This course is geared towards individuals who are interested in making a positive impact in their communities. Whether you are a rookie or a seasoned professional, this course offers the necessary tools to engage with community members and organizations effectively. The areas covered include community-academic partnerships, social change projects, community service and learning, education and work abroad, participary research, non-profit internships, public scholarship, and civic performance.

The course is built on a foundation of respect, ethics, and sustainable community interaction, orchestrated by an interdisciplinary team from the University of Michigan. It is designed to be both an introductory point for newcomers and a deeper exploration for those already familiar with community work, providing practical tools and insights that are applicable both during and after the course.

  • Importance of valuing community context and the expertise it offers.
  • Understanding the influence of social identities, power, and privilege on interactions.
  • Techniques for collaborative leadership including effective communication, conflict resolution, and partnership building.
  • Strategies for self-reflection and methods for effectively entering and exiting community work.
  • Skills for managing community-engaged projects efficiently.

No specific prerequisites are needed for this course, making it accessible to anyone interested in community engagement.

  • Fundamentals of community engagement and how to apply them for social impact.
  • Frameworks for understanding and valuing community context and knowledge.
  • Exploring social dynamics involving power and privilege.
  • Skills for collaborative and transformative leadership.
  • Techniques for critically reflecting on your influence and role within the community.
  • Project management with a focus on community-engaged initiatives.

This course is suitable for anyone looking to enhance their ability to work collaboratively and effectively within a community setting – from students and professionals in the social sciences to educational staff and public service workers.

Skills obtained from this course can empower learners to initiate and lead community-related projects effectively, foster sustainable partnerships, conduct participatory research, and contribute to social change both locally and globally. These skills are particularly beneficial in sectors such as education, social work, urban planning and public policy.

  • Introduction to Community Engagement
  • Community Context and Ethical Engagement
  • Social Identities, Power, and Privilege
  • Collaborative Leadership
  • Reflections and Transitions
  • Community-Engaged Project Management
  • Conclusion