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. 

Professor Dan Cope is the 6th Padnos/Sarosik Civil  Discourse Faculty Fellow

The Fellowship program recognizes GVSU faculty who show outstanding civil discourse, dialogue, and bridge-building commitments through their teaching, service, and scholarship. Currently Affiliate Faculty in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies in Brooks College at GVSU, Professor Cope has a wealth of experience working across political ideologies, divergent personal beliefs, and different life experiences, and she is excited to bring her passion for civic participation to the Fellowship. As part of her Fellowship, Professor Cope will teach INT 312 Collaborative Dialogue in Winter ’27, a class that will introduce students to the key concepts and skills of civil discourse. Her dialogue teaching will build upon ideas from her sustainable democracy course, a class she developed about active and responsible citizenship. Her experience working in local government will provide Dan with a strong foundation for public speaking and inviting multiple perspectives.

 Professor Cope’s research focuses on place-based identity and citizenship in the Rust Belt. At the intersection of place and identity is civic participation, as the residents of many Rust Belt cities must reassert their citizenship through political action. This has, in part, inspired Professor Cope to develop a
course in practicing sustainable democracy, so that students are aware of the requirements of active and responsible citizenship. Prior to joining the faculty of GVSU, Professor Cope worked in local government and administered the 2020 elections as a Deputy Clerk. She is passionate about voter
education and participation and continues to serve as a precinct chairperson for elections in the City of Grand Rapids. Professor Cope is likewise involved in shared governance at GVSU, serving as the Affiliate Faculty Advisory Committee’s elected representative to University Academic Senate. She is also a member of the GVSU Votes Coalition and the Civic Learning Network.

Previous Issues

Subscribe Now  

IDS 150 explores ways to have challenging conversations when people really disagree.

• Develop strategies for when conversations get contentious
• Strengthen relationships with friends, family, peers, and co-workers
• Gain confidence in having conversations across differences
• Understand how to resist polarization
• Learn marketable dialogue skills

IDS 350 examines theories and practices of conversation for the common good with a special emphasis on civil discourse as a life skill. Students will explore how conversations of civil discourse can help them understand different perspectives and create stronger communities. Students will practice the skills that will deepen their capacity to be culturally respectful and civically engaged global citizens. Conversation novices and developing leaders alike will learn valuable dialogue tools.

Questions?

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