Reforms are needed, but they must be done thoughtfully and responsibly — not through reckless cuts that will harm our economy and leave people without lifesaving care.
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
Opinion | An empty chair, a missing voice: Legislative limbo in Lansing
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has a clear responsibility to set a special election to fill the critical 35th Senate District seat, yet her silence on the matter has been deafening.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Failing grade: Michigan lawmakers are shortchanging online students
We should be doing everything we can to see that this group of students have the support and resources they need to succeed. Instead, the state is making it harder for them to access a learning environment that works.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Attacks threaten Canada-US teamwork on Great Lakes
The Lakes face convulsive pressures from climate change, microplastics, PFAs and other significant threats. The best way to handle those issues is through a strong and continuing partnership with Canada and Canadians.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | It’s time for lawmakers to put working people first, not last
House and Senate Democrats have done their job, now it’s time for Speaker Hall and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to do theirs. If they don’t, working families, public servants, and the very people who keep our communities strong will pay the price.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | The case for thoughtful cellphone restrictions in schools
It is important to acknowledge legitimate concerns from parents who view cellphones as essential communication tools and educators who see legitimate educational uses for mobile devices. However, these valid concerns can be addressed through thoughtful policy design rather than abandoning restrictions altogether.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Restoring trust with transparency
In Michigan, we continue to fight for access to what should be public records from our Legislature and governor but both are currently exempt from FOIA. Which leads us to keep asking these elected officials, ‘What have you got to hide?’
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Why we must protect our public lands and Great Lakes
The protection of our state and national parks, forests, Great Lakes and wildlife refuges is not just an environmental issue — it’s a moral and economic imperative.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Zoning police won’t let cemetery dispute die in west Michigan
Restrictive zoning is hard to escape. It follows people from cradle to grave — starting with infant day care and ending with burial. The ultimate losers are consumers, who get stuck with less choice.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Funding cuts to universities will gut college towns
There is not a single person in Ann Arbor who will not be impacted by federal funding cuts to the university. This is set to happen across our state and our country, triggering recession or worse.