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.
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
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.
Posted inGuest Commentary
For Sunshine Week, more governmental transparency, please
Openness in public affairs is a cause that crosses party lines and ideologies. The Michigan Coalition for Open Government was formed to support and encourage it.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Community partnerships to attack Michigan mental health crisis
Michigan has one of the highest rates of child abuse in the nation, particularly in rural areas, yet does not have adequate access to mental health services. When care is available, it is more likely to succeed when specialists work with stakeholders in the community.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Surgery, therapy effective against obesity; more should get both
Michigan is one of the fattest states in the nation. If we are truly going to tackle obesity and reduce related human suffering and healthcare costs, shouldn’t we focus on things we know work (intensive behavioral therapy and bariatric surgery) and make them widely available to the people who need help most?
Posted inGuest Commentary
For one firefighter, ignorance about public safety burns
A Bridge columnist questioned the money spent on fire protection, and readers responded with flamethrowers. This is only one of them.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Ignore 'reformers,' U.S. schools doing just fine
Education reformers claim U.S. students are falling behind students in top nations. Actually, U.S. schools where there is little poverty are matching schools in Finland, Japan and Korea. The problem is poverty, not our public schools.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Spring Lake Township proud of Excellence Award
This Ottawa County township was the only township in Michigan to meet all criteria for governance set by the Michigan Township Association in its Township of Excellence award.