindful that the country is post-election, yet pre-inauguration. It is 2024 but soon to be 2025. And for many students at Grand Valley, it is a bittersweet time of graduation goodbyes and exciting new opportunities. It indeed feels like a moment of change and transition.

I have been thinking about the various ways people respond to change. Change can be scary, exciting, unsettling, refreshing—it can be experienced negatively and positively. It seems that this is a moment when the country is split in its experience of change in presidential leadership. I’ve talked with many who feel that this division is intractable.

At the same time, talking with students on campus and hearing from local community members in the last few weeks has reminded me that although the country is polarized, people are also currently sharing in the experience of forthcoming change. I know people, including friends and family, who are currently feeling incredibly hopeful about changes that will now be possible. I also know people, including friends and family, who are feeling defeated and scared about what the future holds.

And yet we are a collective.

Research shows that when people share in a common goal, progress towards that goal becomes more possible and that people feel more invested in contributing toward that goal.

I invite us to consider that despite the current ways people are polarized, identifying a common goal of this moment is possible. Perhaps it is not as much about finding agreement or sharing a vision as it is about a willingness to commit to remembering the humanity of one another; bridging divides; remembering to stay curious about each other; and practicing intellectual humility—the idea that there are limits to what each person knows and always opportunities to grow through learning new things.

During this moment of transition, let’s find ways to give space for all of the different ways people are experiencing this current moment. Let’s recognize that celebrations for some are tears for others. I hope that as a collective, we find ways to hold both.

I believe that we can hold contradictions, navigate tensions, and build bridges through conversation.

As we near the end of 2024, I share my wish for people to find ways to be in conversation together.

Wishing you peace and wellness,
Lisa

The 11th Annual Padnos/Sarosik Civil Discourse Symposium, held on November 21, 2024, brought together a diverse group of students, educators, and community members for a meaningful exploration of pressing social issues through the lens of Gen Z perspectives.

This year’s theme, “If We Were President of the United States, What Social Problems and Solutions Would We Prioritize?”, focused on three main areas: healthcare, mental health, and racial equity.

A hallmark of the symposium was its integration of small group conversations, where participants practiced constructive dialogue skills. These intimate discussions fostered mutual understanding and highlighted the value of intergenerational dialogue, as community members and students engaged in authentic exchanges of ideas and experiences.

The symposium served as a powerful reminder of the importance of amplifying student voices and creating spaces for constructive dialogue. It also reaffirmed the Padnos/Sarosik Center’s mission to build a culture of civil discourse as a cornerstone for community progress and understanding.

A special thank you to this year’s Gen Z student panelists: Claire Huntley, John Watson, and Ryan Wawryzniak whose courage and insights set the tone for an evening of sharing. We are deeply grateful to all participants for making this event a success and look forward to continuing these vital conversations in the years ahead.

Attendees’ key takeaways…

 

A special shout out to our guests from Covenant Living: Pat Schaub, Hugh Dickinson, Annie Hager, Judy Furman, and Carrie Corbin. Thank you for joining us!

 

Panelist reflection: Claire Huntley

Serving as a panelist for the “Gen Z Voices: If We Were President” symposium was both a fulfilling and eye-opening experience. I am honored to have been asked to share my opinions as someone who is a member of Gen Z. For the last couple of months, I have been incredibly involved in politics and civic engagement both on and off campus, and it felt like a full circle moment to share my personal priorities and experiences.

Most conversations I had previously were more of a debate style, with the bulk of my opinions coming from statistics or facts. This symposium was my introduction to civil discourse, and this was a whole new way to discuss opinions with other people. In politics, everyone has their own reason for getting involved, many of which are personal or life altering. Being able to bring those reasons to a civil discourse allows us to be vulnerable with each other and tell people our “why” for having the opinions that we do.

It was great to have an intergenerational conversation in this format, hearing personal stories from those who were sitting at my table while creating a dialogue rather than getting defensive or feeling competitive. Each person had very different backgrounds, which gave each of us unique perspectives that led to our views on the importance of each topic. I found myself more open to shifting my own opinions based on how certain politics play out in real life rather than how they look on paper. Having civil discourse will definitely be something that I use in the future, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in this symposium.

We checked in with the civil discourse student organization, Connections Through Conversation (CTC) about their reflections on the presidential election and thoughts on the role of civil discourse in bridge-building as the country looks toward the upcoming inauguration.

Layla Kattau, President of CTC

What are the biggest challenges students face in engaging in bridge-building conversations post-election?

The biggest challenge I see students facing in engaging in conversation post-election is fear. I see this come through in multiple ways. For one, some students prefer not to talk about the election's result because they fear what may come of it, and it's easier to ignore the possibilities than it is to have a conversation about them.

On the other hand, it's scary to approach a conversation post-election that could end in disagreement. This race was such a personal one for so many. The two sides were more divided than I think I've ever seen them, and I think many people fear learning that someone they care about or are close to was on the opposite side of them. For some, this could feel like a betrayal or a threat to their rights, and it can be easier to just not know where someone stands than it can be to know someone voted "against" you.

Can you share a personal experience or perspective on how civil discourse has helped you connect with others across political or cultural divides?

Since learning about civil discourse and becoming more engaged with the practice of it, I have found myself being a lot more mindful of getting to know people rather than their opinions. I have several friends who are very liberal and if they know that someone is conservative, they immediately don't like that person. I am very intentional in not making those jumps to assume I know everything a person believes in because of their political affiliation. I prefer to know the person rather than their politics. This means diving further into their stories, learning about their specific beliefs and why they carry them rather than assuming I know what they believe because of the party they choose to align with.

What advice would you give to students navigating political stress and seeking healing through conversation?

I would encourage students to engage in conversation with people who feel safe. I've found a lot of comfort in talking to my friends about my concerns for the next four years. I've been met with a lot of empathy and understanding, and while it doesn't make me worry less, it gives me hope that there is a better future ahead. Together, we've been able to cry, rant, and commiserate, but we've also been able to plan, hope, and speculate about what's in our future. I think it's extra important to be relying on your people at this time to seek healing while navigating political stress.

How do you see Connections Through Conversation serving as a resource for students during this time?

Connections Through Conversation (conversation-based student organization) serves as a powerful and eye-opening resource for students at this time. We are working every day to provide a safe environment for people to have honest conversations about their beliefs and why they hold them. We dive into a different topic at every meeting to allow us all to get to know different sides of each other and of ourselves, but there is never any pressure to share more than you're comfortable with. It's a great space to share what's on your mind, but also to listen and hear other perspectives without the intent of changing your mind. At CTC, we never intend to make anyone feel pressured or persuaded, rather we hope to open each other's eyes to different perspectives so that we can all be more empathetic and understanding peers.


Danielle Blanchard, Vice President of CTC

What challenges & supports do you see impacting conversations about politics on campus?

Professors on campus have been very supportive. Many professors allowed students the time and space to discuss the election. We spoke about our feelings, good and bad, and asked questions about the things we did not understand. The challenge is finding the time to have conversations with people you disagree with.

How has the post-election season influenced your views on civil discourse or the importance of dialogue?

I believe dialogue has become even more important in this post-election season. With the strong reactions to the result, it would be very easy to disengage and distance ourselves from those on the other side. However, this would only increase polarization. The more we distance ourselves from those we disagree with, the more prone we are to generalizing others, and the less able we are to see the person behind the belief, viewpoint, or political stance.

What role do you think student clubs like Connections Through Conversation can play in fostering a space for respectful and productive discussions about elections?

Connections Through Conversation provides a safe space for people to come together, tell their stories, and find connection with others, no matter their differences. In our planning for next semester, we have decided to include workshops during which participants can learn more about civil discourse and further develop their skills. Sharing your perspective and beliefs takes courage. It takes even more courage to share your perspective with someone who might disagree with you. I believe learning about civil discourse can foster the confidence needed to start difficult conversations and the skill to continue the conversation once it’s begun.

Guest Essay: A cross-cultural reflection on civil discourse: Moving forward together
Christiana Unakalamba, Civil Discourse Communication & Outreach Specialist

One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—after an election is to talk with one another across the divides of how people voted. The U.S. is a country made up of a diversity of worldviews and cultural backgrounds. These differences can play a big role in shaping how people see the world, including politics. To talk constructively across divides, it is important to remain genuinely curious about each other’s backgrounds.

In this post-election moment, one of the most powerful things we can do to “reach across the aisle” is listen. It’s easy to fall into the trap of "talking past" each other, especially when emotions are high, but civil discourse requires us to slow down, ask questions, listen openly, and consider someone else’s experience.

For me, civil discourse isn’t just about avoiding shouting matches or name-calling. It’s about respecting the dignity of each person, even in disagreement. Respect means acknowledging that every individual’s experience is valid, whether they come from a rural town in the Midwest, a bustling city on the coasts, or anywhere in between. Respect also means recognizing the complexity of the issues at hand.

After an election, we have the chance to reflect on what kind of society we want to build. It’s about more than winning or losing an election—it’s about how we treat one another moving forward. Civil discourse is an ongoing practice that can help people feel heard and valued. In a diverse country like the U.S., this kind of communication is more than just a political strategy—it’s essential to creating a healthier, more connected society. So, as we process the results of the election, let’s take a moment to commit to listening, to respecting each other’s experiences, and to engaging in thoughtful, civil discourse that reflects the diversity of this nation. I think this is how we move forward together.

Bridging Divides: Sharing Heartbeats is a documentary film that will air on January 27 at 9pm on WGVU Public Media as part of GVSU’s Talking Together: Strengthening Our Communities Through Conversation series. Click here to learn more.

January 15: What’s your why?

January 29: Intergenerational divides

February 12: Disagreement workshop

February 26: Mindfulness for midterms

March 12: Storytelling and tradition

March 26: Positive relationships

April 9: End of year celebration

Stay tuned for more information about this campus conversation for students, staff, and faculty.

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!

 There is a crying need for civility in our world.  From families disagreeing at Thanksgiving tables to the halls of Congress, civility is in short supply.  Most people can easily point to daily examples of incivility, but most people are unable to define “civility” or recognize what it looks like, much less practice it.

Hot Topics, Cool Heads: A Handbook for Civil Dialogue traces the lack of civility in our society, defines what it is from a communication perspective, then identifies the characteristics of a civil communicator and outlines the importance of civil listening.  It then introduces the format of Civil Dialogue®, a method for people to present many sides of hotly contested issues.

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

Advisory Council
Brian Bowdle: Associate Professor of Psychology
Stan Green: Executive Coach
Milt Rowher: Community member (retired business leader)
Tamela Spicer: Founder & Principal at The Intentional Catalyst
Christiana Unakalamba: Civil Discourse Communication & Outreach Specialist (graduate student)
Britlynn Veliz: Civil Discourse Student Fellow (undergraduate student)
Greg Warsen: Endowed Professor of Civil Discourse & Associate Professor of Educational Leadership

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