ConnectionCorps

ConnectionCorps is a dialogue facilitation training program that is open to undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty. Participants in the program learn how to build and foster spaces where people can come together, deepen mutual understanding, create shared meanings, and engage in democratic deliberation. There are two major dimensions of ConnectionCorps training:

  • Basic communication and facilitation skills: How can people help other share what they are thinking and feeling in authentic, connective ways? How can people facilitate spaces of deep listening and empathy? What does it mean to foster understanding across difference?
  • Dialogue as a form of democracy: What dialogue structure helps people develop ideas and strategies for changing social norms, building policies and programs, or addressing systems of power? How can facilitators create spaces for people to build things together and work toward collective empowerment?

Photo from a Dinner with Friends program, facilitated dialogue about inclusive excellence at UMBC

ConnectionCorps Topics

ConnectionCorps training covers a wide variety of topics, including (but not limited to):

Basic communication and facilitation skills
Dialogue as a form of democracy
  • Getting past people’s initial words to understand deeper values and interests
  • Navigating intense emotions in dialogue
  • Asking questions that elicit thoughtfulness
  • Addressing conflict when it occurs
  • Managing power dynamics in the room
  • Planning for and structuring a civic dialogue
  • Honoring the value of people’s different perspectives on social issues
  • Working through social and political problems
  • Creatively brainstorming civic solutions
  • Analyzing social problems and solutions to address equity and justice

Photo of a few tables at a Dinner with Friends event

Program Structure and How to Get Involved

ConnectionCorps training is scheduled during fall semesters, with weekly in-person meetings on Thursdays from 3 – 4:30 p.m. in The Commons. It is structured as a complete curriculum, so sustained attendance is required. Training meetings include a mix of direct instruction, practice, and dialogue.

Applications to join the next ConnectionCorps cohort are typically released in April. Follow the Center for Democracy and Civic Life on myUMBC to be notified when the application is open. Student participants in ConnectionCorps are provided a small stipend for their participation and receive PRAC credit on their transcripts.

UMBC Facilitation and Connectionary

ConnectionCorps prepares UMBC community members facilitators to foster democratic participation and authentic connections among participants in any space, including workplaces, student organizations, families, and more. In addition, ConnectionCorps participants, after completion of the program, are often called upon to help facilitate at Center for Democracy and Civic Life conversation programs (e.g., Change Makers Dinners, Changing Maryland, Dinners with Friends, and Together Beyond).

In addition, people who have completed ConnectionCorps training are eligible to apply to be a “Connectionary” facilitators. Connectionary facilitators are supported by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life to develop their own dialogue programs on UMBC’s campus to address community needs. Topics Connectionary facilitators have chosen to host dialogues about in the past include affordability on campus, fostering professional relationships, and rethinking research involvement. Email Ricky Blissett (rblissett@umbc.edu) for more information.