As political polarization deepens across the United States, many Americans are finding it increasingly difficult—even impossible—to have meaningful conversations with family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues who hold different beliefs. Studies show the country is now more intensely divided than at any point since the Civil War, raising urgent questions about what is lost when communities retreat into ideological bubbles.
To address these growing divisions, the Tri-State Network will host an upcoming webinar titled “Healing Relationships Through Nonviolent Communication.” The event will take place on Thursday, April 30, 6:30–8:00 p.m. via Zoom.
This online panel discussion will feature three speakers with extensive experience in civil dialogue, cross-partisan engagement, and relationship-building. The program will explore how individuals and communities can foster healthier communication, restore trust, and strengthen democracy through nonviolent practices.
Panelists Include:
Dianne Prichard
Prichard is the co-author of Raising America: Building a More Perfect Union, a practical guide described as a “hands-on” instruction manual offering action steps for everyday citizens to help sustain American democracy. A retired teacher of 33 years and a Lutheran pastor, she resides in DeWitt, Iowa.
Dr. Christopher Peters
Dr. Peters is an Iowa-based thoracic surgeon, Army Medical Corps veteran, and independent-minded Republican who ran twice for U.S. Congress (2016 and 2018) in Iowa’s 2nd District. Based in Coralville, Iowa, he operates a surgical clinic and is widely recognized for promoting bipartisan solutions. He also serves as a volunteer Iowa state coordinator for Braver Angels, the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement dedicated to bridging political divides and strengthening democracy.
Kathryn Yanik
Yanik serves as the Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (East-West Province). She is a graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Notre Dame and has previously worked in parish and diocesan ministry. In 2021, she co-founded the Catholic Civil Dialogue Initiative in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame. In her spare time, Kathryn teaches courses in Catholic Social Teaching for the African Sisters Education Collaborative at Marywood University and for the deacon candidates in the Archdiocese of Washington.
Participants may register in advance at: https://tinyurl.com/ysb4w57e
A $15 suggested donation will help support future programming.
About the Tri-State Network
The Tri-State Network is a coalition of Catholic women religious and spirituality centers from Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, united by a shared commitment to peace, justice, and spirituality. Participating organizations include Benet House Retreat Center; Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa; Franciscan Peace Center; Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat Center; Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center; Shalom Spirituality Center; Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Sisters of Mercy Justice Team; Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque; and Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
