Healing Relationships Through Non Violent Communication with Dianne Prichard, Dr. Christopher Peters, and Kathryn Yanik

Thursday, April 30, 6:30 - 8:00 pm CT
Virtual via Zoom

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.

This virtual panel discussion features three experienced speakers in civil dialogue and cross-partisan engagement, exploring how nonviolent communication can restore trust, strengthen relationships, and help communities rebuild a healthier democracy.

Dr. Christopher Peters is an Iowa-based thoracic surgeon, Army Medical Corps veteran, and an independent-minded Republican who ran twice for US 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.

Dianne 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.

Kathryn 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 an 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.

A $15 suggested donation supports future programming. For more information and to register, please contact The Prairie Retreat at www.chmiowa.org or 563.374.1092 by 4:00 pm on April 30.

This program is presented by the Tri-State Network – a coalition of Catholic women religious and spirituality centers from Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin: 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 the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sisters of the Mercy Justice Team, Sisters of St. Francis Dubuque, and Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.