Voices of the Staff, a volunteer-based program that gives staff members a forum for sharing ideas and defining the campus community issues that matter most, is now accepting applications through March 31.
Voices of the Staff consists of six network teams, each with a specific area of focus:
• Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Enhancing the Employee Experience
• Embracing Change and Leading at All Levels
• Fostering Learning, Coaching, and Mentoring
• Leveraging Technology
• Striving for Well-being
“The opportunities to participate and make a positive impact are plentiful. The meetings are inviting, engaging and enlightening,” says Michelle Chatell, U-M Police sergeant and Voices team member.
“Our group was trusted with an opportunity to participate in the Diversity Summit. We met the challenge of a quick turnaround and produced a workshop that exceeded capacity and expectations.”
Network teams are often called on to provide creative and effective staff input, develop resources and special events, and meet with key university leaders. Recent examples include Voices members developing staff Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion events, helping to select the public art honoring staff, and serving as team leads to produce the MSTAFF200 celebration for the U-M bicentennial.
“I can’t say enough good things about my experience and hope that more of the university community gets involved,” says Chatell.
To participate, interested staff must speak with their supervisor for approval, and apply for membership at voices.umich.edu by March 31. The website also has more information about the network teams, eligibility requirements and the selection process.
