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.
Michigan Expertise
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Article
Democracy’s Information Dilemma Student Research Showcase
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Article
A Journey of Institutional Self-Discovery
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Research
Every Name Has a Story
Funding Opportunities
We offer funding to support student and faculty projects that inform and inspire.
Events
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.
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. Designed by the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) in collaboration with a group of university art museums from across the country.
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Democracy Collection
At a time when our political landscape is becoming increasingly polarized, having a solid understanding of the democratic process can help you navigate difficult conversations. The Democracy Collection, a curated portfolio of clips, courses, and Teach-Outs™, provides you with a deeper understanding of democracy's role in our society. Explore the importance of civil engagement, the complexities of the democratic process, and how you can organize your community to rally around current policy and social issues.
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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. The University of Michigan Press is one of the nation's top publishers in US politics and has worked with the MAM student group to curate a reading list that provides authoritative background on many of the issues in the news. With the support of the Provost's Office and libraries, all the books have been made open access, free to read and download for anyone with an Internet connection.
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.
