✨ Building Hope Through Civic Engagement ✨

For me, this passion started young. I was one of those kids who walked in parades, waving signs and handing out candy, and right after college I jumped in as a campaign manager for Gow Fields’ Mayoral Campaign in Lakeland, Florida. Those early experiences showed me that every role matters—whether you’re marching down Main Street, knocking on doors, serving on a committee, or leading in elected office.

Inspiring people to engage in civic life, no matter what component, is huge. It’s how we build hope for change, strengthen communities, and bring people together.

💡 Imagine if more of us shared our time, talents or even just our presence at a local meeting. (Instead of dissing online!) The ripple effect would be incredible.

If you’re looking for more ways to connect—or to help the next generation step into public service—the Ford Foundation just launched an exciting new civic education initiative right here in Grand Rapids. You can read about it (and even donate to support the cause) in this piece from WOODTV: Be a Public Servant: Ford Foundation Launches Civic Education Initiative.

Here’s my encouragement today: find one small way to plug in. Join a board. Volunteer on a campaign. Attend a township meeting. Walk in a parade. You’ll not only learn so much, you’ll also meet people who care about the same things you do. And that’s where hope—and change—really begins.