Upper Michigan Today learns new approaches toward civic wellness

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - Upper Michigan Today is in a great divide!

Elizabeth Peterson and Tia Trudgeon are joined in studio by Dr. June Klees, Instructor of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Bay College in Escanaba.

She discusses the civic wellness movement and how we as a society can use dialogue to build bridges over our differences.

But, first Elizabeth and Tia share stories of the day.

Dr. Klees explains what civic wellness is and what it looks like in today’s society.

She says that social media creates a perception of division, but that we really have more in common with each other than we think.

Civic wellness is finding those commonalities.

Dr. Klees continues to elaborate on civic wellness and how it can be about anything from political views to vulnerability.

Elizabeth and Tia discuss scenarios and the best way to bridge differences through dialogue.

Dr. Klees says our political culture is toxic and creates unnecessary divisions. The civic wellness movement hopes to bridge the divide.

There are efforts happening on a national level to support the civic wellness movement, but Dr. Klees emphasizes that it starts with action on an individual level.

Dr. Klees shows Elizabeth and Tia shares some of her favorite books that amplify the civic wellness movement.

You can learn more about Raft for America at raftforamerica.org, Citizen Connect at citizenconnect.us, and you can explore events and movements from Listen First at listenfirstproject.org.

You can watch Upper Michigan Today on weekdays at 9:00 a.m. on FOX UP or stream the show on your smart device with the TV6+ app.