The Mackinac Center believes that a free-market economic approach is the most direct path to helping people live productive, free and prosperous lives. We also believe that taking time to listen to people is essential to our work.
We support Michiganders from all walks of life while learning about how public policies affect their daily lives. One way we do this is to work with local nonprofit organizations, which can provide a variety of nontraditional opportunities for outreach.
One organization we’ve had the privilege to work alongside is Whose House Our House. This Detroit nonprofit bridges the gap between law enforcement and the community through mentorship programs, fellowship groups and sporting events.
A nonprofit must do many things to survive, including the challenging work of building a network of financial supporters who will contribute to its mission. The Mackinac Center mentors Whose House Our House and lends insight on how it can build its fundraising capacity. This has recently led to Whose House Our House securing a major grant to fund a podcast studio, which will help spread awareness of the organization among potential funders and the community.
In June, the Mackinac Center teamed up with Whose House Our House for its “Playing Together to Evolve Together Kickball and Flag Football Tournament” in Hamtramck. This was the event’s third year.
Several members of the Mackinac Center staff traveled to Hamtramck to serve as volunteers, selling concessions as well as preparing and serving lunch. Some even participated in the kickball tournament alongside local law enforcement officials and members of the community.
“We need to come together as one, both as a community and as a society,” said Elijah Richardson, executive director of Whose House Our House. “That’s why we have events like this — to build fellowship and a positive relationship.”
The Mackinac Center is a leading expert in free-market policy, with experts who find facts, statistics and figures. But nothing beats hands-on interaction with people who feel the effects of policy in their daily lives
