WE ARE CIVIC MINDED
We value our differences and share a commitment to democratic norms, the rule of law, local solutions and community voices, and a strong civic infrastructure that serves all Michiganders.
WHO WE ARE
We are Civic MInded, a statewide collection of leaders from business, faith communities, philanthropy, civic organizations, and public life. We bring experience and the deep relationships we've built in our communities, along with a shared commitment to put them to work for Michigan. Our differences ensure a wide range of Michigan’s interests and concerns informs our approach. Together, we find shared priorities and act on them.
SECURING AND STRENGTHENING MICHIGAN’S CIVIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Civic MInded works to strengthen the civic fabric of Michigan by bolstering the relationships and collaboration we need to solve problems and respond when challenges arise, together. Our work is rooted in three pillars:
Election Integrity
Every Michigander should have confidence that elections are secure, transparent, and free from interference or intimidation, and that the results are accurate, verifiable, and reflect the will of Michigan voters.
Democracy & Civic Participation
Every Michigander deserves a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their community, leaders who listen and respond, and clear evidence that their participation makes a difference.
Community Resilience
Every community in Michigan deserves the capacity to solve problems, trusted relationships to draw on when challenges arise, and confidence that support will be there when it is needed.
OUR IMMEDIATE FOCUS
The November election provides an immediate opportunity to put this network to work: sharing trusted information, supporting election officials, and coordinating when a collective response is needed. The work continues after Election Day, through certification and the peaceful transfer of power, and beyond.
STARTING LOCAL, ACTING STATEWIDE
We build on aligned efforts led by people and organizations throughout Michigan. We start with those closest to an issue and determine how our collective influence can help them succeed. We elevate issues communities bring forward, amplify local efforts that work, identify gaps in support, and bring concerns to leaders with the ability to respond. We can speak publicly, engage officials and institutional leaders directly, connect communities with expertise, and mobilize support. We bring different concerns and convictions to the table. Through discussion, listening, and disagreement, we develop a fuller understanding of what communities are facing and identify where we can act together without being expected to agree on every issue.
STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Andrea Cole
Angelique Power
Arn & Nancy Tellem
Bill Emerson
Bishop Edgar L. Vann II
Carla Walker-Miller
Cindy Gamboa
Dan Kildee
Darienne Hudson
Dave Mengebier
Dennis Muchmore
Derrick Roman
Dug & Linh Song
Eric Larson
James Logan
Jamie Gaskin
Jerry Norcia
jessica Care moore
Jim Ananich
Kate Levin Markel
Khalilah Burt Gaston
LaSandra Gaddy
Matt Simoncini
Megan Fenkell
Pastor Aramis Hinds
Peter Remington
Ponsella Hardaway
Rev. Joe Jones
Rev. Larry Simmons
Rich Homberg
Ron Fournier
Ron Hall
Russ Kavalhuna
Steve Hamp
Steve Jandernoa
Sue Peters
Tiffany Ford
Todd M. Jacobs
Wendy Lewis Jackson
WHY I'M CIVIC MINDED
“I believe in the mission of this
project and it is a part of my
purpose as an organizer and is
needed more now than ever.”
PONSELLA HARDAWAY
Executive Director, Metropolitan
Organizing Strategy Enabling
Strength (MOSES)
“Our communities need more
dialogue across groups we
perceive as having large
differences.”
STEVE JANDERNOA
Partner, 42 North Partners
“I’m looking for partnership
over partisanship.”
LINH SONG
Board Chair and Co-Founder,
The Song Foundation
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
VALUES-DRIVEN
United by a shared commitment to democratic norms, the rule of law, and the well-being of all Michiganders.
ACTION-ORIENTED
Designed for mobilization, rapid response, and sustained community engagement.
INCLUSIVE ACROSS DIFFERENCES
Engages participants that span the political spectrum, economic levels, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and corners of the state. The common thread is a belief in a democracy and an economy that includes all.
REGIONALLY ROOTED, STATEWIDE IN SCOPE
Governed by a statewide Steering Committee of respected civic leaders from across regions, sectors, and ideological perspectives. Each region maintains local autonomy while contributing to a coordinated statewide effort.