Center for Michigan launches education talks
Starting Tuesday, the Center for Michigan -- parent to Bridge Magazine -- is launching its next round of community conversations across Michigan. This year-long campaign, through the end of 2012, will focus on a singular topic of extreme importance to Michigan's future: K-12 education.
These town hall-style meetings are modeled after the Center's "Michigan's Defining Moment" Public Engagement Campaign conducted from 2007-2010. That campaign convened more than 10,500 residents statewide and resulted in a citizens' agenda taken up by political candidates of both major political parties.
The first session is an "Issues & Ale" collaboration with Michigan Radio, to start at 6:30 p.m. at the Wolverine State Brewing Company in Ann Arbor.
"It became clear in Lansing that the insiders were in a mighty tussle, but we did not sense much discussion with the customers of education: parents, job providers and students themselves," explained CFM Executive Director John Bebow. "We think those voices are crucial, if the state is going to design an education system in the future that meets its maximum potential."
Phil Power, who founded the Center as a "think-and-do tank" committed to finding centrist solutions to Michigan's challenges, noted that many of the Center's supporters are attracted by the idea of reaching out to Michigan citizens to gauge their views on important topics -- and for the Center to "amplify those views and to take them into the corridors of power to get something done.
"Additionally, we want to ensure that people participating in community conversations represent all economic, geographic, and social groups because so often their views are not taken into consideration," Power said.
SIGN UP TODAY
If you are interested in hosting a Community Conversation, contact Courtney Thompson, Outreach Manager at the Center for Michigan: cthompson@thecenterformichigan.net or call 734.769.4625.
To learn more about Community Conversations, visit the Center for Michigan's website.
Michigan Education Watch
Michigan Education Watch is made possible by generous financial support from:
Subscribe to Michigan Health Watch
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!