Michigan Seminars Encourage Civil Conversations on Difficult Issues

At Wayne State University, political science professor Mary Herring said people tend to seek out information sources that validate their own beliefs. As message overload grows—via partisan media and the Internet—it is easier to manipulate people with loaded phrases like “socialized medicine” or “millions of uninsured.”

“That’s really the conundrum. How do you get people who have strong opinions to expose themselves to a wider array of sources? I’m a really big proponent of this type of meeting,” Herring said. “It’s where democracy starts, well before the voting booth.”

Farmer is energized for the sessions coming up.

“Anything that encourages people to be curious, to make them look critically at politicians and the media, to do their own research, is a good thing,” he said. “If these meetings prompt people to do just that, we’ve done our jobs.”

The forums are free and include a light meal, but you must register by calling 1-877-926-8300 toll-free. Here is a schedule of upcoming events (with opening and closing dates for registration):

May 12, Kalamazoo, noon to 2 p.m. Kalamazoo Central Library, 315 S. Rose St. (Register by May 11.)

May 18, Lansing, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Delta Township Library, 5130 Davenport Dr. (Register by May 16.)

June 9, Detroit, noon to 2 p.m. at the Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Ave. (Register between May 21 and June 8.)

June 21, Adrian, noon to 2 p.m. at the Human Services Building, 1040 S. Winter St. (Register between May 28 and June 18.)

July 8, Alpena, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alpena County Public Library, 211 N. First St. (Register between June 14 and July 6.)

Aug. 11, Sault Ste. Marie, noon to 2 p.m. at the Bayliss Public Library, 541 Library Dr. (Register between July 26 and Aug. 9.)

Aug. 12, Marquette, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. (Register July 26 to Aug. 11.)

Sept. 14, Grand Rapids, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Yankee Clipper Branch Library, 2025 Leonard St. NE. (Register Aug. 26 to Sept. 13.)

Oct. 12, Detroit, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Ave. (Register Sept. 23 to Oct. 11.)

Nov. 10, Lansing, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Capital Area District Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave. (Register Oct. 22 to Nov. 9.)

Melissa Preddy is a Michigan-based freelance writer.