CASA of Kent County

As an alumni of the Center for Civil Discourse, I was familiar with the trainings offered to community organizations. I knew that CASA of Kent County’s volunteers consistently engage in heavy and emotionally-charged conversations, and that a civil discourse training would provide helpful tools. Lisa was communicative and helped prepare a training that was relevant to our volunteers. I appreciated her thoughtfulness and how she worked with me to develop a realistic scenario for trainees to discuss. Overall, the training was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. We hope to incorporate Lisa’s dialogue tools into check in conversations between volunteers and their supervisors. Thank you for a job well-done!

~Samantha Johnson

GrandPR

GrandPR is a nationally affiliated and award-winning integrated communications firm created and managed by student professionals attending Grand Valley State University. 

"I am so happy I was able to attend this workshop. It was an enriching experience, it showed the value of thoughtful and respectful communication. When Lisa brought her story into the workshop, I felt it made it easier to understand and connect with. There were many key things I took away from this but the main part that stuck with me was using dialogue instead of debate. My family can be a family that debates rather than has efficient dialogue, this workshop will now help me be able to turn around that debate culture into a dialogue culture. I also appreciated how the workshop didn’t shy away from conflict but instead reframed it as an opportunity for growth and understanding. By practicing civil discourse, we learned that it’s possible to disagree without being disagreeable. This skill is essential in today’s world, where online and offline interactions can quickly become polarized. All of the aspects of this workshop helped me immensely, now I will be able to have a little easier time to admit when I am wrong and hear out the person I am having a conversation with. Overall, the workshop reinforced that civility doesn’t mean compromising on one’s beliefs but finding ways to communicate that lead to mutual respect."

~Bri Conway '25, GrandPR Account Associate

"Dr. Lisa Perhamus gave an insightful and informative lecture on Civil Discourse, highlighting the how and why of conversational communication in this modern age. Dr. Perhamus encouraged us to share stories, experiences and overall our thoughts surrounding civil discourse and the importance of not only being heard, but understanding of those who think differently than we do. The current political climate can lead to discourse among many, even close friends and family can become the enemy of our own personal beliefs. Through the workshop present by Dr. Perhamus, it became clear that to manage relations and understanding, that how we respond and how we react both verbally and none speak volumes to our own feelings of how to engage in conversation. Beyond our different ideas and beliefs, we are all just humans making meaningful connections and differences should be acknowledged and recognized. The workshop allowed us to be more open and transparent to our own inability to hear others' opinions. Misinformation, hard held beliefs and opinions can cloud our ability to communicate with others, given the opportunity to handle discourse on a more meaningful level is crucial to the success of society as a whole. The degree of human interaction and experience is understanding views from multiple perspectives, sources and situations. This workshop was eye opening to being able to share insights and understanding far beyond a differing opinion."

~Shelby Huerta '24, GrandPR Account Executive

The Rapid

Lisa Perhamus has been a great partner in equipping our employees with the skills needed for meaningful and respectful communication through the Civil Discourse sessions. Her expertise has empowered our team to navigate potentially challenging conversations with confidence, especially as we approach a period of heightened political tension. These sessions have not only enriched our team’s professional interactions but also provided them with valuable tools for personal growth. At The Rapid, we are dedicated to inclusivity and believe that every individual deserves to be heard. Lisa’s training has strengthened our commitment to fostering an environment where understanding and respect are at the forefront of our service.

~The Rapid

Civil Discourse Training Testimonial: The Fremont Area Community Foundation

“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

Civil Discourse Training Testimonial: Public Relations Student Society of America GVSU Chapter (GVPRSSA)

The Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse was able to provide students at GVPRSSA with a workshop to assist them in their pre-professional journey by introducing them to civil discourse tools for the workplace. Thank you for having us, GVPRSSA!

"It was very insightful to hear from Lisa about how to engage in civil discourse in difficult situations and the importance of letting our personal values, as well as those of our peers, be heard and understood in those conversations. The workshop taught me new tactics that I previously did not know about redirecting and framing conversations. Learning what types of questions I could ask in a conversation to reframe the discussion will undoubtedly be helpful in my future professional and personal lives. For GVPRSSA and the members who were present, these skills will also be helpful in future professional conversations. Since we work in communications, there will certainly be instances when we are put in uncomfortable or difficult situations that we will need to navigate through. Having the chance at the end of the workshop to actively participate in a role-play scenario was also beneficial, as we were able to practice what we had learned and ask any questions that arose from the conversations we had. Overall, the workshop opened our eyes to the importance of civil discourse and provided us with various tools that will continue to help us work through complex discussions."

~Morgen Head '24, GVPRSSA DEI Committee Chair

CIVIL DISCOURSE TRAINING TESTIMONIAL: PK-12 ADVISORY COUNCIL

At a recent meeting of the College of Education and Community Innovation’s PK-12 Advisory Council, Drs. Lisa Perhamus and Greg Warsen provided an excellent Civil Discourse training session. The event included a presentation, engaging participant activities, and a space for robust dialogue. The advisory council, composed of school administrators from the region and education program faculty and staff, greatly appreciated the training. They left with practical takeaways and strategies that they can immediately implement in their PK-12 settings with students, staff, families, and community members. Drs. Perhamus and Warsen are highly skilled in facilitating training and fostering meaningful conversations about civil discourse.

~ Dr. Amy Schelling, Associate Dean

College of Education & Community Innovation