About Us
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What is DMUM?
Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan, or DMUM (pronounced "DEE-mum"), is a non-profit organization run by University of Michigan students. We fundraise and generate awareness for pediatric therapies and programs at the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, as well as various outpatient clinics. Our members plan and host events for community families, help patients directly with clinical volunteering through our programs, fundraise year round in countless ways, and much more. Click here to get involved.
In 1997, Dance Marathon made its way to the University of Michigan. Inder Singh, DMUM’s founder, had heard of the positive impacts that Dance Marathons across the country were making on both the kids and families they support, as well as the students that stand. With help from the Children’s Miracle Network, 24 students on the first Central Planning Team planned their first Dance Marathon in the spring of 1998. Hundreds of dancers stood, and the organization raised $35,000 for pediatric rehabilitation therapies.
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Impact
After 27 years of growth, today DMUM is the largest student-run non-profit in the state of Michigan. Annually, we have over XXX student volunteers help at XXX programs/clinics, .... . We engage our community with XXX events that draw XXX people/families, and ... idk
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Mission and Vision
DMUM's mission is to support children with disabilities and illnesses by raising funds and awareness for pediatric therapies at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. Our vision is to foster community between students and staff at the University of Michigan with the Ann Arbor area by encouraging support of children with disabilities and illnesses enhancing and promoting a culture of empowerment, collaboration and inclusivity.
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Values
Belonging
We work to make DMUM a safe and welcoming environment for all community members to foster a sense of belonging. We engage in conversations and provide training to leadership members about how to make DMUM an inclusive and welcoming space.
Community
We organize cause-centered events to create enduring relationships within our community. We value, respect, and show gratitude to DMUM’s leadership body, members, donors, alumni, community partners, and supporters. We will work to ensure everyone's voices are heard and that we represent all voices in the Michigan and Ann Arbor community.
Dedication
We promote a culture of dedication for our cause and organization. We work for each other and with each other to create meaningful impacts on our organization and the community. When challenges arise, we are dedicated to working together with tolerance and empathy.
Growth
We are committed to growing individually and collectively to improve DMUM’s impact on families, students, and the larger Ann Arbor community. We will continuously strive to make Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging efforts a priority within our organization and to those we reach.
Transparency
We strive to maintain clear communication and transparency between DMUM, Michigan Medicine partners, and all of our community members. We welcome feedback and open discussion from all to better our organization and continue its growth. We will promote the direct impact DMUM has on those we support.
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Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan (DMUM) aspires for each individual involved with us to feel valued and have a sense of belonging. In order for this to be possible, we must establish an inclusive and welcoming community within DMUM to be able to equitably extend our mission to our external audiences. To accomplish this, we implemented a Leadership Development Committee in 2022 to educate our members on DEIB related topics, participate in meaningful and helpful experiences regarding DEIB, and provide professional development opportunities. We are fully committed to ensuring that all of our events are accessible and for our DMUM community and Families.
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Sustainability Efforts
Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan is committed to sustainable practices. All of our events are zero-waste, including VictorThon. This is accomplished through partnerships with the UM Office of Sustainability, UM Environmental Health Services, and Food Recovery Network. Additionally, our sustainable efforts and goals will continue to evolve with our organization over time.