Up until three years, the progressive watchdog group Progress Michigan, held an annual conference called “The Michigan Summit”. However, due a lack of participation and a lack of funding, they were discontinued. This year, thanks to the new progressive energy sparked by the ascension of Donald Trump to the Oval Office, the Michigan Summit is back.
“Donald Trump has created a lot of new energy and a lot of new interest this year,” Progress Michigan Executive Director Lonnie Scott told me. “People were asking us if we were going to do it again this year. So we decided it was time to bring it back and provide a space where progressives can meet, share ideas and best practices, discuss strategies, and network with one another.”
This year’s program features speeches by Flint Water Crisis hero Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, National Director of Black Youth Project 100 Charlene Carruthers, and EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock. There will also be a panel discussion moderated by Detroit Free Press columnist Nancy Kaffer titled “Journalism in Trump’s America” featuring Rebecca Buckwalter-Poza from the Center for American Progress and political columnist Michael Cohen from The Boston Globe. It’s a diverse group of presenters representing a wide array of backgrounds and skills, reflecting the diversity of the progressive movement in America.
The event takes place from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 4th at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Michigan. Tickets are only $25 and include lunch. If you are in need of financial assistance in order to attend, scholarships are available. To purchase your ticket and reserve a spot at the Michigan Summit, click HERE.
This event is not just for veteran progressive activists and organizers. Whether you have been organizing and taking action for years, newly inspired by recent events to stand up and be heard, or something in between, this year’s Michigan Summit has something for you. Speaking as someone who has attended previous Michigan Summits, I can tell you from personal experience that you will come away energized, with new ideas and new contacts, ready to fight with a renewed sense of purpose.
You don’t want to miss this exciting event. Tickets are going fast so register today.
