Our History
A Timeline to "Michigan United"
1992-2012
Michigan Organizing Project
Faith-centered community organizing project in West Michigan (Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and smaller towns).
Won campaigns to:
- Expand health and dental care access for low-income families.
- Remove employment barriers for ex-offenders.
- Support immigrant civil rights and build immigrant worker power.
- Fund Kalamazoo County’s homeless housing and prevention program.
- Secure Michigan congressional votes for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR).
2009 – 2012
Alliance for Immigrant Rights
Statewide coalition of 100+ labor, faith, social service, civil rights, and business groups. Organized low-income Latino and Arab American families in Metro-Detroit.
Achievements included:
- Stronger national policy against immigration enforcement at schools and churches.
- Blocking state E-Verify legislation.
- Winning Michigan senators’ and a Republican congressman’s support for the DREAM Act.
- Leading fights for administrative relief and DACA implementation.
- Securing congressional votes for CIR.
2012
MOP and AIR Merge
OP and AIR merged to form a unified statewide organization of churches, labor, and community groups.
Mission: ensure an economy that works for the many, protect civil rights, and strengthen democracy.
March 2013
Michigan United
A transitional board was established.
A new name chosen: Michigan United.
Together, members and institutions affirmed their commitment to dignity, justice, and building collective power.
Our Values: Guiding Principles
Human Dignity
Every individual has the right to reach their full human potential and live in dignity.
Common Good and Accountability
Government and the economy should serve the common good and remain accountable to all communities, not just the powerful.
Compassion and Solidarity
We have an obligation to support our neighbors and stand with them in their struggles toward fulfillment and liberation.
Moral and Faith-Based Leadership
People of conscience and faith must step forward to ensure that government and economy reflect dignity, fairness, equity, and opportunity.
Democracy and Nonviolence
We believe in the transformative power of democracy and nonviolent action.
Collective Mission
Our responsibility is to build the power necessary to win the justice our communities deserve.
Together, we build the power to win the justice our communities deserve.
That's how we started. Help us keep going:
Join Project 3.5
We want to organize 3.5% of Michigan, tear down the barriers of inequality and replace it with dignity and opportunity.
Ready to Do Something Now?
Tap and get involved
Mop Up Michigan
Michigan’s government should work for people, not powerful corporations.
Whether you’ve got five minutes or five hours, your time matters. We’re going to need volunteers to collect signatures, knock doors, spread the word, and help bring this ballot initiative to life.
