Create a new language, create a new voice Presented by Anika Fassia, L.L.M.S.W. Policy Analyst Michigan League for Human Services Michigan League FOR Human Services

Michigan League FOR Human Services The Michigan League for Human Services is a state-level policy organization focused on the needs of Michigan’s low-income families and individuals. The League was founded in 1912 and is a private, nonprofit charitable organization Turner St. Suite G-1, Lansing, MI (517) Fax: (517) Web site: A United Way Agency

Michigan League FOR Human Services THIS IS THE MICHIGAN we know and love

Michigan League FOR Human Services A new story for Michigan From the Motor City to the UP, we in Michigan value hard work, respect and community. Our hands have built things that changed the world, reached out to our neighbors in need and formed an iron fist to fight for what was right--even when it was not easy. Michigan built the American middle class where people earned enough to buy what we made. Today, some say we can no longer afford to support strong public structures like quality schools, good roads, and safe neighborhoods, but we, Michiganders, know that our fate is linked. We must embrace the values of our past in order to build our future. We must invest in our people, places and public structures to make our state strong and our families secure. Strong schools, good paying jobs and a healthy environment are the foundation on which to create opportunities, build a strong middle-class, drive innovation and secure a better Michigan for generations to come.

Michigan League FOR Human Services Building Will for the Common Good Lead with something the positive Define the issue in terms of systems and NOT individual Limit negative imagery/language and blaming Describe public structures as the foundation Always include solutions and policy recommendations Public Works

Michigan League FOR Human Services A Good Quality of Life Strong Public Structures: Economic Security Healthy Families Equitable Education

Michigan League FOR Human Services Priorities

Michigan League FOR Human Services

Michigan League FOR Human Services Building Will for Investments in our Future Before writing about taxes, lead with their purpose Their purpose should invoke a common value This is not about us versus them Do not reinforce anti-tax frames Always include solutions and policy recommendations Public Works

Michigan League FOR Human Services Talking about the economy…. DOMINANT PERSPECTIVES The economy is “free” and “natural”—have to adapt Individual character and luck determine outcomes Everyone competes for their own interest Government’s role is minimal and reactive Individuals are consumers and workers A NEW ECONOMY The economy is man-made and intentional-policy matters Systems and structures affect outcomes Everyone’s interests are connected and interdependent Government’s role is fundamental and proactive As citizens, we all have the ability to shape the economy we need Public Works

Michigan League FOR Human Services Talking about the budget Lead with Values Explain how the budget impacts all of us Lengthen the time horizon Employ a practical tone Social math Don’t lead with money Don’t invoke consumerist thinking Avoid technical jargon Don’t ignite crisis thinking Public Works

Michigan League FOR Human Services Talking about Poverty & Inequality Indicate the obstruction, not the person behind it Describe communities by their situation, not by their class Economic differences explained by inequitable access Excessive inequality leads to economic instability Not a zero-sum game Providing context to economic security programs Anat Shenker-Osorio

Michigan League FOR Human Services Writing about race Lead with Shared Values: Opportunity & The Common Good Show that it’s about all of us Over document barriers to equal opportunity – especially racial bias Acknowledge the progress we’ve made Present data on racial disparities through a contribution model instead of a deficit model Opportunity Agenda

Michigan League FOR Human Services Writing About Race Be thematic instead of episodic: Select stories that demonstrate institutional causes over stories that highlight individual action Carefully select vehicles and audiences to tell the story of contemporary discrimination Be rigorously solution-oriented Link racial justice solutions with broader efforts to expand opportunity Opportunity Agenda

Michigan League FOR Human Services Resources Public Works Center for Social Inclusion The Opportunity Agenda Anat Shenker-Osorio

Michigan League FOR Human Services “All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.” - Martin Luther King Jr South Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 202, Lansing, MI (517) Fax: (517) Web site: A United Way Agency

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