Ginsberg Center cultivates equitable community-university partnerships

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3 white circles with yellow borders on blue backgound. Graphic of hands shaking above partnerships, clipboard with list above preparation and arrows pointing up above pathways

We are a community and civic engagement center with a mission to cultivate and steward equitable partnerships between communities and the University of Michigan in order to advance social change for the public good. Based upon this mission, our vision is for inclusive democracy; thriving, diverse communities; and equity and social justice.

Our work centers around translating our principles into action through: 

  • Partnerships: We cultivate an expansive network of community partners (nonprofits, local governments, and K-12 schools), surface community-identified priorities, and connect them with students, faculty, and staff who are invested in positive social change.
  • Preparation:  We prepare and support students and faculty and staff to create socially just community engagement experiences through advising, consulting, trainings and grants 
  • Pathways: We encourage the development of lifelong habits of civic learning through multiple pathways to civic engagement & community change

At Ginsberg (Our Blog)

Our blog shares emerging stories around Ginsberg's work at U-M and in the communities beyond. From profiles to match stories to announcements, you'll find a wealth of information below. 

Work toward housing equity with Justice InDeed

Are you looking for a tangible way to improve equity in Washtenaw County? Then sign up for a virtual session with Justice InDeed to learn how to identify and transcribe racially restrictive covenants on local home deeds.

Community collaboration fuels Ann Arbor Summer Festival insights

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF) is a cherished annual tradition that brings free and ticketed performances to Ann Arbor, Michigan every June. Beyond its well-loved events at Top of the Park and venues like Hill Auditorium, A2SF continually strives to understand and serve its audience better. In 2024, this effort was bolstered by a partnership with the Ginsberg Center’s Community Technical Assistance Collaborative (CTAC).

Ginsberg Center collaborates with OVPR on women's health networking event

Recently, the Ginsberg Center and the U-M Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) collaborated on a networking event centering issues and research related to women's health. The event, "Women's Health: Listen and Explore" brought together partners to gain funding for women's health initiatives. The event also served as a networking opportunity for researchers and thought partners to connect and brainstorm, and cultivate opportunities for new research and collaborations.

Student Spotlights: Eda Bozkurt, Raphael Onuku, and Emma Berger

Learn more about the experiences of three Ginsberg Center students: Eda Bozkurt, Raphael Onuku, and Emma Berger. Through their work with the Center, these students have been able to transform their interests and passions into action in our local communities. Get involved with the Ginsberg Center.

Applications open: Davis Projects for Peace

The Ginsberg Center is now accepting proposals for nomination to The Davis Projects for Peace summer grants program. The University of Michigan is one of 90 universities invited to nominate proposals. On behalf of the University, the Ginsberg Center will submit one main proposal and one alternate proposal for consideration by the Davis Foundation. If selected, proposed projects will receive $10,000 in summer funding. Applications are open until December 2.

Empowering Advocacy through Data: Mapping Manufactured Housing Communities with MHAction and CTAC

In collaboration with MHAction, Ginsberg's Community Technical Assistance Collaborative (CTAC) developed an innovative web-based mapping application that visualizes manufactured housing communities (MHCs) across Michigan. The project's aim was to create an accessible tool that could assist in the organization’s advocacy for affordable and quality manufactured housing, and to bolster their broader campaigns for racial and economic justice.

Student Organization Spotlight: BLUElab is a collaborative space on campus for socially conscious engineering

The University of Michigan is home to many engineering-focused student organizations, but one in particular stands out. BLUElab is the largest sustainably-focused engineering project team on campus. As a multidisciplinary design team that focuses on developing sustainable solutions alongside community partners, BLUElab emulates the Ginsberg Center’s principles of Centering on Equity and Starting with Community.

Ginsberg Center cultivates long-term partnership with Language Resource Center

Among the Ginsberg Center's central principles is the goal to foster long-term partnerships. The Center aims to establish enduring relationships with community partners that extend beyond the scope of a single project or engagement. The Center's partnership with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts' Language Resource Center is an embodiment of the commitment to that principle.

So Cool, So Just Fair brings together students who want to create change

The Ginsberg Center recently partook in the So Cool, So Just Fair, a recruitment opportunity for campus organizations to connect and be in community with students and organizations that are actively working on campus to create change. This event was hosted by the University of Michigan's Community Action and Social Change Undergraduate Minor with support from Ginsberg.


Find volunteer opportunities related to your interests on our portal! 

Connect2Community is managed by the Ginsberg Center, in collaboration with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

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Ginsberg is community engagement equitable partnerships student leadership capacity building learning in community democratic engagement collaborating for impact social change
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2023-2024 Annua Report cover

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