Blessed with better health, a longer life expectancy and the conviction that we can do anything we set our minds to, boomers can make significant contributions for the social good. One program shows how.
Guest Commentary
At Bridge, we believe in listening to voices from all over our state. Got something to say? Contact us and join the conversation (details below)
How to submit a Guest Commentary
What to know:
Bridge welcomes a diversity of voices and perspectives from readers on issues important to Michigan. Guest commentaries reflect the views of the author(s), and are independent of the nonpartisan, fact-driven reporting of Bridge’s newsroom staff.
Commentaries must be the author’s original work and preferably will not have appeared first in other publications. Bridge reserves the right to decline submissions at our discretion.
We reserve the right to edit commentary for grammar, clarity, brevity or to address legal or factual concerns. We may offer editing suggestions, but in the service of making your work more accessible, not to alter your views.
We do not pay for guest commentary.
Here are some guidelines:
- Columns are usually 500-700 words
- They generally focus on a Michigan topic or policy and should avoid ad hominem attacks
- The more direct, distinct and/or intimate your perspective, the more effective your column will be
- The best columns do more than identify problems; they also offer solutions and facts to back them up
- Please include a one- or two-sentence bio, including the writer’s organization or relevant background.
- Authors must show their work, by backing up facts with links to reports or studies
- Bridge does not publish self-promotional columns or candidate endorsements
- Send a good quality, large headshot of the writer(s) as an attachment
- We also ask that, in return for publishing a guest commentary, the author(s) and their organizations generously promote the link to the published column through your Facebook, Twitter and other social or professional networks.
That’s about it. Keep the writing clear, conversational and free of jargon, and sell our smart and receptive readership on the argument you are trying to make.
Who to contact:
Email your submission or idea to guestcommentary@bridgemi.com. Please briefly describe who you are and what you would like to say and put the words “guest commentary” in the email subject line.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Barriers facing African-American children are a community issue
Michigan has the third-lowest score for the overall well-being of black children, only slightly better than Mississippi and Wisconsin – Annie E. Casey Foundation “Kids Count” report. Recent findings from the Kids Count report have been hard to accept. The report titled, “Race for Results: Building a Path to Opportunity for All Children,” by the Annie […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Grand Rapids is addressing legacy costs
A remarkable transformation has taken place in Grand Rapids, with the city cutting costs and controlling pension and health-care obligations
Posted inGuest Commentary
To combat child obesity, Michigan needs more phys ed
Michigan schools have no minimum requirement for for K-8 physical education. A pending bill would require younger children to receive at least 90 minutes of phys ed a week.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Volunteer school board members deserve adequate training
The public wants school board members to receive the training and professional development to make good decisions on behalf of our students. Currently, Michigan does not require such training for board members.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Albion High slighted in Bridge article
Don’t tell me my teachers at Albion High did not teach me anything! I worked my butt off to accomplish the things that I did in school, including being accepted to college.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Asking the questions that impact students
In the political debate over the level of school funding in Michigan, one conclusion is clear: fewer resources are finding their way to the classroom than in years past.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Don’t roll back Michigan no-fault insurance protections
Michigan should continue to cover long-term medical expenses for accident victims with catastrophic injuries.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Grand Rapids must deal with its debt
If Grand Rapids wants to avoid the kind of financial crisis afflicting Detroit, it must begin to deal decisively with the pension and healthcare debts that are weighing the city down.
Posted inGuest Commentary
There’s economic power in Michigan’s creative industries
Creative industries add more than $3 billion and 75,000 jobs to the state’s economy; something to remember in funding school arts programs.