Michigan Nonprofit Association Blog
MNA’s Blog is designed to give you, the nonprofit community, an informal look into the issues currently facing Michigan’s nonprofit sector and an opportunity to share tools, resources and best practices. It’s also a way for us to get to know each other a little bit better through candid discussions of the topics, challenges and opportunities that our sector deals with on a regular basis. Check back daily and participate in the discussions by posting a comment or emailing our bloggers. We love hearing from you!
In 2018, voters passed an amendment to Michigan’s Constitution, establishing the Michigan Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission (MICRC). Michigan citizens have a historic, first-time ever opportunity to actively participate in the process of drawing new district lines that will govern where they vote and influence the kind of candidate who will represent them. This process is called redistricting — it happens just once every decade, and it is happening right now in Michigan. It is a nonpartisan, transparent and fair and open process.
"We're working to specifically promote racial equity so that communities of color, most importantly, who happen to be often the ones who are underrepresented and underserved, have a voice in processes like these for the next ten years," says Mariana Martinez, director of civic engagement initiatives for MNA. "We know that these maps will be drawn for the next ten years, so this is a good time to get involved."
Funds for a paycheck protection program loan also known as a ‘PPP loan’ may run out before the May deadline. The Michigan Non Profit Association is urging small businesses and non-profits to apply before it’s too late.
Communities First, Inc. is partnering with the Michigan Nonprofit Association to bring awareness and education to the redistricting initiative with a town hall.
The announcement is the latest example of nonprofits playing a role as trusted sources in public service campaigns. Michigan Nonprofit Association tapped nonprofits across the state to help spur multicultural residents to participate in the recent U.S. Census. And early this year, the association tapped them again to engage the state's residents in redistricting conversations.
Every ten years after the completion of the census, states around the country redraw the political maps that assign candidates and voters to congressional and legislative districts they will live in for the next decade.
One of the hardest jobs for the randomly selected group of Michigan voters charged with redrawing the state’s congressional and legislative districts this year is that they will be required to draw districts that keep communities that share political interests together.
On Sunday, February 28, Spotlight on the News will take viewers inside Michigan's redistricting process. How can you have input into the new maps that will be drawn to shape the future of the Great Lakes State?
Craig Fahle is an award winning journalist and talk show host who is committed to telling the full story about all things happening around Metro Detroit. He is equally at home with any subject, whether it be politics, public policy, business, arts and culture, and even sports. His conversational style, mixed with a probing yet civil interviewing style has earned him respect from a multi generational and multicultural audience.
