Brief Introduction
Learn principles and strategies for engaging with U.S.-based and global communities through partnerships, research, service, and learning
Description
Now more than ever, people are seeking ways to affect change in their communities — both locally and around the world. This course is for anyone — from novices to experienced practitioners — who wants to work more effectively with community members and organizations, including through, but not limited to:
- community-academic partnerships
- social change projects
- community service and learning
- education and work abroad
- traditional and community-based participatory research
- non-profit internships
- public scholarship
- civic performance
Prepare in advance or take this course simultaneously to get the most out of your experience by engaging with communities ethically, respectfully, and sustainably.
Developed by a highly interdisciplinary team of U-Mcontent experts and faculty, this course is designed to be both engaging and challenging, offering an accessible entry into foundational topics as well as a jumping off point to pursue work and further learning in effective community engagement. It is also a toolkit and a roadmap that offers concrete takeaways and resources for working effectively with communities.
Throughout the course, you’ll learn from experienced U-M students, faculty, and staff and local community partners, and you’ll have many opportunities to try out and apply the principles and concepts you’re learning.
No prior community engagement experience necessary.
Knowledge
- Key concepts and strategies you’ll learn:
- valuing community context and expertise;
- understanding how social identities, power, and privilege impact your interactions;
- approaches to collaborative leadership, such as listening effectively, resolving conflicts, and building mutually-beneficial partnerships;
- reflecting on your work, and transitioning in and out of communities; and
- effectively managing community-engaged projects