Up North Advocacy
Our Mission, Up North Advocacy empowers Northern Michigan communities through encouraging civic engagement, amplifying our diverse voices, and advocating for positive change. Grounded in our love for our region and its people, we champion democracy, education, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity to create a stronger, resilient, more equitable home for all.
What We Do
Men's Circles
Through small groups built on trust, accountability, and listening, participants develop stronger connections with themselves, their families, and their communities. In a time when many men feel isolated, these circles foster healthier relationships and create a culture where men can talk openly about challenges, responsibility, and purpose. In Men’s Circles, we believe that building better men helps build stronger communities.
Schools Work
Strong schools are the foundation of strong communities. Up North Advocacy works alongside parents, educators, and local residents to ensure communities have a real voice in the future of their schools. From helping pass school bonds that invest in safe and modern facilities to organizing community conversations with school boards and administrators, we help make sure decisions reflect the needs of the people who live there. Our goal is simple: schools that are supported, transparent, and accountable to the communities they serve.
Civic Engagement & Leadership Development
Healthy communities depend on active, informed citizens. Up North Advocacy promotes civic engagement through voter education, leadership development, and community forums that bring people together around important issues. We work to make sure residents understand how local government works, how to participate, and how to step into leadership roles themselves. Recently, we partnered with community organizations to host a candidate forum for Michigan’s 1st congressional district, giving voters the opportunity to hear directly from candidates and engage in the democratic process.