Padnos/Sarosik
Center for Civil Discourse
Engaging in conversations to increase mutual
understanding and deepen community.
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Message from the Director
Dear Friends of the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse,
In a matter of days, the U.S. will elect a new president. Like many, I am both anxious about the uncertainty of the results yet hopeful that people will show up in high numbers to vote for a future direction that aligns with their values, aspirations, and commitments. For many students on campus, this is their first time voting in a presidential election. In many ways, it’s an exciting time—filled with hopeful anticipation.
At the same time, I admit that, for me, the stress of the uncertainty feels like a lot to carry. I feel the impact of the angst in my body—tense muscles, increased headaches, a big knot in my stomach, and a general sense of nervousness. I’ve talked with others who share similar stories of how the stress and uncertainty of this election is impacting their physical bodies.
From the conversations I have been having with people lately, I’d say that I am not alone in feeling the stress in my body. Consider the heightened emotion many feel around this election. People from across the political spectrum appear to agree one thing: There is a lot at stake in this election.
In her new book, Facing the Fracture, Tania Israel describes common responses to political stress. People tend to respond with avoidance, a victim mentality, or aggression. These common responses may result in things like choosing not to vote, feeling like one has no agency, or acts of violence.
So how can people mitigate the political stress of this moment without twisting themselves into a nervous wreck or disengaging entirely? Perhaps this sounds simplistic, but the data show that being intentional about relaxing one’s body is key during this election season. Things like deep breathing, sensory-based relaxation techniques, and physical activity can lower one’s blood pressure, help to keep one’s breathing even, and relaxes one’s muscles.
Imagine if each person were to be more intentional about physically releasing the stress of this politically charged time. What if people across the country were to collectively take a deep breath? Consider what it would look like if people’s strong passions and commitments were channeled into positive action. Physical release helps people emotionally regulate. When one’s body is feeling more settled, it is easier to remain calm.
As election day draws nearer and the anxiety intensifies, try focusing on things that help to physically release your tension. While this is meaningful self-care, it also is a civic
contribution. The U.S. is a collective. Together, people make up the social body of the country. This body metaphor is helpful for thinking about how people can help to lower the country’s blood pressure. Taking a societal deep breath could help to diffuse the heightened tension of this political moment.
Over the remaining days leading up to the election and in the days that will immediately follow, I am hopeful that people find ways to physically discharge the political stress. What helps ground you? What helps your body settle? What do you need during contentious times? Releasing tension from one’s body can help people navigate political turbulence, but it can also help diffuse the turbulence itself.
Let’s each breathe in. Hold. Breathe out. Hold. Repeat. Let’s be intentional about physically discharging the stress of this moment—for the well-being of ourselves and for the health of the social body. May our country take a collective deep breath.
Wishing you wellness,
Lisa
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Navigating This Election Season
Do you love America, but not this particular election season? Are you grateful for your ability to vote, yet feeling unsure about your choices this year? Are you struggling to find helpful information and unsure of how to talk about your ideas and beliefs with others? We understand and have your back.
The People's Guide: Election Year Edition is a resource to help you navigate this election season. It offers common-sense reminders, helpful advice from local and national experts, and tips to help you navigate the current environment with ease.
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Tabling in Kirkhof
OWe welcomed Lakers and the Fall season with apple cider and donut holes at our first tabling event of the year. It was fun meeting so many students, and since it was around mid-term exams, many appreciated taking a break with some treats.
Look for us at our next tabling on November 11th. Stop by to learn more about the Center and pick up some fun swag!
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One Small Step Sucess
It was an evening to remember. Over a hundred people gathered to celebrate the power of conversation, storytelling, and listening as we celebrated One Small Step in Grand Rapids. It was heartening to see many of you there, and we hope that you experienced a conversation with someone new. WGVU Public Media serves as just one of seven national recording hubs for this StoryCorps initiative.
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Upcoming Civil Discourse Symposium
Register today for the 11th annual Civil Discourse Symposium and engage with a range of Gen Z perspectives on issues facing the country today. This event aims to build upon the voices of Gen Z for an evening of intergenerational conversation. INT 100/201 and HNR 201 approved. Free and open to the public; registration is required.
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Advisory Board Member Spotlight: Brian Bowdle
In higher education circles, critical thinking skills are increasingly viewed as essential for both occupational success and effective civic engagement, and most undergraduate programs now spend a considerable amount of time helping students develop these skills. Nevertheless, in my many years of teaching at GVSU, I have found that critical thinking, no matter how well practiced, often seems to evaporate whenever issues involving identity – gender, race, religion, and so forth – are brought to the table, only to be replaced by cognitive distortions such as emotional reasoning, dichotomous thinking, and mind reading. On the one hand, this is psychologically understandable, given that these kinds of cognitive distortions can serve as defense mechanisms when one’s identity feels threatened. On the other hand, this is quite unfortunate, as issues related to identity lie at the heart of many of our most pressing social problems, and therefore require high levels of critical thinking from all involved.
I have come to believe that this problem should be addressed by emphasizing civil discourse skills alongside critical thinking skills. Because so many aspects of identity have become politicized, we may feel the urge to gear up for verbal battle when preparing to talk about our own or others’ identities. Civil discourse requires us to adopt a different mindset at the start of any conversation. Instead of immediately deciding whether to play defense or offense, we should first be asking if we might in fact all be on the same team. And to make this determination, we need to learn the kind of open-mindedness that keeps our assumptions in check and is necessary for both critical thinking and civil discourse.
But civil discourse is best cultivated through authentic conversations between individuals with diverse viewpoints in environments that foster empathy and trust, and most college classes are not set up to center such things. The Padnos/Sarosik Center, with its undergraduate courses, symposia, and outreach programs, is uniquely positioned at GVSU to give individuals the chance to learn about and practice genuine civil discourse. Indeed, while attending various Padnos/Sarosik events, I have been struck by the intense desire of many members of our community for opportunities to move beyond ideological tribalism and find supportive spaces to safely but honestly discuss some of the most contentious issues facing our society. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve on the Center’s advisory board.
Brian Bowdle is an associate professor of psychology at Grand Valley State University. His research and teaching interests include psycholinguistics, moral and political psychology, and the ways in which human behavior is driven by the interplay of cultural and evolutionary forces. Dr. Bowdle is also a member of the Hauenstein Center’s Advisory Cabinet and a cohost of the Common Ground Initiative’s Open Minds Book Club. Outside of work, he enjoys music, nature, and exploring Michigan with his wife.
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New Civil Discourse Team Member!
As a graduate student at GVSU, what are you studying and what do you hope to do beyond your studies?
I am studying for my Masters in Business Administration. I hope to leverage my knowledge to address pressing corporate and global issues. I aspire to work with organizations that use their platforms to promote positive change. I aim to create campaigns that not only drive business success but also contribute to solving societal challenges, fostering a culture of responsible communication and collaboration across industries.
"I What types of things do you enjoy in your downtime?
In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also love traveling as it helps me gain new perspectives. Additionally, I enjoy spending time outdoors by lakes or simply taking walks, as it helps me recharge and connect with nature.
What does civil discourse mean to you?
To me, civil discourse means engaging in respectful and constructive conversations, especially on challenging topics. It can entail actively listening, valuing diverse perspectives, and striving for understanding rather than confrontation.
Can you share a story with us that helps us understand why civil discourse is important?
Last year, I had a close friend with whom I shared many interests, but we had a major disagreement about a political issue. The conversation quickly became heated, and we found ourselves talking past each other, each more focused on defending our views than listening. Realizing the strain it was putting on our friendship, I suggested we take a step back and have a more structured discussion. We agreed to meet over coffee and set some ground rules: no interrupting, and we would each have the chance to explain our perspectives fully. As we talked, I focused on listening actively and trying to understand where my friend was coming from. She shared her experiences and fears that shaped her viewpoint, and I did the same. By the end of our conversation, we not only understood each other's perspectives better but also found common values that we both cared about, even if we disagreed on specific solutions.
What about working at the Center for Civil Discourse most excites you?
What excites me most about working at the Center for Civil Discourse is the chance to engage in meaningful conversations that foster understanding and collaboration across diverse perspectives, going beyond race, color, and origin. I believe that creating a more cohesive and inclusive world requires open dialogue where everyone feels valued and heard.
Fun Fact?
A fun fact about me is that I have a passion for cooking and experimenting with international cuisines! I love exploring new flavors and techniques from different cultures, which not only satisfies my creative side but also allows me to connect with friends and family over shared meals.
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Attention Students!
Are you looking for a 1-credit course for Winter term? Enroll in IDS 150 Dialogue Across Difference to learn skills and develop competencies that can build your confidence in the classroom, workplace, and everyday life.
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Community Engagement
Did you know that the Center provides workshops and trainings? In October, we were excited to work with the staff of volunteers at CASA of Kent County; the student-run GVSU marketing firm, GrandPR; Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Aquinas College; and the Herrick District Library in Holland.
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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!
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October's Resource Highlight
That Open Secret About Political Polarization - TED Talk by Jake Teeny
"A critical factor behind the political polarization troubling the country is the lack of dialogue between people with opposing views; research from behavioral science has explanations for this conversational reluctance and what can be done to help correct it. Jake’s talk focuses on two key components to it. The first half addresses the reasons people with opposing views are generally unwilling to talk to one another and the second half focuses on how to bridge the gap between people with opposing views to have a productive dialogue."
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Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse Advisory Board
Members
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Ex Officio
Shelley Padnos: Center Founder
Carol Sarosik: Center Founder
Mark Schaub: Dean, Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies
Advisory Board
Brian Bowdle: Associate Professor of Psychology
Takeelia Garrett: GVSU Student Ombuds
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
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Give to support bridge-building programs for students.
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And be part of depolarizing communities.
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