Democracy, Civic & Global Engagement
Democracy, Civic & Global Engagement
Democratic principles, institutions, and practices are under assault in the U.S. and around the world. While there is broad agreement that problems exist, there is little consensus about what should be done.
Democratic principles, institutions, and practices are under assault in the U.S. and around the world—and there is little consensus about what should be done.
Amid growing polarization and disillusionment, when extreme ideas are finding wider audiences, the need to foster balanced, productive, respectful discourse is more important than ever, as is the urgent need to encourage active participation in our communities and our government.
We believe that an informed, engaged citizenry is vital for these interactions and for a thriving democracy. U-M is enthusiastic about reinvigorating civic and global engagement—and necessary critical thinking skills—among students and the wider community.
U-M’s active engagement with local libraries, museums, community colleges, and historical societies helps residents experience the value of democracy in their communities. U-M endeavors to increase student and unit engagement with community-serving organizations via associations like the Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning.
Community activists and leaders working to draw attention to poor air quality in the 48217 zip code in Detroit teamed up with Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design Professor Joe Trumpey (MFA ’92) and his students to create a series of murals that raise awareness of the ongoing issues residents face daily.
Amid growing polarization and disillusionment, when extreme ideas are finding wider audiences, the need to foster balanced, productive, respectful discourse is more important than ever, as is the urgent need to encourage active participation in our communities and our government.
We believe that an informed, engaged citizenry is vital for these interactions and for a thriving democracy. U-M is enthusiastic about reinvigorating civic engagement—and necessary critical thinking skills—among students and the wider community.
As a public institution with a deep commitment to and history of community leadership, student involvement, and service to the public good, the University of Michigan is strongly positioned to take on this challenge. U-M’s excellence at scale—across disciplines—makes us uniquely poised to achieve this vision, both in the classroom and in experiential settings, from local partnerships to global initiatives.
From reinforcing the vital role of the arts in challenging the way we perceive and experience the world to the critical function of journalism to illuminate truths and prompt accountability to the essential work of public policy, law, science, business, and other disciplines to research, validate, and offer frameworks, Michigan will inspire a renewed commitment to civic engagement.
Together We Can
- Expand our community’s understanding of democratic practices and principles and equip students with the necessary skills to advocate for equal and active democratic participation among all citizens.
- Elevate the quality of public conversation at U-M by providing spaces and opportunities for respectful and meaningful dialogue to flourish—where every voice matters and where the principles of free speech and mutual respect are upheld across all our communities.
- Ignite a passion for civic action in U-M students by providing opportunities, resources, and support for service learning, community collaborations, and partnerships to enable individuals to tackle real-world challenges and drive meaningful impact.
- Strengthen partnerships and alliances at every level—local, state, and national—to mobilize support for democratic ideals and inspire civic engagement that leads to informed and responsible voting actions.
- Harness the immense power of the arts on campus to help students come together across differences, and strengthen empathy for people with different points of view.
At the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, Conversations Across Differences and the Resilient Democracies initiative bring together speakers who bridge ideological and identity gaps and provide constructive debate on policy issues that affect our communities and the world. Additionally, new curriculum and leadership training, along with co-curricular programming, encourages students to build skills in communication, critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork.
Each July, Ford School alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends gather in memory of former president Gerald Ford (AB ’35, HLLD ’74) on or near his birthday (July 14) to socialize, network, and, most importantly, celebrate what binds them together—their collective Ford School experiences.
U-M enthusiastically embraces its responsibility to stimulate and support a wide range of ideas and model how to constructively engage with varied viewpoints as part of our commitment to nurturing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We are enhancing the quality of public debate by leveraging our interactions with leaders and government at all levels to extend our impact well beyond our university and our state.
A nonpartisan coalition across all three U-M campuses, UMICH Votes focuses on getting students to the polls. At engagement events like this one at Michigan Law, volunteers help students navigate the voting process and understand why their votes matter. The coalition includes a student organization called Turn Up Turnout; Creative Campus Voting Project based in the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design; and partnerships with the University of Michigan Museum of Art, the Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning, and the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s Office.
“Hey, We Need to Talk!” is a social practice artwork at the University of Michigan Museum of Art that invites honest, courageous, common sense dialogue with people who might not share the same worldview. Artist Philippa Pham Hughes delves into what it means to be American, aiming to strengthen democracy through art-driven conversations that can repair the social fabric of our country. Hughes facilitates discussions against a backdrop of vibrant state flower wallpaper designed by artist Ouizi that symbolizes national unity and the diverse beauty found across America.
Support Democracy, Civic & Global Engagement
Look to Michigan Democracy, Civic & Global Engagement Impact Fund
Each year, nearly 5,000 students gain invaluable insights through U-M study abroad programs in more than 100 countries. These international experiences increase intercultural understanding, broaden worldviews, help students become better contributors to diverse teams, and strengthen qualifications for future employment.
Moreover, our global partnerships yield significant benefits for all involved. The Center for Global Health Equity works alongside changemakers to improve health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, as exemplified by HaEun Lee (PhD ’21), School of Nursing assistant professor, and Dr. Priscilla Busingye, an obstetrician and gynecologist committed to developing an OB/GYN health center of excellence in Rwibaale, Uganda.