ADVOCATE
Use Your Voice. Strengthen Our Community.
Creating lasting change takes more than programs and services. It also means addressing the systems and policies that affect whether families can find stable housing, access quality childcare and education, build financial stability, and get the support they need to thrive.
Many of our neighbors are ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These households earn above the Federal Poverty Level but often not enough to afford the basic costs of living in their communities.
United Way of the Lakeshore works alongside the Michigan Association of United Ways, community partners, policymakers, and advocates to elevate local needs and support policies that strengthen families and communities across Michigan.
Advocacy is another way to LIVE UNITED. By staying informed, sharing your voice, and taking action when it matters, you can help create meaningful change for our neighbors and our community.
Stay Informed. Take Action. Make a Difference.
United Way of the Lakeshore is a nonpartisan organization. We do not endorse political candidates or political parties. We advocate for policies and solutions that strengthen communities, expand opportunities, and help families thrive.
Join our Advocacy Action Alert List to stay informed about issues affecting our community and learn when your voice can make a difference.
Why Subscribe?
Policy & Advocacy Updates – Stay informed about important issues affecting families and communities.
Action Alerts – Learn when there are opportunities to contact policymakers or lend your voice.
Local & Statewide Updates – Understand how policy decisions connect to needs here on the Lakeshore and across Michigan.
Ways to Get Involved – Learn about opportunities to advocate, attend events, share information, and take action.
Public Policy Priorities
United Way of the Lakeshore works alongside the Michigan Association of United Ways to advocate for policies that strengthen Michigan communities and create greater stability and opportunity for ALICE households.
Our statewide advocacy focuses on five key policy priorities:
Earned Income Tax Credit
Strengthen the Earned Income Tax Credit as a proven tool for supporting Michigan's working families. The EITC helps eligible workers keep more of what they earn and better afford necessities that help families remain stable and employed.
Michigan 2-1-1
Support Michigan 2-1-1 as a critical connection between individuals and the nonprofit, faith-based, and public resources available to help. A strong 2-1-1 system helps people find support before challenges become costly emergencies.
Postsecondary Attainment
Help working adults gain the skills and credentials needed to get ahead by reducing financial barriers to postsecondary education and training. Increasing access to credentials and degrees can help address Michigan's skills gap while creating pathways toward greater financial stability.
Accessible Childcare
Increase access to affordable, quality childcare for Michigan families. Childcare costs and limited availability create significant barriers for working families and employers, making a strong childcare system essential to both family stability and Michigan's workforce.
Affordable Housing
Ensure more Michigan families have access to safe, stable, and affordable homes. When housing consumes too much of a household's income, families can be forced to make difficult choices between housing and other basic necessities and face greater risk of housing instability or homelessness.