Inspiring engagement in our democratic future
The Initiative for Democracy & Civic Empowerment offers Michigan expertise, events, explorations, and opportunities to foster a culture of learning and curiosity as we work together for a flourishing democracy for all.
Democracy News
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Article
What Our Workplaces Reveal About Political Division and Why It Matters
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Article
Using Theatre to Confront Climate Change and Gender-Based Violence in Northern Kenya
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Article
Can AI Help Reduce Political Polarization?
U.S. at 250
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Initiative for Democracy & Civic Empowerment, the Clements Library, and the Arts Initiative are leading a university-wide program marking this historic milestone.
Events
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Unpacking the News with Professor Pasek
January 14, 2026 | 4:00-5:00PM | Michigan Union, Pond Room
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Workshop of Democracy: Community Benefits, Community Land Trusts, and Equitable Economic Development
January 15, 2026 | 10-12PM | 3663 Woodward Ave, Suite 150, Detroit MI
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The Movement Made Us All: Historical Legacies of the Civil Rights Movement and the Current Moment
January 19, 2026 | 6:00-7:30pm | Museum of Art - Helmut Stern Auditorium
Student Opportunities
Engagement and empowerment are the hallmarks of democratic society. How do you want to engage? In the classroom? On campus? Across the globe? We bring together courses, scholarship opportunities, internships, and funding possibilities to equip students with the tools and experiences necessary for impactful participation in democratic societies.
Funding Opportunities
We offer funding to support student and faculty projects that inform and inspire.
Engage
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Art & Conversation Game
This conversation game is designed to help you explore the question: What does it mean to be an American? Mix and match images and prompts to spark new conversations around community, art, democracy, and more.
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Democracy Collection
The Democracy Collection is a curated portfolio of clips, courses, and Teach-Outs™ to provide a deeper understanding of democracy's role in our society.
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Dialogues in Democracy
Dialogues in Democracy is an interdisciplinary collection of University of Michigan Press books that explore the core tensions in American political culture.
Learning Opportunities
Learning. Exploration. Inquiry. The breadth of the University of Michigan’s expertise opens our classroom's to a myriad of paths for democratic engagement.
