As director of external affairs for the University of Michigan's Central Student Government, Margaret Peterman (BA '27) often finds herself in discussions with students who see things differently.
"Trying to reach 54,000 students means people will inevitably disagree with me or with CSG's policies and programs," she explains.
This semester, Peterman is developing new skills to make those discussions more productive through a series of workshops offered by Bridge Builders—a program at the Ford School designed to help students foster meaningful dialogue among their peers. The workshops are taught by Adriana Werdin (BA '26) and Breah Marie Willy (BA '26) as part of Lecturer Stephanie Sanders' Applied Learning Seminar, a required course for undergraduates.
Learning how to address disagreements and find remedies for them will make our campus a better place for everyone, regardless of whether or not their opinions align with my own,"
Margaret Peterman (BA '27)
The workshops have also been a learning experience for Werdin and Willy. "Teaching has been an interesting transition because we're still students ourselves," Willy says. "We try to take advantage of that because we know our audience, and we've structured the presentations in ways we thought the class would understand."
In one workshop, Werdin and Willy emphasized curiosity and constructive questions by asking participants to work in groups, with one student playing a character role and others asking questions to learn more about their perspective. In another, students practiced the power of storytelling by telling brief, personal stories about why they held certain policy views. In a third session, students worked through exercises with a peer to use constructive dialogue in navigating conflict.
"It may feel awkward to run through the exercises, but it's important to keep practicing difficult conversations and getting your point across thoroughly," Werdin explains.
Beyond the classroom, Bridge Builders extend their impact throughout the Ford School Community. They kicked off the academic year by leading orientation sessions for new undergraduates and master's students, introducing constructive dialogue techniques. In January, they'll participate in a Dialogue Facilitator Certification with the Constructive Dialogue Institute.
The Bridge Builders is not a political program. Still, Werdin and Willy are acutely aware that college student populations tend to lean to the left. "It's definitely something we're trying to address," Willy says. "We don't want our Republican peers feeling like they can't speak up. Instead, we want Ford School students to understand that we are an open table and there are seats for everyone. It's just about being respectful and sharing your story in a way that's right for you."
That open table is about hearing and learning from voices across the political spectrum. This year, Bridge Builders met privately with Robert Doar and Ted Gayer, two prominent heads of conservative think tanks, during their Ford School PolicyTalks visits. Conversations with visitors like this broaden the perspectives and improves their ability to hold conversations across differences.
Recently, the Bridge Builders also demonstrated their work for the Ford School Committee, a group of public and private sector leaders appointed by the Dean, who assist with fundraising, provide links to policymakers and policymaking arenas, and provide counsel on higher education and public policy.
Among the committee members is Michael G. Ford, son of President Gerald R. Ford. After the meeting, Michael Ford approached the students and shared his appreciation: "He told us that this work is a legacy and embodiment of what Gerald Ford wanted," Willy says. "It inspires us to hear how much it meant to him."
In AY 2025, Bridge Builders include:
- Leah Adams (BA ‘27)
- Adiah Bailey (MPP/MBA ‘29)
- Joshua Crook (BA ‘26)
- Jadden Kirchoff (MPP ‘26)
- Adriana Werdin (BA '26)
- Breah Marie Willy (BA '26)
Bridge Builders is part of the Ford School's Resilient Democracy initiative and is generously funded by the Gottesman Family, Jon Ashken (MPP '21), and the Ashken Family Foundation.
By Sheri Hall
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