The extreme scope of sentiments and responses that erupted from 2024’s political climate and may, sadly, continue into 2025 is the catalyst for Grand Haven Momentum Center’s “Town Hall on Mental Health and Politics.”
On Thursday, Jan. 30, 6 to 8:30 p.m., the Momentum Center will host its first town hall of the year at 401 N. 7th St.
Presentations by six panelists will begin the program.
Panelist Dr. James Dumerauf, psychiatrist, suggests: “Catastrophic thinking is one way in which we attempt to ‘cope ahead.’ It is important to realize this is not our healthiest option.” Hope College Professor Emerita Dr. Deirdre Johnston adds: “...we must engage in conversation…. If we do not speak with civility, we will not be heard. If we do not listen, we will not understand.
Dr. Deirdre Johnston is Professor Emerita of Communication and former Associate Dean of Global Education at Hope College in Holland. In addition to speaking, she has been instrumental in planning this community conversation. Through her consulting business, Intergroup Dialogue Connections, she provides training in dialogue, civility, and diversity education for educational and corporate organizations. While at Hope, she worked to create both the Peace and Justice Studies minor, and the Global Health major and minor.
Along with Dr. Dumerauf and Dr. Johnston, panelists and topics are as follows: Dr. Pat Roehling, retired, “Impact on Relationships”; Dr. Marrisa Doshi, Hope College, “Role of Social Media”; Dr. Fred Johnson, Hope College, “Lessons from History”; and Lupita Reyes, LMSW, Lars Counseling, “Current Immigration Climate.”
A question-and-answer period will follow presentations. The audience will then break into small groups, and return to large-group conversations.
The evening will conclude at 8:30 p.m.
The event is free; register at tmomentumcentergh.org/townhall-politics.
For questions about this event or the Momentum Center, contact Jenna or Barbara at 616-414-9111 or at momentumcentergh.org.
On Thursday, Jan. 30, 6 to 8:30 p.m., the Momentum Center will host its first town hall of the year at 401 N. 7th St.
Presentations by six panelists will begin the program.
Panelist Dr. James Dumerauf, psychiatrist, suggests: “Catastrophic thinking is one way in which we attempt to ‘cope ahead.’ It is important to realize this is not our healthiest option.” Hope College Professor Emerita Dr. Deirdre Johnston adds: “...we must engage in conversation…. If we do not speak with civility, we will not be heard. If we do not listen, we will not understand.
Dr. Deirdre Johnston is Professor Emerita of Communication and former Associate Dean of Global Education at Hope College in Holland. In addition to speaking, she has been instrumental in planning this community conversation. Through her consulting business, Intergroup Dialogue Connections, she provides training in dialogue, civility, and diversity education for educational and corporate organizations. While at Hope, she worked to create both the Peace and Justice Studies minor, and the Global Health major and minor.
Along with Dr. Dumerauf and Dr. Johnston, panelists and topics are as follows: Dr. Pat Roehling, retired, “Impact on Relationships”; Dr. Marrisa Doshi, Hope College, “Role of Social Media”; Dr. Fred Johnson, Hope College, “Lessons from History”; and Lupita Reyes, LMSW, Lars Counseling, “Current Immigration Climate.”
A question-and-answer period will follow presentations. The audience will then break into small groups, and return to large-group conversations.
The evening will conclude at 8:30 p.m.
The event is free; register at tmomentumcentergh.org/townhall-politics.
For questions about this event or the Momentum Center, contact Jenna or Barbara at 616-414-9111 or at momentumcentergh.org.
