Give. Advocate. Volunteer. These are the core elements of what we do at United Way. We’ve put an especially strong focus on advocacy in 2019, as public policy continues to be an area in which we can work to eliminate barriers and improve systems that impact many in our community. Looking outward, we are turning to our nonprofit partners to add their valuable input as well on policies directly affecting people they serve.

This year, we have taken a stand on a number of policies, advocated for changes, recruited for new initiatives and programming, and educated our community on issues that affect their lives. Here is a look at a few of the advocacy efforts we’ve been leading. Click on the headers to learn more.

Be Counted: Census 2020 HUB

We are leading this work in Kalamazoo County to increase Census participation among undercounted populations through grant opportunities and awareness efforts.

SNAP Rule Change

A call to advocate for written letters to the USDA to encourage them to keep the current rule so ALICE Families won’t go hungry.

Call to Increase Earned Income Tax Credit

United Way joined organizations from across Kalamazoo County urging state legislators to support Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposal to double Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit, an important support for low-income families.

Healthy Michigan Plan Changes

Educating residents on how the HMP changes could affect their benefits and how they can take steps to counteract the changes.

ALICE

We are working for ALICE families and advocating for strategic changes.

Grantmaking alone won’t propel us to our community level goals of increased graduation rates, lower infant mortality rates, greater financial stability for households and basic needs met for all. Advocacy helps us target system level changes for the individuals, children and families we help serve. Stay tuned to our social sites to keep up with our latest advocacy efforts in 2020.

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