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Michiganders for Civic Resilience

@miforcivicres.bsky.social
228 followers 256 following 475 posts

Michiganders for Civic Resilience (MCR) is a community-driven initiative to build bridges across the political spectrum, restore civil discourse, truth in politics and, prevent the erosion of public trust and violence in U.S. elections.

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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
With the midterm elections fast approaching, how can people across religious and political differences help support free, fair, and secure elections? Learn more by visiting braverangels.org/faith-in-ame... thefulcrum.us/democracy/fr...
braverangels.org
Faith in America
America’s leading faith-based civic organizations have come together to champion free, fair and safe elections - and we’re inviting Americans of all
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
With misinformation and disinformation surrounding elections, it can be difficult to know what to believe. This Brennan Center for Justice resource breaks down five common misconceptions about elections, helping you stay informed ahead of the midterms. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
brennancenter.org
Five False Election Rumors to Watch For
Voters should expect recurring false election narratives to resurface in the coming months — and familiarize themselves with the facts.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The Trusted Neighbors Project brings community members together to help ensure our elections are free and fair, identify potential weaknesses, and keep their communities informed about what’s happening in real time. www.advancinglibertycoalition.org/trusted-neig...
advancinglibertycoalition.org
Trusted Neighbors — ADVANCING LIBERTY COALITION
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Our own Tonya Schuitmaker and Rebekah Warren joined Fox 2 Detroit (starting at the 10:30 minute mark) to discuss efforts to inform young voters about Michigan elections. Check it out! www.fox2detroit.com/video/fmc-6f...
fox2detroit.com
Controversy surround Trump Administration ad campaign | FOX 2 Detroit
The Trump Administration embarks on an ad campaign, with disclaimers that the ads were paid for by the U.S. Government appearing at the end of commercials. They claim the ads are public service announ...
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
We were excited to join our colleague David Dulio on "Michigan Matters" w Carol Cain last week to discuss the "Oakland University Summit on Civil Discourse, Freedom of Speech and Political Violence on College Campuses" that starts tomorrow. Check it out! www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news...
cbsnews.com
Michigan Matters: Talking data centers, politics and civility
Data centers, politics and civility are the focus of this week's Michigan Matters.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
MCR applauds Marin County GOP Chair John Turnacliff for publicly retracting his claims that deceased individuals had voted in California’s special election last year after a county-led review found no evidence that those individuals had cast ballots. www.sfgate.com/politics/art...
sfgate.com
'I did not find them': GOP official in Calif. apologizes for fraud claims
The apology comes as President Donald Trump continues to criticize mail-in voting.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Trust in elections doesn't happen by accident; it's built on shared principles. Check out The Principles for Trusted Elections for how to discuss these issues w your community and read why retired military leaders are championing these shared principles in 2026: www.principlesfortrustedelections.org
principlesfortrustedelections.org
Principles for Trusted Elections | Nonpartisan Election Integrity Framework
A Project of the Carter Center and Team Democracy, Principles for Trusted Elections is a nonpartisan framework that defines shared standards for election integrity, trustworthy processes, and civic re...
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Americans agree: political leaders should work across party lines and find common ground to get things done for the American people. www.csmonitor.com/Editorials/t...
csmonitor.com
Despite polarization, Americans still prize political compromise
This tendency is increasingly evident among younger voters – and younger elected officials, whose “get it done” attitude signals a readiness to reach acro…
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
As we approach the 2026 general election, it’s important to know your rights and understand how to make your voice heard. This article provides helpful resources to help you prepare for Election Day this November. theconversation.com/what-to-do-i...
theconversation.com
What to do if your vote is challenged: Practical advice for midterm elections
On Election Day, you go to vote – and you’re told you’re not registered or you’re not eligible to vote. A civil rights lawyer provides a guide so voters can know their rights to cast a ballot.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Michigan votes Nov. 3. The Michigan Election Observation Project is recruiting nonpartisan observers in 15 counties. No advocacy. No interference. Trained observers who watch the process and report what they see. Sponsored by @CarterCenter w/ @OperationVAV airtable.com/appXYdu3acrs...
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
“We don’t have to agree to get along.” As we prepare for the 2026 US elections, it is worth remembering that democracy doesn’t require us to agree on everything. But it does demand that we keep showing up together. @cartercenter.bsky.social www.cartercenter.org/news/international-day-of-democracy/
cartercenter.org
The Carter Center Commemorates International Day of Democracy and National Voter Registration Day
Today is International Day of Democracy and National Voter Registration Day in the United States. The Carter Center is marking both occasions with a reminder of what elections protect: the right of ea...
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
"We will never agree on everything, but we can show respect for one another, maybe even kindness.” See ‘Pluribus’ director Vince Gilligan’s Emmys acceptance speech calling for unity. www.youtube.com/watch?si=CmX...
youtube.com
Writing for a Drama Series: 78th Emmys
YouTube video by Television Academy
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
As the November midterms approach, election observation efforts are ramping up across the country. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/15/b...
nytimes.com
It’s Poll Watcher Training Season. Distrust Is on the Lesson Plan.
Groups are preparing thousands of observers for midterm elections in November. Some volunteers are being conditioned to expect bad behavior.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Hundreds of election officials from across the country are gathering to discuss how best to prepare for the November midterm elections and respond to potential challenges. Learn more in this NPR soundbite. www.npr.org/2026/09/14/n...
npr.org
Inside the unprecedented threats election officials are facing ahead of mid-terms
Hundreds of election officials from around the country are meeting to discuss how to defend the integrity of the mid-term elections, including against federal government interference.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
One year after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reflects on political violence, division, and what it will take to rebuild relationships across our differences. www.politico.com/news/magazin...
politico.com
America Is Losing Its Mind. This Governor Wants You to Put Down Your Phone.
In his new book, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox explores what it will take to heal the division within American politics.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
How can we disagree better? Hear from Republican Senator John Curtis and Democratic Senator Mark Kelly on how we can choose cooperation over conflict. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwtc...
youtube.com
What is the American Story? Two senators, two parties, one message
YouTube video by Disagree Better
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
As we mark 25 years since the 9/11 attacks, what can disasters teach us about our ability to come together as Americans—despite our differences? theconversation.com/25-years-aft...
theconversation.com
25 years after 9/11, what disasters reveal about Americans’ ability to reconnect
Decades of disaster research show how catastrophes strain communities – and reveal the connections that help people endure.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Voting by mail is a secure and reliable way that U.S. citizens make their voices heard. As we approach the 2026 midterms, learn more about mail-in voting trends from the previous two elections at statesunited.org/resources/am...
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
How can journalists and communities build trust? This article explores how local journalists in Minnesota rebuilt trust with Black communities following the murder of George Floyd—and lays out what lessons other communities can take away. theconversation.com/how-journali...
theconversation.com
How journalists and communities work together to confront low levels of trust
Although it’s important that journalists practice diligence and deference, communities need to be willing to engage, forgive and voice concern.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Even amid rising polarization, Americans are hungry for productive politics. This op-ed explores how young, bipartisan lawmakers willing to work across the aisle could shape the next era of American politics. thefulcrum.us/bridging-com...
thefulcrum.us
Eight in 10 Americans want their leaders to compromise. A new generation of lawmakers is actually doing it.
Political predictions are notoriously unreliable, but here is one I am willing to stand behind: the elected officials who figure out how to govern across difference will dominate the next decade of Am...
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Federal judges are facing increasing threats for upholding the rule of law. A new Brennan Center report examines these threats and their implications for our democratic republic. www.brennancenter.org/media/16154/...
brennancenter.org
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
How can institutions close the trust gap with students? A recent More in Common study explores how students, faculty, and the public perceive dialogue and free expression in higher education.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
How is AI shaping Americans’ perceptions of election integrity? This Brennan Center study investigates how AI chatbots both fight and fuel election disinformation. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/res...
brennancenter.org
Does AI Fight or Fuel Election Disinformation?
As the midterms approach, our tests reveal that popular chatbots challenge conspiracy theories. Still, they offer users the ability to create deceitful images, audio, and video.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Democracy is not self-sustaining. It requires all of us to uphold democratic institutions, protect the principles that hold our communities together, and ensure every voice counts. www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXZs...
youtube.com
How Citizens (Not Politicians) Are Building the Future | Jon Alexander | TED
YouTube video by TED
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Dolly Parton was universally beloved, which a nearly impossible feat these days. She had a unique ability to speak to every corner of the country and be seen as sincere by all. thefulcrum.us/pop-culture/...
thefulcrum.us
Conservative churchgoers next to drag queens. Coal miners next to college kids. Dolly Parton didn't just entertain a divided America — she united it.
How Dolly Parton modeled dignity, bridged divides, and reminded us of the America we can still become.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Most people are willing to "agree to disagree" when they believe the other person simply has a difference of opinion. But when a disagreement is based on a disputed set of facts, it becomes harder to do so. theconversation.com/the-false-an...
theconversation.com
The false and the furious: We aren’t just bothered by different beliefs – we’re bothered when we think others are wrong
Differences in beliefs may not be what drives people apart. A belief that someone else is wrong may be the stronger force.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
“The OAG report provides even more evidence that state and local election officials are going above and beyond to ensure Michigan’s voter rolls are complete, up to date, and accurate,” said Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie. audgen.michigan.gov/wp-content/u...
audgen.michigan.gov
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Representative democracies require the ability for citizens to voice their opinions to their elected leaders. However, town halls have become more of a venue to shout than to achieve a workable redress of grievances. www.csmonitor.com/Editorials/t...
csmonitor.com
A new civic tone for America’s ‘town halls’
Fewer lawmakers hold face-to-face sessions with voters to answer questions – a result of partisan rancor. Yet a new design – focused deliberation on single issues – might shore up this pillar of democ...
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Even a simple ride across the newly opened Gordie Howe Bridge can bring a new perspective on American unity. www.freep.com/story/opinio...
freep.com
A bike ride across the Gordie Howe bridge gave me hope for civility
Free Press Contributing Columnist Randy Essex describes a bike ride across the Gordie Howe bridge amid acrimony between the two nations.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
"Across all 83 counties in Michigan, the counting, certifying and closing of the primary election polls proceeded accurately and without incident." bridgemi.com/guest-commen...
bridgemi.com
Opinion | The election story no one is telling - Bridge Michigan
We should demand that our elections be accurate. We should ask tough questions when warranted. Accountability and scrutiny are strengths of our system, not challenges to overcome. But we also have to ...
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Reposted by Michiganders for Civic Resilience
Vantage Point with Eli Amdur @vpeli.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Civility at work isn't just nice manners. It shapes trust, teamwork, even who gets heard in a meeting. Sounds like Tonya and Rebekah are onto something real. Looking forward to giving this a listen.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
How can we learn to disagree better, even when it is difficult? This TED video offers insights on how to turn your most frustrating conversations into real understanding. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElYY...
youtube.com
Idiots Are Everywhere. Here’s How to Cope | Joshua Johnson | TED
YouTube video by TED
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Why can disagreements over vaccines, climate change, or elections feel so personal? This article by two psychology professors explains why. theconversation.com/the-false-an...
theconversation.com
The false and the furious: We aren’t just bothered by different beliefs – we’re bothered when we think others are wrong
Differences in beliefs may not be what drives people apart. A belief that someone else is wrong may be the stronger force.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Why does an independent judiciary matter? Retired Hawaii Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald explores this question and more as part of an ongoing Fulcrum series featuring retired federal judges reflecting on the foundational principles of our legal system. thefulcrum.us/rule-of-law/...
thefulcrum.us
Retired Judges Warn: Attacks on Judicial Independence Threaten Democracy and the Rule of Law
Retired jurists urge action as attacks and threats erode trust in the courts.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Our communities are stronger when people get involved. As patterns of civic participation continue to change, what might that mean for the future of our communities—and our country? www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/...
csmonitor.com
In the US, civic participation is changing. What does that mean for communities?
The way Americans engage with civic life in their communities is changing, presenting challenges to places across the U.S.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
What can Michigan voters do to stay more informed about what’s happening in our own communities? Our local elections often have an outsized impact on our everyday lives, yet they can receive far less attention than national races. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i...
podcasts.apple.com
'If You Can Keep It': The Direct Impact Of Local Elections
Podcast Episode · 1A · August 10 · 32m
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
How can we prevent loneliness and isolation and cultivate a stronger “community of support” in [Insert State]? This Psychology Today article explores the power of community and highlights an example from a small German community. www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/live...
psychologytoday.com
The Power of Community: Preventing Loneliness and Isolation
Community can buffer loneliness and isolation by offering pathways to health through physical and social activities, gatherings, rituals, walking, talking, and civic engagement.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
The erosion of “third spaces” has impacted the health of our democratic republic. The good news is that most Americans want to engage more. This article on the decline of community spaces explores how. thefulcrum.us/civic-engage...
thefulcrum.us
How Community Gathering Places Activate Citizens — and Strengthen Democracy
Americans aren’t hanging out together as much as they used to, and it’s having a crippling impact on democracy. It sounds dramatic, but it’s true. According to Montesquieu, who wrote The Spirit of the...
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Listen as our own Tonya & Rebekah talk about civility as it pertains not just to our civic lives, but how it affects our livelihoods as well. www.buzzsprout.com/1568437/epis...
buzzsprout.com
S6 Ep.31 - Tonya Schuitmaker and Rebekah Warren, Michiganders for Civic Resilience - The Michigan Opportunity
Civil Discourse, Trust, and Resilience: The Bedrock of Michigan’s Civic and Economic InfrastructureWe are joined by Tonya Schuitmaker and Rebekah Warren of Michiganders for Civic Resilience, an organi...
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
A recent Bridging Divides Initiative report found that 76% of local elected officials are less willing to engage in at least one key political activity due to concerns about threats. Read the full report below. bridgingdivides.princeton.edu/updates/2026...
bridgingdivides.princeton.edu
Hostility Against Local Officials Is Continuing at Elevated Levels in 2026, Disproportionately Impacting Women, Minority, and New Officeholders
Survey finds that 76% of officials are less willing to engage in at least one key political activity due to concerns about threats – the highest total rate on record.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
To help build bridges and resolve political and ideological conflict in the U.S., see how @cartercenter.bsky.social is investing in young people who are searching for common ground. www.cartercenter.org/stories/empo...
cartercenter.org
Empowering Young People to Tackle the American Divide
These days in the U.S., conflict has become the norm. This Carter Center program is investing in diverse young people to bring positive and lasting change.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Maintaining an independent judiciary matters. In this article, two retired U.S. judges—one Democrat and one Republican—explain why. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
As retired US judges, we’re not used to speaking out. But we cannot be silent | Michael P Donnelly and Robert F Orr
We joined a recent bus tour of 30 judges, lawyers and advocates fighting not for any partisan aim, but for the rule of law itself
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Earlier this year, Tonya & Rebekah joined The Carter Center and other U.S. faith and civic leaders traveled to Belfast to study the roots of political violence — and what it takes to choose peace instead. Watch this video to learn more. www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ1q...
youtube.com
From Belfast to America: Learning to Prevent Political Violence and Heal Division
YouTube video by The Carter Center
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Confidence in our elections is strengthened when people work together across political differences. This Christian Science Monitor article highlights the work of Michiganders for Civic Resilience, alongside other state-based, cross-partisan networks. www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics...
csmonitor.com
Together, these Republicans and Democrats are vouching for election security
Republicans and Democrats in battleground states are collaborating to publicly counter unproven accusations about U.S. elections and improve voter trust.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Well done Michigan voters! Elections are determined by who shows up. www.mlive.com/data/2026/08...
mlive.com
Michigan 2026 primary shatters turnout record: See how your county ranked
The Aug. 4 election surpassed the 2020 voter turnout record by about 51,000 ballots, according to the unofficial count.
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
How can we resist the pull of online outrage and become better neighbors in our own communities? www.youtube.com/shorts/1zO92...
youtube.com
Good Conflict's Amanda Ripley on Rainn Wilson's Soul Boom live podcast
YouTube video by Good Conflict
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
How do you talk about politics with family you disagree with? This video provides some tips for the next family gathering. www.youtube.com/shorts/ydOwX...
youtube.com
How do you talk about politics with family?
YouTube video by The Enemies Project
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
1 in 3 Americans feel they lack agency over their own lives. Together, we can change that. Join us at micivic.org!
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Michiganders for Civic Resilience @miforcivicres.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Thank you to everyone who attended our July Lunch & Learn today. And a huge thank you to County Clerks Lisa Posthumus Lyons (Kent) and Lisa Brown (Oakland) for sharing their incredibly valuable expertise on Michigan elections with us. youtu.be/-80PBzp3eNw
youtu.be
Michiganders for Civic Resilience July Lunch & Learn: Ask Me Anything with our County Clerks
YouTube video by Michiganders for Civic Resilience
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