Author Archives: Ty Schmidt

Bringing physical literacy to Traverse City kids

As a physical therapist and son of a physical education teacher, I’ve always wanted to start a physical literacy program for kids. This summer, with support from my Good Works Lab teammates, Common Good Bakery and Superior Physical Therapy, I will do just that. And I couldn’t be more excited.  What’s physical literacy? “Physical literacyContinue reading “Bringing physical literacy to Traverse City kids”

A summit for our young leaders – and those who love them

On behalf of the entire We Fight network, I’m excited to announce that we will be launching our community summit series – “Elevate Northern Michigan: A Youth Mental Health Summit for Young Leaders – and Those Who Love Them” on Tuesday, August 9th. Elevate Northern Michigan is a quarterly summit series focused on boosting knowledge,Continue reading “A summit for our young leaders – and those who love them”

Your chance to advocate for healthy and healing schools

Over the past two years, we’ve seen how decisions in education shape the lives of our young people and their families. We’ve seen that the community provided by a school can be a mechanism of support for students struggling with their mental health. That’s why we believe in the Michigan Education Justice Coalition‘s goal of “healthyContinue reading “Your chance to advocate for healthy and healing schools”

Neighbors helping neighbors + Prop 3

This month, almost 700 petition signatures to repeal Prop 3 were dropped off at the Clerk’s office. This effort was powered by nearly 60 neighbors who rallied to circulate 90+ petitions on behalf of their neighbors – and future neighbors. Neighbors helping neighbors in support of abundant housing on Traverse City’s 8 square miles is beautiful; IContinue reading “Neighbors helping neighbors + Prop 3”

We Fight’s what and how – feedback needed

After last week’s visioning session, we affirmed who We Fight is and agreed on our why. We also set three focus areas for 2022-23.  Below are draft 2-3 goals for each focus area and a theory of change model for our self-organizing network – our what and how We need your feedback. Are we on theContinue reading “We Fight’s what and how – feedback needed”

A refocused We Fight

This morning, for the first time since our founding six months ago, a group of committed We Fight members came together to strategize We Fight’s future. With the notes from six months of conversations, responses from our impact survey, and comments from our sign-up form informing our discussion, we got to work for two lovely hours to help narrowContinue reading “A refocused We Fight”

All in for Traverse City neighbors

On these days when it all feels like too much, I try to focus on my values and the things I can help change – like the health and well-being of my community. Like housing, abundant housing for my neighbors – and future neighbors. In case you haven’t heard, there’s a neighbor-led ballot petition effort happening nowContinue reading “All in for Traverse City neighbors”

How can we better elevate our youth leaders?

Last Monday, I attended the Traverse Area Public School’s board meeting. I was blown away by the public comment given by four local youth leaders. They spoke courageously about gun violence, school safety, and mental health. I was very proud of them.  I hope We Fight can support, encourage, and help them — and other leadersContinue reading “How can we better elevate our youth leaders?”