On November 3, Michigan voters will decide on upcoming ballot measures, shaping the future of state governance and campaign finance. We invite you to join fellow community members for an overview of the history, opportunities, and risks associated with these measures:

Constitutional Convention Question: An automatic 16-year question mandated by the Michigan Constitution. Voters will decide whether to convene a statewide convention to review or completely rewrite the state’s foundational document.

Money Out of Politics Initiative: A campaign finance proposal seeking to address political contributions from regulated utility monopolies and major government contractors.

Event Details

Our upcoming discussion will provide an overview of Michigan’s ballot measures. Together, we will examine the arguments for and against these initiatives. 

Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Time:  6 to 8 PM

Place: Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill, VIP Room, 2122 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti

Agenda:

6:00-6:30 Social Time (order food/drink)

6:30-6:45 Introduction to tonight’s topic

6:45-7:30           Small group discussions

7:30-7:50 Whole group debrief

7:50-8:00 Announcements and Close

Resources

Ballotpedia:  Background on Michigan’s History with Ballot Initiatives https://ballotpedia.org/History_of_initiative_and_referendum_in_Michigan

Overview of Constitutional Convention Question https://www.multistate.us/elections/ballot-measure?id=223

https://michiganindependent.com/politics/whats-at-stake-as-michigan-voters-weigh-constitutional-convention-question/

https://www.michiganpublic.org/politics-government/2026-08-24/the-mids-a-constitutional-convention-in-2026

https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/fact-check-would-money-out-of-politics-proposal-stifle-free-speech/

Our August 17 meeting brought community members together to discuss a deeply personal and complex topic: teen privacy versus parental rights in health care.

We shared diverse opinions that crossed traditional political lines. Participants listened with curiosity and discussed the strong emotions in the room. We also gained a new appreciation for the difficult trade-offs lawmakers face when balancing the rights of many against the needs of a few.

Check the braverangels.org site to learn more about civil discourse through skill-building workshops (virtual or in-person) and join us at an upcoming event.

On July 6th, Braver Angels Alliance of Washtenaw County celebrated the 250th anniversary of the founding of our Country, with a delicious potluck at County Farm Park in Ann Arbor. We had about 12 Alliance members  and their families and at least 3 non-member supporters from outside Washtenaw County, who came to help us mark the occasion. It was a beautiful hot summer evening. The food was abundant and delicious, and the conversation was lively and fun.  

We now have the recording for the fascinating April 2026 debate on billionaires and the working class.  Check it out!

We conducted a workshop at the Traverwood branch of the Ann Arbor District Library for a powerful afternoon of connection and skill-building.  In a room filled with "Reds" (conservatives), "Blues" (liberals), and "Purples" (independents), we learned about each side’s core values and perspectives and worked to develop our LAPP skills through small-group exercises focused on:

• Listening to understand the values behind a perspective

• Acknowledging what you’ve heard to ensure the other person feels respected.

• Pivoting to share your own viewpoint without demonizing the "other side"

• Offering your own Perspective 

The goal of our skill-building workshop was not to change minds, but to change how we treat each other. By learning to disagree respectfully beyond stereotypes, we take a step toward strengthening our connections and shared humanity.

Missed this session?

Don’t worry! The Washtenaw Alliance is committed to offering more free workshops in the coming months. We invite you to follow our calendar, our facebook, our instagram page, or email us at washtenaw-county-mi@braverangels.org to sign up for our newsletter to stay stay informed about upcoming opportunities to bridge the divide in our community.

We were thrilled to conduct a "Skills for Disagreeing Better" workshop for the League of Women Voters of Livingston County at the beautiful Howell Carnegie District Library. Despite the freezing temperatures, a hardy group showed up ready to bridge the political divide on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Tired of politics ruining family time? There’s a fix! 

We just wrapped up an incredible Braver Angels workshop, Family and Politics, that taught real, applicable skills for navigating those tricky political talks with loved ones. It’s not about changing minds; it’s about changing the conversation.

The work is happening, and these skills are vital for a healthy society (and healthier family get togethers!). Email us at washtenaw-county-mi@braverangels.org if you, your faith-based organization, or other group is interested in holding a workshop.

We had an engaging discussion in Saline on immigration.  We were encouraged by our common compassion for the people involved.  We were also humbled by the challenge of designing a system that actually works.