Certificate in Dialogue and Civic Engagement

Help your community thrive through dialogue and civic engagement

Civic engagement is a process that actively involves people in policy and program development, including agenda setting and planning, decision making, implementation, and review. It requires interactive, iterative communication that fosters mutual respect, transparency, and sharing power and responsibility.

Dialogue is a process and a tool that can make civic engagement more effective, leading to positive change in our communities. It has the power to bring multiple perspectives and voices to a conversation, and turn diversity into a source of strength, creativity, and connection.

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Learn to facilitate dialogue that effects change

In SFU's Certificate in Dialogue and Civic Engagement, with a cohort of other civic engagement professionals, you’ll learn concepts, emerging models, and best practices that will enhance your ability to facilitate dialogues that foster effective decision-making processes in your organization or community.

Combine theory and practice in your own community engagement project

In a series of nine courses, you’ll learn a range of possible models for improving policy, programs, and services. You'll also discover how and when to use these models to create real and lasting change.

In the practicum component of the program, you’ll apply what you’ve learned by designing and implementing your own engagement project in the community organization or workplace environment of your choice. You’ll receive mentoring, support, and feedback that will help your civic engagement plan succeed.

Is the Certificate in Dialogue and Civic Engagement for you?

Are you currently involved in community or civic engagement activities? Do you want to increase your repertoire of effective public participatory methods? Graduates of this program include representatives from citizen-led and non-governmental organizations, business, community-based organizations, labour unions, First Nations, health agencies, Crown corporations, and all levels of government.