The United States has long been defined by the great diversity of its people. Whether that diversity enriches or divides the nation, however, is not a given. Where there is deep difference, there is a need for bridgebuilders: citizens with the mindset and skills to transform diversity into pluralism. In this interactive course, you’ll watch bridgebuilding in action, learn about the goals of bridgebuilding, and consider where you might take steps to build bridges in your own life.

Oral history can be a powerful tool for those working for social change and social justice. The stories we share about our lives and everyday experiences shape the world we live in and often determine the ways others understand their place in the world. Traditional historical narratives have often excluded voices from marginalized communities such as women, people of color, indigenous, young people, lgbtq+, disabled persons, and others. Leaving their stories out of the historical record further contributes to their disempowerment. By making spaces for the telling and preservation of these stories, oral history can support a more capacious and inclusive historical narrative, which is an important mechanism for social change.

Oral histories can describe the world as it is, but they can also be spaces to identify social problems and imagine social alternatives. Oral historians conduct interviews, transcribe and index the recordings, analyze the oral histories, archive and share them with their audience, often for educational purposes. This certificate program introduces adult learners to Oral History as a tool for social change and helps develop the skills and strategies needed to conduct oral histories ethically and effectively. Building on the Institute for Diversity and Civic Life's extensive oral history training and archival expertise, we walk you through the steps needed to design and execute your own oral history project. Our approach to oral history for social change is informed by our Religions Texas initiative, which is a community-based archive that seeks to diversify the historical record and empower Texans to tell their stories on their own terms.

What is interfaith leadership? What does it take? What’s its impact? What does excellent interfaith leadership look like? Through this interactive, self-paced course, you’ll explore these questions and more. Ideal both for learners who are new to interfaith leadership and for experienced interfaith leaders who would like a stronger foundation for their work, this course provides a roadmap for developing (or continuing to develop) the vision, knowledge, and skills required to contribute to the realization of a truly interfaith America.

The Internet has transformed every area of human interaction – including religion – more than any other invention in history. The new technology is disrupting traditional definitions of community, authority, beliefs, and even what it means to be human and present to one another. The Internet can be used to further divide people of different faiths and worldviews, or it can foster greater understanding – the choice is up to us. Interfaith America invites you to be part of a new generation of interfaith leaders who understand the power of the Internet, appreciate how it can be used to promote understanding across lines of difference, and are fully trained to maximize the impact of the technology for the common good. Join us by participating in our #Interfaith curriculum to strengthen your interfaith leadership online.