Thank you for participating in our Year of Democracy, Civic Empowerment, and Global Engagement launch week events!
Year of Democracy and University of Michigan logo

Dear Michigan Community,

Thank you for participating in our Year of Democracy, Civic Empowerment, and Global Engagement launch week events! The tapestry of last week’s events spanned a myriad of topics like reproductive justice, climate and sustainability, and voting, reflecting our commitment to encouraging constructive dialogue throughout our campus. Indeed, one of the key goals of our theme year is to create spaces where everyone can engage in respectful and productive conversations about society’s most pressing issues—even, and especially, when we disagree. Our events, learning resources, engagement opportunities, and grant programs are designed with this goal in mind.

In the spirit of civil discourse and shared learning, we have an exciting lineup of events featuring scholars, policymakers, students, and changemakers dedicated to bridging divides. Mark your calendars for “Jonathan Van Ness Gets Curious About Voting” on October 4, and insights from Former Governors John Kasich and Steve Bullock on democracy and civic discourse on October 9. Don’t miss the "War Game: Film Screening & Conversation" on October 8, featuring Former Governor Steve Bullock and a renowned panel of Michigan faculty—this event promises to spark thought-provoking discussions.

To see the full slate of upcoming events organized by our campus partners, please visit democracy.umich.edu. Let’s come together to practice the Michigan values of respect and dialogue that we hold dear.

In partnership,

Jenna Bednar, PhD
Faculty Director, UMICH Votes and Democratic Engagement

Rosario Ceballo, PhD
Dean, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts

Celeste Watkins-Hayes, PhD
Joan and Sanford Weill Dean, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
Year of Democracy: Spotlight on Campus
Launch Week September 23-27, 2024 - A week of rich events that inform and inspire
Monday - Friday, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Questions about voting? The Campus Voting Hub at UMMA is now open! Designed by Stamps School of Art & Design faculty of the Creative Campus Voting Project in close collaboration with the Ann Arbor City Clerk's Office, the Voting Hub at UMMA serves as City of Ann Arbor Satellite Clerk’s Office and offers voting resources for the whole U-M community. Come visit this delightful space to learn about the voting process. Voting in Ann Arbor? Register, update your address, or vote early at UMMA. Not voting in Ann Arbor? Drop by for answers to your voting questions and join the fun! See the UMICH Votes website for more information!
Launch Week September 23-27, 2024 - A week of rich events that inform and inspire
Friday, October 4 at 6:30 pm | Michigan Theater

Join Jonathan Van Ness for a live recording of his podcast "Getting Curious," as he comes to University of Michigan to record the episode Getting Out the Vote. A hairstylist by trade turned personality, writer, and comedian, Van Ness will train his sharp wit on voter engagement efforts in a lively and entertaining conversation that will feature U-M scholars and students and prominent public officials. The event is exclusively for the University of Michigan community and will include voices from across campus.
Launch Week September 23-27, 2024 - A week of rich events that inform and inspire
Tuesday, October 8 at 7pm | Michigan Theater

War Game sweeps audiences into an elaborate future-set simulation that dramatically escalates the threat posed by the January 6, 2021 insurrection. The film follows a bipartisan group of US defense, intelligence, and elected policymakers spanning five presidential administrations as they participate in an unscripted role-play exercise. Hosted by the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan Museum of Art, and the Year of Democracy, Civic Empowerment, and Global Engagement, the screening will be followed by a conversation featuring Former Governor Steve Bullock and a renowned panel of Michigan faculty.
Launch Week September 23-27, 2024 - A week of rich events that inform and inspire
Wednesday, October 9 at 4pm | Weill Hall

Two former governors, one Republican and one Democrat, considered moderates in their respective parties, discuss ways in which to have civil and civic discourse in an era of political divisiveness. Ohio Governor John Kasich (R) and Montana Governor Steve Bullock (D) will address the threats to American democracy, and the need for discourse across party lines and around the country.