U-M Dialogue for Impact Certificate

Overview of the Course

The five-week U-M Dialogue for Impact Certificate teaches participants to foster constructive dialogue, build trust, and bridge differences across communities, workplaces, and civic organizations. It is presented by the Alumni Association and the Provost Office Access and Opportunity, and sponsored by the Center for American Dialogue.

The program blends live instruction, self-paced learning, peer coaching, small-group support, and hands-on projects. Participants will gain skills to:

• Listen actively and ask open-ended questions
• Navigate disagreement constructively
• Build trust and reduce polarization
• Engage communities equitably
• Collaborate across differing perspectives

The cohort will include 50 alumni participants and will be led by U-M experts and practitioners, with support from experienced alumni peer coaches. Each participant will join an Impact Community Support Team for feedback, accountability, and connection, and will develop and present an actionable Dialogue Impact Project. Participants who complete all program requirements will earn the U-M Dialogue for Impact Certificate.

This project is supported by the University of Michigan Center for American Dialogue. The views expressed by project participants or speakers do not necessarily represent those of the Center, the University of Michigan, or the Alumni Association.

Program Overview

Over the course of the program, participants will explore topics designed to build practical dialogue skills and support the development of an actionable Dialogue Impact Project. Potential session topics may include:

Open Inquiry and Project Strategy

Explore the principles of open inquiry and the work of the Center for American Dialogue. Identify key stakeholders, clarify goals, and begin shaping your Dialogue Impact Project.

Constructive Dialogue and Depolarization

Build skills in active listening, de-escalation, constructive disagreement, bias awareness, and productive engagement across differences.

Equitable Engagement and Trust-Building

Examine respectful, asset-based approaches to community engagement and learn how to shift from acting as an expert to working as a trusted collaborator.

Pluralism, Public Engagement Leadership, and Evaluation

Learn to create environments that welcome diverse perspectives, manage risk, evaluate outcomes, and adapt projects to real-world conditions.

Capstone Showcase and Action Launch

Present a refined project plan, receive constructive feedback, share early insights, and identify practical next steps for implementation.

Join the Interest List

Our next program begins in spring 2027. Sign up to be notified when registration opens.