Create a new language, create a new voice

Presented by Anika Fassia, L.L.M.S.W. Policy AnalystMichigan League for Human Services

Michigan LeagueFOR

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.

1223 Turner St. Suite G-1, Lansing, MI 48906-4369 (517) 487-5436Fax: (517) 371-4546 Web site: www.MiLHS.org

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 ServicesA Good Quality of Life

Strong Public Structures:

Economic Security

Healthy Families

Equitable Education

Michigan League FOR

Human ServicesPriorities

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 ServicesTalking 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 ServicesWriting 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 ServicesWriting 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 ServicesResources 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.

1115 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 202, Lansing, MI 48912-1658 (517) 487-5436Fax: (517) 371-4546 Web site: http://www.MiLHS.org

A United Way Agency

Michigan League FOR

Human Services

More information about us afassia@milhs.org WWW.MiLHS.org Sign up for “First Tuesday” newsletter Check out our blog Join the League (or donate!)