State Advocacy Day: April 22nd, 2025
Please join your colleagues to celebrate and grow the impact of our Y work on public policy in Michigan and beyond. A great day is planned packed with wonderful speakers and guests. A detailed schedule for the day and an event fact sheet is available on the registration page. If you have questions, Fran Talsma at ftalsma@michiganymca.org is happy to help.
Venue:
Heritage Hall at the Capitol Building
Parking:
There are several parking ramps conveniently located near the Capitol building.
Register:
Click here to register. YMCA staff can attend for only $50, YMCA Volunteers are free. Please email Elizabeth Hudson at ehudson@michiganymca.org if financial aid is needed.
Meals:
A light breakfast, coffee and lunch is included in your registration fee.
Need help scheduling legislative visits? Our lobbyist Capitol Services is here to help. Please request assistance when registering or email Courtney Van Camp at csi@capitolservices.org
Who should attend:
Y leadership, staff and volunteers, anyone with a Y story to share and who would like to learn more about engaging stakeholders to advocate for the Y and the communities we serve.
Agenda:
8:30-9:00am | Registration | Lobby, Heritage Hall |
9:00am | Welcome |
Laura Archer, Chair, Public Policy Committee; Fran Talsma, CEO, State Alliance |
9:05am | Champions Award |
State Senator Roger Victory, Michigan, 31st Senate District Greg Coil, CEO, Tri-Cities Family YMCA |
9:15am | Keynote Address |
Michelle Richard, Interim Director, MiLEAP |
9:45am | Keynote Address |
State Senator Sam Singh, Michigan 28th District, Chair, Oversight Committee |
10:00am | Legislative Priorities |
Laura Archer Todd Tennis, Partner, Capitol Services |
10:15am | Hear Our Voice |
Youth Panel, Facilitated by Mary Burleson, and Jeff Litten, Michigan Youth In Government |
10:40am | News from DC |
Elena Rocha, Senior Director, Youth Development, YMCA of the USA |
11:00am |
Funding Forecast
|
State Representative Angela Witwer, 71st House District, Chair, House Appropriations |
11:20am | Childcare Change |
Dawne Bell, V.P. of Youth Development, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Lee Anna Massey, State Alliance |
11:45am | Hot Topics | Open Forum Facilitated by Laura Archer |
12:00am | Lunch and Hill Visits |
Share your story:
Please bring along materials you would like to share with your Y colleagues, our speakers, and your legislators.
Attire:
Please wear professional dress
Communications:
A reminder email, map, and final details will be sent to all registrants prior to the event.