Michigan's Children

Data, information, and policy analysis - to maintain and build expert knowledge of state budgets and policies and positive child outcomes; monitor evidence-based and promising program practices, assess policy impact, and identify policy solutions and strategies. In the current year, Michigan's Children facilitated or participated in hundreds of opportunities to learn from advocacy partners, service providers and people receiving key services.

Mobilization and community engagement - to support influential champions who promote policy and program change; identify, engage, and educate targeted groups of community advocates; build and mobilize e-advocacy and grassroots networks; and identify, assess, assemble, and leverage strategic collaborative and collective action opportunities. In the current year, the organization participated in national, state, and local efforts in communicating with and mobilizing more than 50,000 advocates around the state of Michigan.

Strategic communications/education - to produce and disseminate nonpartisan information on the impact of state and federal budgets, policies, and programs, as well as elections on child and family outcomes using print, broadcast, and social media. In the current year, Michigan's Children published and widely disseminated 6 editions of issues for Michigan's Children, 11 editions of budget basics, several learning from youth and families highlights, 11 staff and guest blogs, and 29 speaking for kids e-bulletins. We disseminated thousands of printed and electronic copies of our comprehensive policy playbook with our priorities for 2023.

Direct legislative and administrative advocacy - this program maintains and develops relationships with elected and appointed officials and their staff; educates and influences targeted state and federal policymakers and key staff through data, information and testimony; and connects champions and community advocates to influence decision-makers on priority issues.

Lobbying - direct advocation of specific legislation and policies to benefit Children and families in Michigan.