The future of civic storytelling lives with creators.
People don’t get their information from institutions anymore, they get it from people they trust. We’re building Michigan’s creator-led civic media ecosystem to meet that moment.
Core Values
Everyone deserves access to information they trust from voices they believe.
The Reality
More people get their news from social media than traditional outlets. Trust has shifted from institutions to individuals, and creators are now shaping how people understand the world around them.
But the infrastructure hasn’t caught up.
Michigan’s civic narrative is still driven by:
Campaigns
Traditional media
Meanwhile, the people actually shaping conversations—creators, organizers, parents, storytellers are:
Under-resourced
Disconnected from policy and data
Expected to do this work without support
What We’re Building
The Michigan Creator Collaborative
is building a new kind of system:
One where creators are supported as trusted community messengers, not just amplifiers.
We invest in:
People, not platforms
Relationships, not reach alone
Long-term narrative power, not short-term messaging
How It Works
We run a paid fellowship that supports creators across Michigan with:
Monthly Stipends
Training & Skill-building
Editorial & Content Support
Access to Issue Experts & Policy Context
Creators don’t receive scripts.
They create in their own voice because that’s why people trust them.
Why It Matters
When creators are supported:
Information becomes more accessible
Conversations become more real
Communities become more engaged