U-M Barger Leadership Institute

FREE MOVIE - THIS TUESDAY
State Theater @ 6PM
A Vow From Hiroshima

Barger Leadership Institute is committed to nurturing leaders who will promote peace, compassion, dignity, and well-being in their communities. In that spirit, we are thrilled to host a screening of the award-winning documentary "A Vow from Hiroshima,"

The Vow From Hiroshima is an intimate portrait of Setsuko Thurlow, a passionate survivor of the 1945 atomic bomb in Hiroshima. At 13 years old, Setsuko was miraculously pulled out of a fiery building after the bomb was dropped, unable to save her other 27 classmates who were burned alive. The experience shaping her life forever, she kept a pledge to her friends - that no one should ever again experience the same horrible fate. Her moving story is told through the lens of her friendship with second-generation survivor Mitchie Takeuchi, through her decades of activism, to the current moment, achieving her dream of a Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty.

This event is free for all attendees!

Lessons from Hiroshima: Cultivating Mindful Peace Leadership
SYMPOSIUM
Wednesday, March 23 @ 5 PM
UMMA, Helmut Stern Auditorium

Barger Leadership Institute is committed to nurturing leaders who will promote peace, compassion, dignity, and well-being in their communities.

This symposium centers on the voices and lessons of Hibakusha peace activists to inspire ethical leadership, compassion, and sustainable action. The panelists have developed pedagogical interventions informed by the experience of Hiroshima and the narratives of Hibakusha peace activists to promote the need for mindful peace education.

Symposium Presenters:
- Mitchie Takeuchi, Producer, Writer, Speaker, Activist
- Kathleen Sullivan, Director, Hibakusha Stories
- Ray Matsumiya, Director, Oleander Initiative
- Ram Mahalingam, Barger Leadership Institute Professor, Department of Psychology, Director, Barger Leadership Institute

Symposium Moderator:
- Dr. Connie Tingson Gatuz, Associate Vice Provost, Student Life, University of Michigan

Special thanks to our sponsors,
- The Nam Center for Korean Studies
- Michigan Community Scholars Program
- for Japanese Studies
- UMMA
- Center for Global and Intercultural Study
- Organizational Studies
- Department of Psychology

Join the BLI for LOVE FEST, our annual Valentine’s Day themed meeting, February 18th on the 8th Floor of Weiser Hall!

Come and enjoy many activities like stuff-a-plush, dipping an assortment of treats in our chocolate fountain, making friendship bracelets, bouquet making, and more!

Visit our bio to register for our event in Sessions through our LinkTree! Can’t wait to see you all there!

Detroit Application is OPEN!

During this retreat, we will hear from leaders who have made Detroit their home and learn how they build connections in their communities.

The retreat includes visits iconic landmarks, meals at unique local restaurants, engaging activities, reflective sessions, and leadership development to foster personal growth and connection.

2026 Theme: Strengthening Connections Between Communities and Stewarding Peace
When: Friday, March 27- Sunday, March 29
Cost: Food, lodging, and transportation provided by the BLI
Questions: Email, [email protected]
Application link in bio

Get ready for LEADERSHIP EXTRAVAGANZA! Your one stop at the LSA BUILDING on February 11th will give you the opportunity to meet and interact with different UofM organizations on campus!

Come learn about the opportunities organizations like the Ginsberg Center and CGIS at our event. We also got treats for while you walk and talk!

Scan the QR Code for more information or check out our LinkTree in our bio!

BLI GRANTS ARE OPEN! Come apply to our grants for personal projects, cultural programming and more! The link to the application is in our bio and we are excited to see your submission!

The BLI invites you to our COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Community Meeting on Wednesday January 28th on the 10th Floor of Weiser Hall!

Are you interested in the Detriot Retreat and strengthening community connections? Come learn at our community meeting for the week. The Detriot Retreat application opens at the meeting!

Register for the event through Sessions! Link in bio!

Vision boarding was a success!! Thanks to everyone who braved the cold and snow!

Looking forward to our next community meeting on January 28 / 5:30-7 pm/ Weiser Hall

Join the BLI for DESTRESS FEST on December 9th from 2-4 PM on the 10th Floor of Weiser Hall!

Come get some hot cocoa and treats, and do some blanket making! Chill out with the BLI for the last time this semester before finals season gets into full swing!

More information in our LinkTree!

ENROLL IN ALA 275 THIS WINTER SEMESTER!

Analyze and evaluate leadership and followership dilemmas and more in this LEARN experience curated by the BLI. There’s two sections of the course so don’t miss out on this opportunity to foster your leadership abilities and experience within the BLI.

More information in the LinkTree!

Look at the wonderful programming that has been put on with the support of a BLI GRANT! You can put on some beautiful programming like depicted with the support of the BLI by applying to our grant!

Application in the LinkTree! Closes the 17th! Can’t wait to see your submission!