We Talk

Musical artist, Genesis Be, sitting on a stage next to a "We Talk" banner.

Support Us

We Talk is largely supported by grants and private donations from advocates of free speech, civil discourse, and viewpoint diversity.

Office of Government Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5247 USA
(269) 387-2072

Our Why

We Talk aims to foster a culture of responsible and respectful civic, social, political, and policy engagement. Our goal is to raise awareness about free speech protections and promote the value of open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement within the academic setting and learning environment, so that all may learn.

Our Principles

As a member of the campus community, our program development aligns with its principles of improving research and education by fostering open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement. Our programming equips campus and community members with tools to engage effectively in difficult conversations across diverse perspectives.

president montgomery with fred upton

The ability to ask questions, share ideas, and challenge existing orthodoxy without risk of censure.
Dr. Foley with Iboo and Manu

When members of a group or community approach problems or questions from a range of perspectives, backgrounds, and personal experiences.
Dr. Lisa Gale speaking

Occurs when people who have different perspectives on an idea or issue are committed to collaboratively exploring and learning from one another.

Protecting Democracy (October 1, 2024)

We brought together former U.S. Congressman Fred Upton (R), former U.S. Congressman Mark Schauer (D), and former Michigan Elections Director Chris Thomas. Moderated by Jeff Breneman, Western Michigan University鈥檚 Vice President for Government Relations, this panel will explore the critical issue of election integrity amid a broader erosion of trust in institutions such as elected bodies, higher education, and the media.

With their extensive experience in public service and election oversight, the speakers addressed key threats to our voting system from both foreign and domestic sources, the rise of misinformation, and what citizens can do to help restore confidence in the democratic process. The conversation also focused on finding bipartisan solutions to ensure the integrity of U.S. elections for future generations.

Event Details:

  • Date: October 1, 2024
  • Time: 1 PM - 3 PM
  • Venue: 51福利社 Student Center Ballroom A

Mississippi Turning (October 22, 2024)

An engaging and thought-provoking event featuring Mississippi-born artist and activist Genesis Be, alongside Assistant Chief Victor Green from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. This special event included an advanced screening of the powerful documentary "Mississippi Turning," which follows Genesis Be and her former high school classmate from Mississippi as they seek common ground over the deeply divisive symbol of the Confederate flag on the state鈥檚 flag.

Through their journey of dialogue and understanding, "Mississippi Turning" captures the complexities of heritage, identity, and progress, making this a timely and compelling conversation. Following the screening, Genesis Be and Assistant Chief Green led an interactive discussion on reconciliation, activism, and bridging divides in our communities.

Event Details:

  • Date: October 22, 2024
  • Time: 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Venue: 51福利社 Student Center Ballroom B

Moral Courage for Messy Times: Palestine, Israel, and the Truths In-Between (November 12, 2024)

 An in-depth discussion on the ongoing conflict between Gaza and Israel, led by Irshad Manji, acclaimed author, educator, and founder of the Moral Courage Project. Manji was joined by Abdullah Antepli, Associate Professor of the Practice of Interfaith Relations at Duke University, exploring the human dimensions of the conflict and the search for peace amidst deep-seated divisions.

This event was a thought-provoking dialogue on the complex realities of the Gaza-Israel conflict, featuring diverse perspectives on interfaith relations, moral courage, and the possibility of peaceful coexistence.

 

Celebrating Our 4th Year Anniversary!

Fetzer Institute Key Partner

We Talk is supported by the , which awarded a $93,000 grant to We Talk in early 2022 to expand its educational opportunities to help people learn the skill sets and become receptive to resolving conflicting beliefs through intentional listening, rational actions and language, and empathy. The first initiative of the partnership was welcoming Dave Isay, founder of StoryCorps, an ongoing national oral history project, and its  initiative to Kalamazoo in March 2022. Read more.  

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