Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Civic Dialogue will participate in two programs in IUP’s Six O’Clock Series. Both programs are free and open to the community.
“Let’s Talk” will be offered on September 22 at 6:00 p.m. in Jane E. Leonard Hall B11, and a panel discussion, “Conflict Doesn’t Have to be Scary’ will be held October 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the Elkin Hall great room. The October program is presented in partnership with the Office of Student Wellness.
Funded by a $2.29-million grant from the United States Department of Education, the Center for Civic Dialogue serves as both a physical and intellectual headquarters for civic dialogue and innovation at IUP. The Center coordinated the university’s September 14 Constitution Day celebration, which commemorates the September 17, 1787, signing of the US Constitution.
“Learning how to make your voice heard in a world full of conflict, practice constructive dialogue, talk across different points of view, and engage in civic conversation with people which whom you might disagree isn’t something that comes naturally or easily to most people,” Associate Professor of Political Science Gwen Torges said. Torges is part of the executive leadership team for the Center for Civic Dialogue.
“National studies show that college students increasingly struggle to engage in honest, open dialogue about controversial issues, including disagreeing during class discussions, and IUP students are not immune from this challenge,” Torges said.
“The Center for Civic Dialogue initiative is designed to provide structured opportunities to learn and practice constructive dialogue to provide sustained, developmentally sequenced practice in talking across differences,” she said.
“Let’s Talk” will engage participants in practical ways to become more mindful of how we communicate with others. The “Conflict Doesn’t Have to be Scary” panel discussion will focus on how conflict can take a toll on health and wellness, and ways to manage the impact of conflict on health.
“Students were sincerely interested and engaged in our initial events during Welcome Week and at Constitution Day programs, and excited about additional opportunities on how to develop the skills for successful civil and civic dialogue,” Center for Civic Dialogue Director Stephan Schaffrath said. “This initiative is university-wide, so we are very pleased to partner with the Six O’Clock Series and with the Office of Student Wellness,” he said.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. IUP’s Impact 150 comprehensive campaign is designed to honor a legacy of educational excellence while looking toward a future of innovation, public service, and leadership in healthcare education, including the first college of osteopathic medicine at a public university in the commonwealth.