CommonGround Student Coordinator and Workshop Facilitator Application

We're sorry, the application period for Fall 2013 Workshop Facilitators and Student Coordinators has ended. Please stay tuned to our website for information about future opportunities!

What is CommonGround about?

In February 2007, the Program on Intergroup Relations implemented a new opportunity for our campus community to request workshops about social identity and social justice. Since the inception of the CommonGround Program, students have been at the very center of the work as workshop facilitators and/or student coordinators.

Student Coordinators: CommonGround was born from the hard work and dedication of the six original student coordinators who invented the name and developed the program structure. Today, the student coordinator team is strong and its role has been adapted to meet the needs of the ever-growing program.  This team is still the primary source of innovation and feedback for the program’s growth and direction.  It assists the Programming Team with marketing workshops, recruiting facilitators, developing facilitator trainings, and implementing community building events.

Workshop Facilitators: Since our inception, we have facilitated over 300 workshops to over 8,500 participants in residence halls, student organizations, and other venues. These short, request-based workshops strive to promote and enhance awareness around social identity development and group dynamics, prejudice, stereotyping, power, privilege and oppression.  CommonGround thrives through the dedication and commitment of the 20-30 active workshop facilitators every semester. We offer an opportunity for all graduate and undergraduate students to develop as facilitators while also building a community of social justice educators on campus.

CommonGround thrives through the dedication and commitment of the 20-30 active workshop facilitators every semester.

The Student Coordinator Position

We seek between 4-6 student coordinators for the 2012 – 2013 academic year who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.  This opportunity is open to all U-M students, including undergraduates, graduates. No prior experience with CommonGround or IGR is necessary.

This is a great opportunity for those who are interested in the programmatic aspects of social justice education, connecting with other student leaders who are passionate about social justice, and developing skills in marketing, recruitment, training, and community building.  

Student Coordinator Position Requirements:

•  In following with the IGR mission, an understanding and commitment to the pursuit of social justice.
•  Attendance at a New Facilitator Orientation, and a Weekend Training Retreat.
•  Availability at least one evening a week for at least 1.5 hours between 5 to 8pm.
•  Includes attendance at CommonGround Monthly Facilitator Meetings.
• Attendance at Student Coordinator Retreats once per semester (dates TBD).

The Workshop Facilitator Position

In an effort to balance the number of workshops we facilitate each semester with the quality of our work, CommonGround seeks for an active pool of 25 – 30 Workshop Facilitators each semester.

Incoming Workshop Facilitators are expected to attend a two-day training retreat in September, facilitate two to three workshops per month, and attend monthly meetings. Though this is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity, CommonGround Workshop Facilitators have a history of a sustained commitment to facilitating and being a part of the social justice community on campus.

A CommonGround certificate that recognizes the personal contributions of Workshop Facilitators will be awarded at the end of each semester you are with CommonGround.

Workshop Facilitator Position Requirements:

• Some prior facilitation experience (not necessarily with IGR) and basic knowledge about social justice concepts such as social identity, power, privilege, and oppression.
• In following with the IGR mission, a commitment to the pursuit of social justice through education is vital.
• Time and energy to commit to this position, including facilitating at least 2-3 workshops per month, which includes workshop preparation and administrative follow-up.
• Attendance at Weekend training retreat (Friday through Sunday)
• Attendance at Monthly Facilitator Meetings once a month

Please contact us at IGRCommonGround@umich.edu with any questions you may have.