FAQ
1. Who is Community for a Sensible Charter? We are members of the progressive community, nonprofits, block clubs, neighborhood associations, and grassroots groups. The founding organizational members of the coalition are Michigan Voice, Community Development Advocates of Detroit and the Cortland St Block Club. Michigan Voice acts at the anchor organization.
2. What is a anchor organization in a coalition? An anchor organization provides infrastructure support to the larger group, hosting meetings, sending out reminders, making copies, taking responsibility for general outreach and communication.
3. What is the purpose of the coalition? To provide education about the current city charter, proactively engage with the charter revision process, and make sure that community voice is included in any revisions.
4. What are the principals of the coalition? We are a grassroots social justice space committed to ensuring that the community of Detroit is educated and aware on the current charter and the revision process through a proactive organizing approach .
5. Is the coalition a nonprofit or other formal organization? No, however because 2 of the 3 founding groups are nonprofits we are a 501c3 friendly space. We do issue education and organizing.
6. Are you affiliated with a particular candidate, elected official or political party? No, we are an independent group and always have been.
7. How is the coalition funded? There is no funding attached to the coalition work, the founding groups already do community education and civic engagement work. Michigan Voice had the resources to act as anchor, but receives no money for doing so. This is an important way that better resourced groups can support smaller groups or individuals.
8. Why organize outside of the charter commission? The charter commission is a legislative body, Detroit doesn't have a great track record of engaging the community in legislative or policy process. In order to effectively participate in the development of the revisions and potentially hold our elected commissioners accountable to inclusion of the voice of all Detroit community must be proactive about organizing ourselves.
9. I want to get more information or talk to a real live person. Great! Send us a message.