By Natalie Rogers, former junior policy associate All buildings have a life cycle, at least that is what Dr. Rex LaMore, director of the Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development, wants city planners to start realizing. Dr. LaMore and his team are working to advance domicology, a new way of thinking about...
We’re excited to announce that CEDAM is celebrating 10 years of hosting AmeriCorps programs! Throughout the year, we’ll be interviewing alumni, highlighting current members, and sharing the impact our members have on their communities. To kick things off, check out these 10 fun facts about CEDAM’s AmeriCorps programs: More than 250 Michiganders have served with...
By Nick Miller, CEDAM AmeriCorps member at Capital Area United Way For the past year I’ve been a CEDAM AmeriCorps member serving at Capital Area United Way (CAUW), assisting with their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Being able to help in the field of financial stability was something that appealed to me, though it...
By Lissette Reyes, community development fellow There are many ways to determine if a community is thriving. You can look at economic statistics, social trends, employment, demographics, and a number of other determinants; but how do we measure our community pride? What about the commitment from leadership to overcome challenges and move forward? Do these...
CEDAM is excited to introduce Zach Miller, our new AmeriCorps VISTA leader. Zach joins the team with experience as both an AmeriCorps State and VISTA member. We talked to Zach about his AmeriCorps experiences and his upcoming service year. Emily: How long have you been involved with AmeriCorps? Zach: I started with the AmeriCorps State...
The Lake Trust Foundation, a CEDAM member, awarded more than $45,000 in scholarships to Michigan residents during its annual scholarship award celebration on September 4, 2019. Lake Trust Foundation President David Snodgrass presented LaToya Wright of Muskegon with a Community Impact Scholarship that rewards an aspiring community-oriented entrepreneur who wishes to run a business with...
CEDAM is excited to welcome and introduce our new events & membership specialist, Shawn Masters! Shawn joins our team with a long history working in the nonprofit sector and a strong connection to our organization’s mission. Emily: Tell me about your experience in the nonprofit world? Shawn: My very first experience with nonprofit work, I...
By Luke Forrest, executive director This week marks the official start date of Michigan’s newest state agency, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). It’s not an event that seems to have garnered much attention, which maybe isn’t surprising given that it’s August—it’s been more than two months since the department was first announced,...
By Natalie Rogers, junior policy associate As temperatures rise, carbon emissions skyrocket, and severe weather continues to strike, cities and communities across the nation are seeking dynamic local policy solutions to combat the growing climate crisis. There is little debate that can discredit the reality that the climate is changing. According to a UN Intergovernmental...
Ionia’s Sweep the Streets project had one simple goal: Bring pride back to our downtown community. You can use this model in your small town, too. If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work, check out this simple community development project that can quickly deliver a big dose of community...
