Speaking for Kids E-Bulletin

2023

September 15 – Get Informed: Join our Panel Talk Wednesday, and Act Now on Child Care Cliff

August 31 – Paid Family Leave Announcement: It’s Good for Michigan Families

August 18 – Call to Action: Ask Your State Lawmakers to Quickly Pass HB 4676-4678 to Help Youth from Foster Care

August 4 – Join us for End-of-Summer Celebration & Fundraiser – ‘Fore the Win’ Classic Putt Putt Challenge

July 21 – New Cost Analysis of MI’s Child Care System; Big School Budget Bill Signed; July Podcast Drops

July 14 – Gains & Disappointments in the new FY24 State Budget; Wins for Afterschool, Adult Ed, Funding for Homeless Youth

June 29 – Legislature OKs ’24 Michigan Budget w/ more for GSRP, School Meals, Homeless Youth, JJ Reform, Payments to Foster Families

June 2 – Check out ways to advocate for kids – Pride Month & Early Childhood

May 19 – Special Issue: Meet our Emerging, Rising Star Honorees from Michele Corey Child Advocacy Summit

May 5 – Lawmakers Move On Budget Proposals

March 24 – What Does Executive Budget Plan for FY24 Hold for Child Care & Early Intervention?

March 10 – New ‘Budget Basics’ Detail the ‘Asks’ Advocates Seek in FY24’s State Budget

February 24 – State Legislators Prepare to Take up Gun Reform

February 10 – Read our Analysis of the Governor’s FY24 State Budget Plan

January 27 – New: Registration Now Open for Michele Corey Child Advocacy Summit

January 13 – Advocates – Learn who to talk to under the Capitol dome; Committee chairs named

January 11 – Register today. “Where the sausage is made: The legislative committee structure and what advocates should know.”

2022

December 16 – Mentors for College Students from Foster Care, a New Plan for Detroit Teens, and a Special Holiday Appeal

December 2 – The Low-down on Lame Duck; Join our Last Lunch & Learn of 2022

November 22 – Friends, Will You Help Us Out this Holiday Season?

November 18 – Post-Election, See Who’s Moving up in Lansing; Plus, Panelists Share Tips on Connecting with Lawmakers

November 17 – Save The Date – Corey Child Advocacy Summit

November 4 – Sign up for Post-Election Breakdown featuring Lansing Lobbyists on Nov. 16th

October 21 – Attend new Parent-Led Candidate Forums Next Week in Detroit (virtual) & Grand Rapids (in-person)

October 7 – Upcoming Candidates Forums are Happening in Kalamazoo, Traverse City, Bay City, Detroit, Grand Rapids

September 9 – Join Us: Lansing Youth-Led Candidate Forum on Mon. Sept. 19, at LCC-West; Others Coming to Detroit, Royal Oak, Bay City, K-Zoo, Northern MI

August 26 – Look for a Youth- or Parent-Led Candidate Forum Close to You

August 12 – It’s here: Read our Election Year Engagement Guide for Voters

July 29 – New Reforms Hold Promise for Transforming the Juvenile Justice System

July 15 – Read Our Review of What’s Good and What’s Still Missing in the FY23 State Budget

July 1 – First Take on the State Budget Deal

June 17 – See What’s Planned for our First Youth- and Family-Led Candidate Forum in Detroit; More to Come

June 3 – Read our Call to Increase the State’s EITC to 30% . . . it’s Good for Working Families

May 20 – Will Election-Year Tax Cut Fever Derail Needed Investments in State’s Kids, Families?

May 6 – State Budgets Have Moved; See What’s in Store for Kids & Families

April 22 – Need Help Hosting a Youth-, Family-Led Candidate Forum? Call Us

April 8 – ‘Are the Kids Alright?’ Children’s Mental Health is Topic of Upcoming Podcast and Lunch & Learn

March 25 – Tax Plans Must Meet DualCrises Facing Working Families

March 11 – Read our Budget Basics on Key Advocacy Issues You Care About

February 25 – Read Michigan’s Children’s Advocates Guide to the FY23 State Budget

February 11 – Yay or Nay? Capitol Corner Reviews Governor’s FY23 Budget

January 28 – What’s Good, What’s Missing in Task Force Reports on Child Welfare

January 14 – “Michigan’s Early Childhood Workforce Crisis: The Way Forward” Opens New Lunch & Learn Series on Wednesday

2021

December 17 – Lawmakers Take a Holiday; Leave Empty Stockings for Kids Afterschool Programs

December 3 – Listen in to New Podcasts on Foster Care Reforms, and an Upcoming Pod with Sen. Stabenow on Build Back Better

November 19 – Support Safe Housing for Homeless Youth with State Supplemental Budget Funds

November 5 – Read Our Newest Budget Basics Reports Detailing Support for Afterschool & Adult Learning

October 22 – Dorigo Jones Named Vice President of Michigan’s Children

October 8 – Budget Basics Explores FY22 State Budget through Lens: What’s good for Kids?

September 24 – Sizing up the new FY22 State Budget: Big News for Child Care; Help for Foster Care & Afterschool

September 22 – Invest in Children, Invest in Michigan’s Future

September 17 – Michigan’s Children Hosts Advocacy Opportunity to Address Congress on Child Care

September 10 – Act Now: Urge Lawmakers to Use ARPA Funds for Adult Education

September 1 – Whitmer Administration Reaches Out to Older Foster Youth with Stimulus Checks

August 20 – Michigan’s Children Urges State to Release Chafee Funds for Older Foster Care Alumni

August 6 – How to Build a Better Child Care System in Michigan – new Issues Brief

July 16 – Senate Adopts SB27, Helping Child Care Providers Hurt by Pandemic

July 9 – The Latest on the State Budget, a new Podcast Episode and more

June 25 – Advocacy Grows for Governor’s Plan for $1.4 Billion in Fixes to State’s Child Care System

June 18 – Register for Advocacy Opportunity on Tuesday to Support Major Child Care Initiative

June 11 – Join Us and Raise Your Voices in Support of GSRP Expansion

June 4 – Our Suggestions for Reforming Michigan’s Child Welfare System

May 28 – Governor’s K-12 Funding Plan has Good News for Students, Early On

May 21 – Raise Your Voice for Caregiving

May 14 – Students Raise Worries over College Affordability and Access

May 7 – Michigan’s Children and Statewide Coalition Push to Stabilize Hard-Hit Child Care Sector

April 30 – Why You Should Urge Lawmakers to Increase Adult Ed Support

April 23 – Join Us in Fighting for Postpartum Medicaid Coverage to Save Lives

April 16 – Michigan’s Children Launches Podcast Speaking for Kids

April 9 – Remembering Michele Corey, a Champion for Children, Youth & Families

March 26 – Using Federal Dollars to Improve Child Care and the needs of Student Parents

March 19 – What You Need to Know about the American Rescue Plan for Mich. Families & Kids

March 12 – Read our New, Updated Policy Playbook (Part 2) & Get Engaged

March 5 – Matt Gillard’s Cap Corner Calls on Legislators to Put Aside Differences – for Kids’ Sake

February 26 – Urge Policymakers to Pass the Supplemental with Kids, Families in Mind

February 19 – Think Babies Michigan & Our Resources for Reaching Members of Congress

February 12 – Governor’s Budget Proposal: What are Key Gains, Missed Opportunities for Kids & Families?

February 5 – Read our Easy-Viewing Guide to Legislative Committees that Most Impact Kids & Families

January 29 – Winning Plays, Budget Basics and Virtual Capitol Week

January 22 – January Action Alert and Our Latest Staff Blog

January 15 – January Lunch & Learn, Covid Relief for Afterschool

January 13 – Michigan’s Children Launches Lunch & Learn Series

January 8 – Michigan’s Playbook for Immediate Federal Action for Families in a New Session

2021

April 1 – Michigan’s Children announces the loss of Michele Corey

2020

December 22 – Final Spending Decisions, Looking to the Future

December 18 – Lame Duck Progress, Action Still Needed

December 14 – Action Alert, Spotlight Story and Join us this week

December 8 – Michigan’s Children Launches Lunch & Learn Series

December 3 – Lame Duck, New Staff and Continued Storytelling

November 13 – Learning Together in 2021 Survey and November Capitol Corner

November 6 – Election Results, Voting Views and What’s Next for Advocates

October 30 – 4 Days Away – Take Action, Find a Ride to the Polls and More

October 23 – Lansing/Flint Forum Recap, Criminal Justice Cost Prevention and Voices from Youth and Staff on 2020 Election

October 20 – Peckham Forum, Capitol Corner and Kalamazoo Youth Candidate Engagement

October 9 – Kalamazoo Youth Forum, Surprise Veto and Advocates in the Press

October 2 – Our Latest Budget Basics, Voting 101 and Youth Justice Action Month

September 25 – FY21 Budget Announcement, Census Clarity and Futures for Frontliners

September 21 – 2020 Elections Take Center Stage, New Faces and Child Care Voices

September 11 – Kinship Care Takes Spotlight, Demanding Action of Gov. and Congress

August 28 – Youth Voices, Budget Update and Virtual Impact

August 21 – Back to School Priorities

August 13 – Congressional COVID Update, Virtual Advocacy and Special Announcement

August 6 – Federal Action Needed for Families

July 30 – Supporting Child Care Equity and 5 Days from Voting

July 27 – Congress Needs To Act This Week

July 17 – Dear, Congress

July 14 – Act Now!

July 9 – Budget Update, FFN Stories and Primary Countdown

June 25 – Engage 2020

June 17 – Combatting Evictions, Racism, and Re-opening Amid COVID

June 9 – Advocacy, Activism, and Action

June 1 – Our Kids’ Mental Health Matters

May 15 – Connecting with All Michigan Learners and Students

May 7 – Congress Needs to Hear from Constituents Like You

April 17 – Michigan COVID Decision-Making

April 9 – Resources for Partners, Caregivers and More

April 2 – Delivering Consistent Results to Policymakers

March 24 – Help Us Amplify Your Voices During This Crisis

March 18 – Check Your Mail, Count Your Kids!

March 12 – ‘Strength in Numbers’ Deliver Major Wins This Week

February 14 – A Closer Look: FY’21 State Budget and Afterschool at the Capitol

January 21 – Learning Afterschool and Beyond

January 7 – January 2020 in Full Focus

2019

December 10 – We need your voice to secure more budget wins

November 20 – Against the clock: Michigan State Budget for 2020

November 5 – We’re Just a Week Away, Join our Team Today!

October 17 – Rose, Ianni, and Ducketts To be Recognized as Youth Heroes

October 9 – Against the Clock: Wins and ‘last shots’ of Michigan’s state budget

September 26 – Relative Caregivers Take Capitol by Storm

September 5 – Your Voice in DC, Lansing is Waiting to Hear from You!

August 27 – Join Us and Help Make Child Care Affordable & Accessible!

August 21 – Action Teams Forming for 0-3 Investment; Learn How to Join Now

July 30 – Watching the Presidential Debates with Kids, Families in Mind

July 16 – State Budget Now in Conference Committee: Here’s Who to Call

July 8 – New Data on High School Grad Rates Offers Wake-Up Call

July 1 – Capitol Corner is Back: Read What Matt Has to Say about Fixing Child Welfare

June 24 – Read Our Newest Budget Basics Tips for Advocating for Kids

June 19 – Michele Corey named national recipient of ‘Fostering Exemplary Change’

June 10 – A Special ‘Job Shadow’ Day with Youth from Foster Care

June 3 – Time is Now for Budget Talks on Children, Youth, Family Issues

May 28 – Children Also Victimized by Opioid Crisis – Corey Writes

May 20 – Michigan’s Children Explains Progress on Emerging FY 2020 State Budget

May 13 – Making Foster Care a Focus in Job Shadow Day at the Capitol

May 6 – CAPTA Advocacy Needed Now – Contact Congress

April 29 – Strong testimony informs panel on preventing abuse, neglect

April 18 – Gillard Calls for New Investment in Afterschool

April 8 – How to talk to Congress about Child Care and Child Abuse, Prevention

April 1 – Look into State’s Evolving FY ’20 Budget with Michigan’s Children’s Budget Basics

March  14, – Critical Issues in Foster Care and Child Abuse

March 7 – Does the Governor’s Proposal Use Proven Plays for Children?

February 13 – A Playbook for Opportunity

January 25 – A Pledge to Fight for Proven Solutions

2018

December 14 – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Lame Duck

November 5 – Youth and Families Make Their Mark on 2018 Election

October 1 – Announcing Our 2018 Candidate Forums

September 21 – Tell Your Reps: Get To Work Next Week for Kids and Families

August 30 – Critical Bills for Youth Waiting for Action in Lansing

August 8 – Introducing Michigan’s Children 2018 Election Resources

August 1 – Making Michigan’s Children A Primary Priority

May 24 – Did Somebody Say Surplus?

May 8 – Taking a Fresh Look at Foster Care

April 9 – Let’s Talk Prevention

March 26 – Lansing is Closed…

March 16 – Spring Break for Schools and Legislators

March 2 – Caring for children in centers and in schools

February 22 – Michigan’s Children Have Ideas on Guns

February 16 – FamilySpeak: Adult Education is a Literacy and Workforce Support

February 1 – The Time Has Come to Invest in Prevention

January 16 – Please complete our 2018 Advocate Survey!

January 8 – Our State Budget New Years Resolution

2017

December 28 – Looking Ahead: Michigan’s Children in 2018

December 8 – Foster Quality Assurance Passes House

November 17 – This Week, Hunt Down Your Congressperson

November 2 – Fighting for Tax Reform For Kids and Families

October 20 – Major Changes Looming for Federal Taxes, Foster Care

September 27 – Kicking off the Kids Cup Challenge

September 14 – Are you standing up for Kids this fall?

August 24 – Michigan Parents: We Need More Mental Health Care

August 8 – August Advocacy Primer for #MIKids

July 25 – Federal Update and August Preview

July 11 – Michigan’s Child Advocacy Newsletter

June 23 – Michigan’s Children Joins Rep. Levin to Highlight Concerns over President’s Budget

June 9 – A Budget Breakthrough in Lansing

May 24 – State Budget Nearing the End, Federal Budget At the Beginning

May 12 – State Budget Advocacy Now

April 25 – Now Is the Time For Action!

March 31 – State and Federal Budgets Moving Forward

March 24 – Trifecta of Problems Call for Us to Work Even Harder

February 24 – Families Speak, Legislators Pledge Support

February 10 – The State Budget Process Starts Now

January 26 – Guidance for Congress to Protect Michigan Children

January 13 – Begin the Year with Action

2016

December 16 – Lame Duck Recap

December 6 – Your Action Needed During Lame Duck

November 11 – The Elections are Over. Now What?

October 19 – Michigan or Michigan State? Who Will Win the Kids’ Cup Challenge?

October 6 – Michigan Senate: Finish What’s Been Started

September 20 – Act Today for Child Care Assistance

August 26 – With 20 days left, Lawmakers have critical work for kids & families to do this session

July 27 – Learn about the Candidates; Vote in Tuesday’s Primaries

July 12 – Sandbox Party’s Back with New Youth-Led Candidate Forum

June 14 – Vacation-bound State Lawmakers Still Have Work to Do

May 17 – What’s Still at Play in FY-17 State Budget?

May 3  Lawmakers Need to Finish the Job on Juvenile Justice, Foster Care

April 20 – What’s in the State Budget for Families

April 5 – What’s Needed in Michigan’s 3rd Grade Reading Bill

March 22 – Speak Up for Kids and Families, Contact Your Lawmakers over Spring Break

March 9 – We Examine Gov. Snyder’s FY2017 Budget with Focus on Kids

February 24 – State House Considers Legislative Reform for Teen Offenders

February 11 – Gov. Snyder Offers Major Support for Flint, Detroit in Budget Plan

January 28 – Boost to Early On in Today’s Budget Bill

January 13 – Michigan’s Children’s Policy Priorities for 2016

2015

December 22 –  End of the Year Giving Letter

December 15 – Attention’s on Foster Care in House, Senate

December 1  – Michigan’s Children Needs You Now More than Ever

November 24  – Giving Thanks to Our Partners

November 5  – What’s at Stake for Families in Final Roads Deal?

October 20  – 3rd Grade Reading Bill Heads to State Senate

September 29 – Caregivers Address Trauma, Need for Training in Child Welfare System

September 10 – Making Michigan a Top 10 Education State

August 21 – Unresolved Road Fix Offers Another Chance to Protect Investment in Kids & Families

July 22 – Help Shore up More State Support for Families and Kids

June 30 – Do the State and Federal Budgets Promote Equity?

June 25 – Pledge Your Support for Michigan Kids and Families this Independence Day!

June 16 – Capitol Corner: Early Literacy Wins but Kids in Foster Care and Low-Income Families Lose

June 2How Michigan’s Challenged Learners Are Impacted by New State Budget Agreement

May 12 – Champion Investment in Education Equity

April 29 – Seize this Important Opportunity to Make a Positive Impact on Schools, Children, and Communities

April 20 – Act Now for Equitable Education Funding

April 14 – Opportunities to Take Action for Kids and Families

April 2 – Influencing the State Budget

March 24 – State-wide Talks on Child Care; and Broadening Support for Children’s Issues

March 10 – Children and Family Issues before the Legislature; and Youth Voices Have Impact

February 24Speaking for Kids in State and Federal Education Priorities

February 12 – Michigan’s Children’s First Glance at Governor’s Budget Plan

February 10 – Speaking for Kids in the State & Federal Budgets

January 27 – Welcome to Michigan’s Children e-Bulletin – Speaking for Kids

2014

December 12 – Your Input Needed for Better Public Policies

December 8 – Our Holiday Appeal

September 19 – Michigan Youths, High School Students to Question Candidates at 4 Statewide Forums

August 5 – Vote with Kids in Mind on August 5th

May 8 – Check Out Our New Website!

April 10

March 6 – Michigan’s Children Welcomes New President & CEO Matt Gillard


Lunch & Learn

2023

September 13 – Register Today: Lunch & Learn Panel talk on Family & Medical Leave Plan for Michigan

August 9 – Join Us for our Next Lunch & Learn: The Federal Budget Process for Child Advocates

May 18 – Register today for our Lunch & Learn on Wed.; Focus on the FY24 State Budget

March 17 – REGISTER TODAY: How to Stage a Dome Day Advocacy Event

February 13 – Register today for our Lunch & Learn Program Exploring the Governor’s FY24 Budget

2022

September 19 – KidSpeak, ParentSpeak, Candidates Listen: Hear Advocates Talk about their Candidate Forum Experiences

January 11 – Michigan’s Early Childhood Workforce Crisis: The Way Forward

2021

August 11 – In the Know: Parsing Advocacy vs. Lobbying

May 12 – “Policymaking and the Power of Sharing Lived Experiences”

April 14 – “Crafting Effective Testimony with Storytelling: How to Put Your Policy Ask into Action”

March 15 – Join us March 17 for Tips on Crafting an “Ask’’

February 11 – “The State Budget Basics: How to Gain Support for Kids and Families”


Annual Report 2017

2017

December 21 – Connecting the Voices of Kids and Families


Action Alerts

2023

June 14 – Act Now: Time to Speak Up before Final State Budget is Set

2022

June 8 – Take Action for Improved Funding for Great Start Collaboratives

2021

October 6 – Join us in the First Five Years Fund’s Day of Action

June 2 – Act Now: State Budget Recommendations

2020

August 3 – Contact your Congressperson Today

2018

December 6 – Act Now To Raise The Age

December 3 – Act Now for Foster Care Protections

2017

March 8 – Now Is the Time To Protect Health Care

2016

September 14 – Act Now for More Child Care Funding


Early Childhood Action Network

2015

October 19 – Sign-on Today for Early On

July 6 – Early Childhood Investments in the State Budget

April 27 – Your Action Needed for Young Children

March 25 – Act Now for Home Visiting and Funding Other Early Childhood Initiatives

February 26 – Governor Snyder’s Budget — What It Means for Young Children

January 28 – Early Childhood Updates in Michigan

2014

December 22 – 2014 Lame Duck Review

October 30 – Are You Prepared to Vote?

August 15 – What Are Your Election Priorities? Take Our Quick Survey!

July 3 – State Budget Finalized and Your Input Needed

June 18 – Budget Update and Election Advocacy

June 2 – Office of Great Start Wants to Hear From You

April 25 – Talk to Legislators Over Spring Break

March 31 – Budget Update

March 21 – Support Early On License Plate

February 21 – Welcome New President and CEO, Matt Gillard


Graduate Michigan Action Network

2014

December 29 – Graduate Michigan Action Network Bulletin

November 3 – Graduate Michigan Action Network — 11/3/14

August 13 – Help Prioritize Election Issues for Michigan’s Children

July 30 – Encourage Primary Voting

July 7 Comment on Model Code of Conduct

May 13 – Congratulating our Champions

April 17 – Take Me Out to the Ballgame

April 3 – Congressional Sign on in Support of Youth Employment

February 27 – State Budget Process Moving Forward

February 2 – Sign-On Letter Supporting After School