Welcome to Michigan! Whether you’re new to campus, returning, or navigating the University virtually right now, welcome home. As you settle into campus, you’re also becoming a member of our broader community- a community that transcends the boundaries of Central, North, and South Campus. And there's no better time to get involved in civic engagement than today, Ginsberg's Day of Social Action.
What does it mean to be an active member of your new community? It means that you demonstrate your care for your new home in your everyday actions and interactions, and you find ways to make it better for everyone. Here are just a few things that you can do to start your journey to active citizenship at the University of Michigan:
- Register to vote. If you’ll be 18 years old on/by November 3rd and are a U.S. citizen, you’re eligible to vote! You can get registered online, by mail, or in person. Register Here!
- Request an absentee ballot/Find your polling location. Depending on when or how you’ll vote, make sure you’ve determined your plan! Request Here!
- Sign up to attend at least one Democracy and Debate Theme Semester offering: UM has a legacy of social and civic involvement. Start or continue the conversation about democracy and what it means to be a member of a democratic society by attending a session. Sign-up Here!
- Complete the Pathways for Civic Engagement and Community Change questionnaire. How do you want to create positive change in your community? Take this survey to find out, and then learn about campus and community opportunities to engage! Complete Here!
- Create a Connect2Community Profile: Want to find real-time ways to volunteer or engage with the local community? Connect2Community has opportunities across Southeast Michigan, and even some virtual options as we continue to navigate a global pandemic. Log-in with your UMICH to create a profile and check out some offerings. Create Here!
- Create a Read-Aloud for Readers and Best: The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting us all, and creates some challenges for kids who are learning to read. The Ginsberg Center is partnering with local elementary classrooms to provide videos of UM students reading books that will help kids to read and develop a love for books. You can do this alone, or with a roommate! Create Here!
- Join a student organization engaged in issues you care about: UM has over 1,600 student organizations. The So Cool, So Just involvement fair will feature organizations and departments committed to community and social justice. Sponsored by the Ginsberg Center and the Community Action and Social Change minor, we’ll gather virtually on Thursday, September 24th from 11:00 AM-1 PM. Save the Date in your planner or calendar! Join Here!
- Bookmark the UM Library’s Fake News and Misinformation Guide: Sick of hearing about “fake news”? We are too. The UM Library has created a resource guide so you can prepare for both election season, and your future involvement in communities. Bookmark Here!
These are just some of the ways you can start connecting to the community. The Ginsberg Center, as well as many other places on campus, have great programs for you to start or continue your active citizenship journey during your time here. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to learn more!