“Get used to the awkwardness of turning right when everyone else turns left, and pursue what you know is true.” We tend to persuade ourselves that we have no choice but to “go along to get along” by placing the blame on systems that are larger than us. We: – don’t want to look stupid–Continue reading “When “Going Along to Get Along” is a Trap”
Author Archives: Ty Schmidt
Marvelous Mondays: Structured Play Program to Improve Well-being at Traverse Heights Elementary
Marvelous Mondays is a pilot program that provides fun, easy, structured play at Traverse Heights Elementary during recess. This program organizes play with Traverse Heights’ Roadrunner Club (community volunteers) to increase physical activity, encourage positive behaviors and improve well-being. Terrific Tuesdays provide fun, structured play at Central Grade School during lunch recess to increase physicalContinue reading “Marvelous Mondays: Structured Play Program to Improve Well-being at Traverse Heights Elementary”
Get to Know Your Traverse City Commission Candidates
Good Works Lab’s Citizens for a Neighbor-First Traverse City invited all eleven candidates who applied for Ashlea’s City Commission seat to complete a similar survey that 152 residents took this summer. Three candidates accepted the invitation: Eight candidates declined/did not respond to the invitation: Read the three candidate responses here. UPDATE: According to this memoContinue reading “Get to Know Your Traverse City Commission Candidates”
Practicing Courage for Climate Action in Traverse City
“If you want to play it safe, you shouldn’t be in the business of change.” And not ‘playing it safe’ requires courage. The problem is being courageous can be scary. We can: “Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is the ability to look fear in the face and continue to walk forward. AllContinue reading “Practicing Courage for Climate Action in Traverse City”
Reframing School Safety: Jay Berger to Speak at Next “Everyone A Changemaker Northern Michigan” Workshop
After two outstanding framing workshops with the FrameWorks Institute, we’re excited to have Jay Berger present on Reframing School Safety. Jay is the co-chair of the new community task force, Safer Kids Safer Schools (SKSS). “SKSS is a short-term, citizen-led, open dialogue dedicated to exploring perspectives and solutions to increase the safety and well-being of theContinue reading “Reframing School Safety: Jay Berger to Speak at Next “Everyone A Changemaker Northern Michigan” Workshop”
Traverse City’s Pro-Housing Group, Live TC, Becomes Michigan’s First YIMBY Action Chapter
Awesome news! Live TC is officially a YIMBY Action chapter – Michigan’s first! If you genuinely care about your neighbors and a fair/inclusive Traverse City, we need you. 1. Become a Live TC Lead2. Become a YIMBY Action member3. Invite like-minded neighbors to join Live TC4. Encourage a pro-housing neighbor who is comfortable speaking up against business as usualContinue reading “Traverse City’s Pro-Housing Group, Live TC, Becomes Michigan’s First YIMBY Action Chapter”
Self-Compassion, Social Intelligence + Lifesavers in Support of Youth Mental Health in Northern Michigan
Earlier this month, We Fight, a self-organizing network of people who care, hosted Elevate Northern Michigan #2: A Mental Health Summit Series for Young Leaders — and Those Who Love Them. Elevate Northern Michigan aims to boost knowledge, shift attitudes, decrease stigma and build support for a Northern Michigan where everyone plays a role in protectingContinue reading “Self-Compassion, Social Intelligence + Lifesavers in Support of Youth Mental Health in Northern Michigan”
Improving the Lives of Those Who Live in Traverse City
While I hate to admit it, you have to give it to MDOT’s Progressive AE for: 1) successfully lobbying our elected officials that a wider Parkway for more cars is best for the people of Traverse City* 2) creating more business for themselves by now getting a contract to widen the waterfront path for tourists and wealthyContinue reading “Improving the Lives of Those Who Live in Traverse City”
Reframing Youth Substance Use: Paula Lipinski to Speak at Next “Everyone A Changemaker Northern Michigan” Workshop
After two outstanding framing workshops with the FrameWorks Institute, we’re excited to have Paula Lipinski, Addiction Treatment Services CEO, present on Reframing Youth Substance Use. Paula will speak at Northwestern Michigan College’s Innovation Center on Thursday, November 10th 11-12p. This workshop is part of our Everyone A Changemaker Northern Michigan project. All advocates, concerned citizens, and changemakersContinue reading “Reframing Youth Substance Use: Paula Lipinski to Speak at Next “Everyone A Changemaker Northern Michigan” Workshop”
Jessie Perez to Speak at Elevate Northern Michigan Mental Health Summit #2
I was born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan on the shores of Bowers Harbor. I grew up living in a bed & breakfast always meeting new and interesting people. I was raised by peace activists and environmentalists that also ate tofu, practiced yoga and put their hearts into protecting the planet. Real hippies. AsContinue reading “Jessie Perez to Speak at Elevate Northern Michigan Mental Health Summit #2”
Good Works Lab 