September 12, 2024

Conversation of Understanding on productive dialogue strategies is Sept. 19

A Conversation of Understanding on Thursday, Sept. 19, will focus on the importance of dialogue in critical thinking skills and understanding. “The Power of Civil Discourse: Strategies for Productive Dialogue” will be a hybrid event — available both as a live virtual discussion, and for the first time, held on campus in SIU Carbondale Student Center’s Ohio Room. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to join the discussion from noon to 1:30 p.m.

In today’s polarized society, the need for respectful and productive dialogue is more important than ever. Civil discourse is the foundation of healthy civic engagement, allowing people to navigate complex issues, bridge divides and build stronger, more inclusive communities. The conversation will focus on the importance of dialogue in fostering critical thinking skills and understanding. Participants will explore strategies for engaging in difficult conversations with those who hold different political or social views, emphasizing the goal of productive dialogue and understanding. By approaching discussions with empathy and respect, an environment where all voices are heard and valued can be created.

A Q&A session will be from 1 to 1:30 p.m. during which both on campus and online audiences can participate. Online participants can use the YouTube comment section. Questions may be submitted before or during the event by email to doris.williams@siu.edu. 

Speakers will include:

  • Sheila Caldwell, SIU System vice president for antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion, and chief diversity officer, who will serve as moderator.
  • Michael W. Eichholz, professor, zoology and Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, and program director, professional science master's - Wildlife Administration and Management, SIU Carbondale.
  • Linda Flowers, executive president, Carbondale NAACP branch.
  • Tobin Grant, professor, political science, SIU Carbondale.
  • Jyotsna Kapur, professor, cinema and media studies and director, University Honors Program, SIU Carbondale.
  • Pamela Smoot, assistant professor of history, School of History and Philosophy, SIU Carbondale.
  • Doris Williams, program coordinator, SIU System President’s Office, will serve as facilitator. 

The meeting will be available on the SIU System’s YouTube channel. 

The Conversation of Understanding series began in June 2020 for students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members to share their experiences and thoughts on a variety of themes related to diversity, equity and inclusion. This is the first session for the 2024-25 academic year.  

The SIU System President’s Office and the SIU System Diversity Advisory Council are discussion sponsors.