March/April Spring Newsletter
2026

  History begins at ground level, with footsteps.

                        (Michel de Certeau)

Dear Friends of the Center for Civil Discourse,

In the quiet of early morning, just before daybreak, I often go for a walk. I appreciate the stillness of this hour and find that beginning the day with a walking meditation helps to clear my mind for the day ahead.

As I walk, I think about the tensions, worries, and fears I may be carrying; reflect upon the decisions before me; and contemplate the state of the world. I also try to be present with the morning itself—the smell of the air as the sun rises; the sound of birds calling to start the day; and the gradual lightening of the sky as the moon gives way to the sun. Each step fills my senses, sharpens my thinking, and prepares me for the day.

I think about these morning walks as a metaphor for how individual people impact the collective. While individuals walk their own unique path, each person’s footprint leaves an impression. Leaving a trace of ourselves with each step amplifies the importance of walking with intention and care.

I invite you to metaphorically join me on my walk tomorrow morning. Perhaps we could begin the day by breathing in the morning air and being intentional about the steps we take. The future is not yet written. We write it as we walk, leaving impressions with each footprint. Where shall we step?

Wishing you peace and wellness,

Lisa

What questions do you have about having challenging conversations?

QUESTION

"I often feel like I have many difficult conversations bouncing around inside me needing to happen, but when push comes to shove and an opportunity comes to have them, I worry about conflict arising and opt to have less tense conversations or engage in a fun activity instead. I was hoping for some strategies that could help me set the stage and let me follow through on the difficult conversations."

RESPONSE

Thank you for writing with this question.

There are many reasons people may lose their nerve when faced with a difficult conversation. Whatever the reason, noticing what you are experiencing in your body and identifying the emotions you are feeling offer valuable information for determining if, when, and how you will follow through with a challenging conversation.

The Center often uses a conversation permission slip tool called G.R.I.S. that may be helpful for "setting the stage" and reaching clarity about what is getting in the way of following through with a difficult conversation. 

Inspired by Brene Brown's use of permission slips, G.R.I.S is a way to set intention for the conversation. Imagine approaching the conversation. Reading your body and emotions can guide your G.R.I.S.  responses.

 

Goal: I want ________________________________________.

          ~ What do you want from this conversation?

 

Reflection: I need ____________________________________.

         ~ What do you need in place before entering the conversation?

 

Intention: I give myself permission to ___________________.

          ~ What do you want to be intentional about when having this conversation?

 

Support: I can ________________________________ to help me stay grounded.

         ~ Consider things that help you feel settled, grounded, calm, and focused.

                                                                                              [Developed by Lisa M. Perhamuus]

 

Conversation permission slips are useful for reminding yourself to enter the conversation differently than you might typically. Consider the kinds of things that prevent you from being in a conversation the way you want to be. Permission slips are your written intention to enter THIS conversation differently.

What do you want to give yourself permission to say, what do you intend to say?

We recommend writing yourself a permission slip BEFORE the conversation and keeping it in your back pocket as a reminder of your intentions.

We look forward to your next question.

The Civil Discourse Team

 

 

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. 

In the News

Amid Polarized Climate,

More Michigan Colleges Focus on 'Civil Discourse'

Our director, Lisa Perhamus, was interviewed for a recent Detroit News article. The article highlights the work of Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse’s, as well as similar initiatives at Oakland University and the University of Michigan.

"The center’s work in the community is growing, she said. In November, the center co-hosted Michigan Listens, which highlighted diverse perspectives from across the state." The article touches on trainings that the center has offered from the east side of the state to the western and northern areas of MI.

Read the full article at: https://lnkd.in/gZujEft6

Navigating Eco-Grief:

Critical Hope for a Better Future

 

The Center's second Campus Conversation of Winter term was held on March 31.

In small groups, people shared their concerns, fears, and hopes about navigating eco-grief (emotional distress around the impacts of climate change). The evening ended with an open dialogue about what brings people hope for a better future.

Thank you to the Environmental Sustainability Students who facilitated this conversation as part of their course experience with Professor Becky Williams. 

The National Week of Conversation was created for those who feel exhausted by the division and hatred in our country and are seeking ways to turn down the heat of polarization. It is a week to become inspired, equipped, and engaged in activities that build bridges across differences.

Join 500+ organizations dedicated to bringing the country together for deepened understanding, trust, relationships, and solutions during the National Week of Conversation and be a part of fostering unity over division.

This is not about changing our opinions on issues, but rather changing our perspective of those who hold opinions different than our own. Disagreement is healthy for our democracy, as differences can be catalysts for innovation, but we need to find ways to disagree better. We need to lead with curiosity and empathy so we can thrive together as a diverse nation that is made more resilient because of our differences, rather than be weakened by them.

Many National Week of Conversation programs are available free and online. Check out the full list of programs below.

ATTENTION STUDENTS

Registration is now open for two undergraduate courses offered by the Center. 

IDS 150: Dialogue Across Difference is a 1-credit course where students help determine the topics of conversation. The course is hands-on and practiced based. (Taught by Dr. Lisa Perhamus)

IDS 350: Building Bridges Through Conversation is a 3-credit course that fulfills a gen ed requirement. In this course, students take a deeper dive into how people can resist polarizing talk and instead dialogue in ways that build community. (Taught by Dr. Sarah Cox)

 

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!

"You can feel it when it hits you. Your face flushes and your vision narrows. Your heartbeat increases as judgmental thoughts flood your mind. Your anger has been triggered, and you're about to say or do something that will likely make it worse.

There is an alternative. By practicing Nonviolent Communication (NVC), you can use that anger to serve a specific, life-enriching purpose. Anger tells you that you're disconnected from what you value and that your needs are not being met. Rather than managing your anger by suppressing your feelings or blasting someone with your judgments, Marshall Rosenberg shows you how to use anger to discover what you need, and then how to meet your needs in constructive ways."

 

This booklet will help you apply four key truths:

1)  People or events may spark your anger but your own judgments are its cause.
2)  Judging others as "wrong" prevents you from connecting with your own unmet needs.
3)  Getting clear about your needs helps you identify solutions that are satisfying to everyone.
4)  Creating strategies focused on meeting your needs transforms anger into positive actions.

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