The Mackinac Center decided to take its public events online when the 2020 lockdown hit, but what started as a temporary change has given us a lasting advantage.
In late February, more than 90 Opportunity Michigan members registered for an online webinar where Adam Stacey, the Center’s director of legislative affairs, led an exclusive discussion, “Turning Policy Knowledge into Policy Action: How to Participate in the State Legislative Process.”
The event was hosted by Opportunity Michigan, a project of the Mackinac Center that equips members with tools and knowledge to impact state and local policy.
For many Michiganders, one of the biggest hurdles in advocacy is simply getting their concerns heard. Stacey tackled this challenge head-on.
“Lawmakers will always respond if you communicate in a respectful manner,” he shared.
In addition to contacting their legislators, Stacey encouraged attendees to reach out to legislators who lead committees that oversee their subject of interest. “The committee chair has a great deal of influence about what bills are going to be brought up for a hearing,” he told participants. Even if the committee chair directs a citizen back to that person’s particular legislator, the initial outreach can make a difference.
Most lawmakers also make time for in-district meetings in addition to their Lansing office hours.
During the COVID-era lockdowns, many adjusted to Zoom meetings, just like everyone else.
But sometimes, the best opportunities to engage lawmakers happen unexpectedly.
“These lawmakers — they’re your neighbors,” Stacey said. “They’re in your community. They’re shopping. They’re at baseball games and football games.” Legislators are not just distant officials in Lansing; they’re real people navigating the same pothole-filled roads as the rest of us.
An interactive Q&A followed the presentation, during which members asked questions about communicating with legislators and navigating the state’s legislative landscape.
Opportunity Michigan continues to host online events, providing an accessible space for Michiganders to learn more about issues affecting our state. You can learn more about this initiative at opportunitymichigan.org.
