Our Mission / Our Vision

Civil discourse is “robust, honest, frank and constructive dialogue and deliberation that seeks to advance the public interest” (Brosseau, 2011).  It is an exchange of ideas that simultaneously:

  • Holds individuals accountable for their voice (how we talk);
  • Remains curious about other people’s perspectives (how we hear),
  • Respects multiple realities (how we honor personhood).

Civil discourse is not polite conversation, but, rather, intentional dialogue that builds understanding across difference. As Margaret Wheatley states, “We don’t have to let go of what we believe, but we do need to be curious about what someone else believes” (2009).

As a gift from Shelley E. Padnos and Carol Sarosik, the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse in the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies will promote engagement with the concepts and tools of civil discourse. Through the initiatives of this program, Grand Valley hopes to strengthen the commitment to informed, peace-based, and respectful dialogue across the campus community and the neighboring areas of West Michigan. 


Check out the most recent edition of our Civil Discourse Newsletter!

March 2024 Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the work of the center: Subscribe Now


Civil Discourse Training Testimonial: The Fremont Area Community Foundation

The Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse traveled to Fremont to facilitate a civil discourse training for the Fremont Area Community Foundation. We'd like to thank the FACF for their warm welcome.

“Fremont Area Community Foundation trustees and staff were moved by the valuable training provided by Lisa and Greg on Civil Discourse.  In fact, because of the training value, we are anticipating engaging in at least two – three more sessions to delve deeper into their techniques.  We view this work as essential to philanthropy, and to the quality of life in our communities.  I was particularly moved by the dialogues versus debate discussion, and the cues on body language and active listening.  I’ve never had better civil discourse engagement training, and highly recommend it to colleagues, communities and citizens concerned with an increasingly coarse society.” (Shelly Kasprzycki, President and CEO of The Fremont Area Community Foundation)

Interested in hosting your own civil discourse workshop for your business or organization? Reach out to us today at [email protected] or contact Lisa M. Perhamus, Director of the Center, at [email protected] for more information!


 

Trustees and staff engaging in dialogue during civil discourse training.

Trustees and staff engaging in dialogue during civil discourse training.

Photo by: The Fremont Area Community Foundation


Our Story

Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse video: Our Story

Building Bridges

Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse: Building Bridges Through Dialogue

Questions?

Have a question about the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse at GVSU? Feel free to email us at [email protected]


Events

Follow us on Social Media



Page last modified March 26, 2024