bringing divergent points of view together to talk ,” he says .
Widmeyer says these efforts are an example of Shepherd leading the way in many areas , including political science , communication and the arts , all of which in turn benefit the Mountain State .
“ This is all about helping the state , and that ’ s another reason why I personally want to be involved in the efforts of Stubblefield ,” says Widmeyer . “ I don ’ t live in West Virginia anymore , but I care so much about the future of West Virginia . I think there ’ s so much potential . It ’ s another way for me to remain involved in the state .”
Students of all majors and concentrations can partake in the institute and its events , and it is open to the public as well .
“ Students will have the opportunity to know and be inspired by what it means to be civically engaged ,” says Welch . “ We intend to graduate young professionals who will go back into their communities and be leaders in their fields and communities . Beyond our influence on students is to be something all West Virginians can be proud of : a small state university on the banks of the Potomac making a big national statement .”
According to Widmeyer , CARES Act funding kept the institute going when the coronavirus pandemic hit in early 2020 , and part of that funding is being used to develop civil discourse programs with nursing students at Shepherd .
“ You have to have this in every profession , so funding is being factored into many different programs on the academic side at Shepherd ,” he says . “ It ’ s not just political science and communication because it impacts all communities .”
As one of few organizations like it in the country , and the only one in the eastern U . S ., the Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications is paving the way for acceptance and tolerance in an ever-shifting political climate .
“ We believe Shepherd ’ s location is ideal for an institute focused on political discourse ,” says Hendrix . “ We are only 75 miles from Washington , D . C ., which gives us a great opportunity to attract top-tier speakers and guest lecturers . As one of only four states with both a Republican and Democratic U . S . Senator , we also think West Virginia is a good place to begin this important national discussion and lead by example .”
Institute members are also developing scholarship programs and internships for students who want to go into political fields , which is another way they are engaging with and mentoring future leaders .
While the pandemic has moved some of the institute ’ s events to a virtual platform , there are still ways the public can
Bonnie Stubblefield , Donna Brazile , Dr . Mary Hendrix and Bill Stubblefield .
become involved , including participating in the institute ’ s ongoing American Conversation Series , a series of forums with speakers from various sides of issues coming together in a civil discussion of their differences . Another vehicle for public involvement is through the Community Engagement Committee that sponsors local issues . Bill Stubblefield says the speakers have provided a road map for enhanced civility , and due to the variety of the speakers , a comprehensive approach emerges .
“ We are fortunate to be able to sponsor this most worthwhile and promising endeavor ,” he says . “ The institute is not designed to change the views of others but rather to encourage the presentation of differing views in a civil manner . The institute ’ s goal to listen , learn and engage is a cornerstone to promoting a civil approach to our discussions . Listening and speaking in a civil manner are equally important . We have much more in common with others , and our commonality needs to be promoted and championed . The institute is well positioned to help make this happen .”
Avella says the Stubblefield Institute will help West Virginians and communities come together , share ideas and build connections .
“ West Virginia ’ s survival has always centered on families , friends and communities working together , because so often we have only had each other to count on ,” says Avella . “ The challenges and opportunities before West Virginia and our country are going to be met because students , the community and communications professionals have learned from the Stubble field Institute how to share ideas and build connections to make life easier , safer and better .” •
Senator Shelley Moore Capito meeting with participants at a Stubblefield Institute leadership academy event .
“ We encourage participants to actively listen , learn and engage the beliefs of others and to refrain from demonizing someone else because they disagree . We teach it by doing it — by bringing divergent points of view together to talk .”
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