Sit on the hiring committee of a non-profit organization or the nominating committee of a professional organization.

Participate on a community task force or with a community organization experiencing controversy.

In your next meeting, paraphrase your understanding so that information can be clarified if necessary.

Be curious and ask follow up questions (e.g., Tell me more about that; How did you come to that opinion?).

Attend a U-M event about a topic that you are curious about. Participate in a question and answer session if there is one.

Attend a function pertaining to a controversy. Try to listen to understand the different perspectives. Listen to the words, use your eyes to read body language, and your heart to gauge the emotion conveyed.

Ask someone who did not speak up in a meeting to share their thoughts with you afterward. Listen, make eye contact, reflect on their perspective before commenting.

Ask a person you just met about a hobby or passion that they have. Ask open ended questions, leaving out your opinions.