The Everyday People Everyday Power Movement

The Everyday People Everyday Power movement seeks to build and mobilize the power of Kent County neighbors to create a just and loving community for all Kent County residents. In 2025, we are mobilizing for a statewide campaign called Michigan for the Many, rooted in the belief that everyday people have the power to shape a just and vibrant future. We are organizing across communities to take bold action on the issues that matter most to our lives and our families.
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Together, we’re building a Michigan where our schools are fully funded, our families are cared for, and our democracy serves the people, not corporate interests. This campaign is about shifting power back where it belongs: in the hands of the many, not the wealthy few. Below, you’ll find three people-powered ballot initiatives that reflect our shared values and vision. Join us in turning our everyday power into lasting change.

Have questions or ideas and want to talk with someone? Contact Erika at erika@uccgr.org

Take Action Now!

Invest in MI Kids

Michigan youth and teachers deserve access to the resources they need for schools to provide quality education to all of our students.
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• Money matters in student learning outcomes.

• The Opportunity Index is an equitable funding formula that Michigan legislators have approved in recent education budgets. Kent County schools stand to gain a significant amount under the Opportunity Index even at current funding levels, and we continue to advocate for Invest in MI Kids revenue to flow through the formula. Learn more here.

• Funding for Michigan schools has dropped by over 25% since 2000.

• The richest Michiganders are contributing a lower share of their income to public schools than the rest of us- it’s time for them to pay their fair share to support our schools.

• Learn more about Invest in MI Kids here.

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MI for Money Out of Politics

Everyday Michiganders deserve to have an equal say over what happens in their communities- corporate money should stay out of our elections.

• It is more difficult for politicians to demand accountability and transparency from corporations who have donated money to their campaigns, or who could donate to their opponents.

• Federal agencies and 15 states have prohibited corporations seeking government contracts from making political contributions, and at least eight states have prohibited campaign contributions by certain regulated industries, including energy companies.

• Energy prices in Michigan continue to rise, with major energy companies repeatedly petitioning for increased rates in recent years.

• Formerly known as Taking Back Our Power (TBOP), and also known as MOP Up Michigan. Learn more here.

MI Time to Care

All Michiganders deserve access to paid family leave to take care of their own health, provide care for a loved one, or welcome a new child, without the risk of losing a job or sacrificing savings.

• FLOC would provide 15 weeks of paid leave at up to 90% of employee wages.

• 63% of Michigan workers don’t have access to paid leave, particularly for extended lengths of time

• Paid family leave is especially critical for underpaid workers (disproportionately women and folks of color) who are less likely to have access to the time off work they need and deserve.

• Paid leave policies increase worker retention, productivity, and morale with minimal impact on operating costs.

• UCC Justice Captains won't be collecting signatures for this ballot initiative as it is operating on a different timeline, but it remains under that Michigan for the Many umbrella as a community-centric proposal.

Become a Justice Captain

When everyday people lead, everyday power grows. And that's how we win.

Ballot initiatives are unique because they are people-powered campaigns. WE can make change TOGETHER, we don’t have to wait for politicians. Passing ballot initiatives requires signature collection- we need 50,000 signatures in Kent County, and you can get involved by becoming a volunteer signature collector, or Justice Captain.
Being a Justice Captain means stepping into your power and helping others step into theirs. It means believing that change starts with us: our voices, our stories, and our willingness to act for our communities. By becoming a Justice Captain, you're not just collecting signatures. You're helping ignite a movement, one conversation, one connection, one courageous step at a time.

Justice Captain Interest Form

What you can do as a Justice Captain:
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• Collect Signatures: Help gather signatures to get our initiatives on the ballot on your own, or through canvassing and attending summer events and festivals with other justice captains. We will train you! If you're ready to be a signature collector, skip the info session and sign up here.

• Host a Collection Site: Organize a signature collection at your home, workplace, place of worship, or local business.

• Recruit a Friend: Invite someone you trust to become a Justice Captain with you. Justice grows stronger together!
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Don't want to collect signatures, but still want to support?

• Let others know why these issues matter to you. You can write about it or let us record your testimony.

• Spread the Word: Talk to your friends, family, and followers. Share campaign messages on social media and group chats. Make sure to follow Urban Core Collective on Facebook and Instagram for the latest promotional materials!

• Invite Us In: We would love to share information about being a justice captain or collect signatures at your next meeting or event. Whether it's a PTA, union gathering, or community forum, your warm introduction can help us connect with more people!

• We also need help verifying signatures, providing food and childcare at trainings, and more. Click here to see more options, including to get notified about when signature collection starts so you can meet up with a volunteer and sign the petitions! We would also love to hear YOUR ideas for how to support.