American Stories, Shared Futures: Building Civic Dialogue Through History, Identity, and Belonging

Healthy civic life depends not only on expressing opinions, but also on understanding history, evaluating information and working constructively with people whose experiences or views differ from our own. American Stories, Shared Futures goes beyond a traditional lecture to provide attendees with a practical space to learn, listen, and connect across differences.

What it offers

The program combines student leadership training with public speaker events and facilitated community conversation.

• Hear fresh perspectives on how history, identity, art, media, and education shape American civic life.
• Strengthen skills for discussing difficult issues respectfully and productively.
• Learn how to identify reliable information and navigate today’s complicated media environment.
• Participate in facilitated conversations rather than simply sit and listen.
• Connect with UM-Flint students, educators, and Flint community members.
• Help identify shared priorities and practical steps toward stronger community relationships.

Public events

Fall 2026 - A moderated dialogue discussing the intersection of art, education, history, and civic life.

Winter 2027 - Speaker series event will explore the historical, cultural, and civic forces that have shaped American democracy. Features a Lunch & Learn for students, faculty, and staff and an evening keynote focused on “History, Literacy, and the Future of Civic Dialogue.”

Impact on the public good

The 20 UM-Flint students will culminate their training with an Alternative Spring Break to Washington, D.C. That experience and the public events will equip students to return to UM-Flint ready to share their learning, facilitate conversations, and contribute to a stronger culture of civic engagement.