Advocacy

For more than 50 years, the Michigan Federation for Children and Families has provided a collective and expert voice for its members in order to influence federal, state, and local public policy decisions both legislatively and administratively. The Federation develops its annual policy and budget priorities based upon input from members.

The Federation's advocacy efforts are focused on achieving the best outcomes for children and families through the services delivered by the private, nonprofit human services network. Education and advocacy are tools essential to ensuring the vital needs of children and families are addressed.

The Federation closely monitors the state budget, advocating throughout the annual appropriations process for the resources necessary for member organizations to carry out their missions of serving children, youth and families.

The Federation analyzes and monitors legislation on the state and federal levels that impacts the human service delivery system and ensures member agencies have a voice in public policy development and implementation.

The Federation establishes and maintains strong relationships with elected officials and their staff and encourages member agencies do the same at the local level. The Federation encourages and guides you to interact energetically with government agencies to become more effective advocates for the children and families you serve.

The Michigan Federation for Children and Families is honored to work with the lobbying firm Public Affairs Associates (PAA). PAA is highly regarded in Lansing, and their comprehensive approach to direct advocacy, public policy and issues management is thorough, focused, respected and effective.

When the Michigan Legislature and/or U.S. Congress are in session, the Federation publishes the e-bulletin Policy Press, an update of proposed and pending legislation of interest to the membership, recent legislative activity, and other news from Lansing and Washington impacting human services. The Policy Press is a benefit specific to membership in the Federation.

As another benefit exclusive to membership, the Federation subscribes to Muster, a digital advocacy software program empowering members to easily connect with federal, state, and local elected officials to educate, advocate and influence public policy. Using Muster, the Federation issues action alerts to members, designed for fast and powerful targeted communications.