Conversations Across Differences

The most difficult public problems bring different values, experiences, and perspectives to the table.

Addressing them means listening carefully, examining evidence, and remaining engaged through disagreement. Conversations Across Differences brings students, policymakers, scholars, and the broader community together to explore consequential policy issues—and helps students develop the skills to communicate and lead across differences.

The initiative encompasses public events, curriculum and leadership development, co-curricular programming, and community building.

Policy work takes place in environments where disagreement is constant—across political parties, sectors, communities, and lived experiences. Technical expertise is important, but it is only part of the work. Students benefit from being able to listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and navigate conflict without shutting others down.

-Dr. Stephanie Sanders, lecturer and the director of community and engagement

Featured article

Bipartisan leaders discuss what it takes to build trust across political divides

What sustains democratic trust when political disagreements remain unresolved? At two Ford School events during the University of Michigan’s Democracy Week, current and former Democratic and Republican elected leaders pointed to local participation, civic education, careful listening, and relationships across ideological lines.
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A Democracy Week banner from U-M’s Center for Democracy and Civic Empowerment stands outside the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies.

Explore the latest conversations

The Conversations Across Differences event series brings together differing political, ideological, and lived perspectives to explore policy issues affecting our communities, nation, and world.

Events

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2up photo of smiling people in business dress.
Oct 8 2026

Michigan Secretary of State debate

6:30-7:30 pm
Voting booths displaying American flags and the word “Vote,” overlaid with digital grids, padlocks, and computer icons symbolizing election cybersecurity.
Sep 17 2026

Michigan elections: Local control, national scrutiny, and public trust

11:45 am-12:50 pm
How to Disagree Better Governors Forum graphic with headshots of governors Cox and Lujan Grisham
Sep 14 2026

How to disagree better: A forum with governors Spencer Cox and Lujan Grisham

5:00-6:30 pm

Lead across differences

Conversations Across Differences is woven throughout the Ford School student experience. In courses, workshops, coaching, peer-led conversations, and community activities, students develop the skills and judgment to navigate disagreement, communicate across perspectives, and work with others on complex policy challenges.

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Constructive dialogue

Through Bridge Builders, students practice listening, constructive disagreement, dialogue facilitation, and storytelling in courses, workshops, and peer-led conversations.
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Leadership development

Courses, coaching, assessments, and extracurricular programs help students deepen self-awareness, understand differences, navigate conflict, and lead people and projects.
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Community building

Shared experiences foster belonging and create space for students to explore difficult topics, learn through disagreement, and build relationships.
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Greater confidence

90%

Students reported greater readiness to intervene when difficult conversations arise.

Trained facilitators

29

Students earned credentials recognizing their preparation to facilitate constructive dialogue.