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.

Civil Discourse Newsletter

Current Issue

Welcome to October's newsletter! This issue can help you navigate this upcoming election, learn about past and forthcoming events from the center, and meet our new team member: Christiana Unakalamba. We look forward to your reading!

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11th Annual Civil Discourse Symposium!

Elevating the voices, perspectives, values, and commitments of today’s students, the 11th annual civil discourse symposium invites student speakers to share their views about pressing social issues and their ideas about solutions.

Make sure to mark your calendar and join us!

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Gen Z Voices Flyer with Event Information

One Small Step, WGVU and StoryCorps

Created by StoryCorps, One Small Step is an effort to remind the country of the humanity in all of us, even those with whom we disagree. The initiative brings strangers with different political beliefs together for a 50-minute conversation -not to debate politics- but to get to know each other as people. WGVU and their valued partners: Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse; Kaufman Interfaith Institute; Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies; Seeds of Promise; and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation as well as StoryCorps invite you to take part in One Small Step, an effort to bring communities together, one conversation at a time.

Accepting applications until mid-November. There is still time to participate!

Click below to express your interest in participating!

Apply Here