BERRIEN SPRINGS — The League of Women Voters of Berrien and Cass Counties will host a public forum on positive civil discourse – also known as “how to disagree without being disagreeable.”

The forum will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 at the Berrien RESA Conference Center, 711 St. Joseph Ave., Berrien Springs. The event is free and open to the public.

The forum is co-sponsored by the OutCenter of Southwest Michigan and the Rebecca Dewey Three Oaks Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

LWVBCC President Marilyn Klawiter emphasized why the forum is important, particularly in today’s political climate.

“What works better: Shouted invective or rational argument?  Surely the latter,” Klawiter said. “Why, then, do we seem to hear so much more of the former these days?  It’s not good.”

The organizers said they believe that society is witnessing a breakdown in cultural norms in how people talk with and treat one another.

To address the problem, this event will feature people who are or have been involved in government, the political process, and other roles given to conflict. Panelists will be State Rep. Aaron Miller, of the 59th District; Dennis Smith, who was Miller’s opponent in last fall’s election; Dave Pagel, a former state representative from the 78th District and Joey Andrews, who ran unsuccessfully in the 79th District race last fall. They will help attendees understand how civil discourse figures in their work, any changes they have seen over the years, its impact on how they do their jobs, and what they have found to work best. 

Gwendolyn Moffitt, community engagement liaison, Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Public Affairs Division, will serve as Moderator. Audience participation will be welcomed.

LWV seeks to influence public policy through education and advocacy. It encourages informed and active participation in government.