Distinguished Group of Panelists to Participate in Discussion at Lakewood Public Library; Public Invited to Attend
Our society was built on a foundation of civil discourse – a skill that remains vitally important to this day. The people around us are our neighbors, and we must collectively strive to listen to and respect differing points of view in order for our society to work. Yet how can we ensure civility prevails as a societal virtue during an era of digital insults and political division?
LakewoodAlive, a community-centered nonprofit organization, announces it will host a community forum – entitled Civil Discourse and Mutual Respect – from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, at Lakewood Public Library (15425 Detroit Avenue). This community conversation will offer insightful dialogue regarding how we can feel empowered to promote a society that values open-mindedness, politeness and respectful disagreement.
Both the general public and members of the media are invited to attend this free forum as the community seeks to better understand the current state of civil discourse within our society and the importance of civility to our future. The discussion will delve into the consequences associated with dwindling decorum, the art of practicing intellectual humility, the threat posed by social media and best practices for promoting a more civil, respectful society.
Judge Michael J. Ryan, a longtime judge within the Juvenile Division of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, will oversee a distinguished group of panelists for an informative discussion. The final 30 minutes will be devoted to panelists fielding questions from the audience.
The panelists participating in this community forum include:
- Tyler Olson, Program Manager – Conflict Resolution & Peace Studies, Cuyahoga Community College
- Edward Smith, former Foreign Service Officer & Diplomat, U.S. Department of State, and private sector development executive specializing in emerging economies, post conflict and potential conflict country environments.
- Judge Gayle Williams-Byers, South Euclid Municipal Court
LakewoodAlive hosts community forums pertaining to topics relevant to residents, from within and also outside the city. For more information regarding the Civil Discourse and Mutual Respect forum on May 14, please visit LakewoodAlive.org/CommunityForums or LakewoodAlive at 216-521-0655.