Greetings, My name is Sarah Reinhardt and I am an analyst for Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson at the Michigan Department of State. I am writing to ask for your help in engaging your members and community in Michigan's redistricting process. Michigan's first-ever Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission<http://www.michigan.gov/micrc> (MICRC) is hosting a series of public hearings<https://www.michigan.gov/micrc/0,10083,7-418-92033-547695--,00.html> across the state in May and June to solicit input from the public about their communities, representation and electoral district lines (see below for a full list of public hearings). Libraries in Michigan can engage in this historic process in two key ways: * Encourage your members and community to attend a Commission hearing<https://www.michigan.gov/micrc/0,10083,7-418-92033-547695--,00.html>. I've included all dates and locations at the end of this email. * Use the Commission's Public Comment Portal<https://www.michigan-mapping.org/> to submit a suggested map or community of interest, provide written testimony, or comment on other map submissions. This is an extraordinary moment for all Michiganders to get involved and ensure the fair representation. It is critical that Libraries in Michigan members and community, and all Michiganders, participate in this this transparent, citizen-led process. Please let me know if this might be of interest and I'm happy to provide additional resources, including newsletter language, a draft email invitation for your members and community or images to share on your social media. Additionally, if you would like to request a speaker from our office or the Commission at an upcoming event to share about this historic opportunity, please don't hesitate to ask. I look forward to hearing from you. Kindest regards, Sarah Reinhardt Departmental Analyst Michigan Department of State Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson ReinhardtS@Michigan.gov<mailto:ReinhardtS@Michigan.gov> MICRC Hearing Schedule The current Commission hearing schedule<https://www.michigan.gov/micrc/0,10083,7-418-92033-547695--,00.html> is listed below. Hearings will be hosted in-person and will also allow for virtual attendance and participation in public comment. The Commission is encouraging every Michigander to engage in the redistricting process by attending and providing input - to have their voice, and the voice of their community, heard by the Commission. PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULE Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. American 1 Event Center 128 W. Ganson St. Jackson, MI 49201 Thursday, May 13, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. Wings Event Center 3600 Vanrick Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49001 Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. The Northern Center at Northern Michigan University 1401 Presque Isle Ave Marquette, MI 49855 Thursday, May 20, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. Treetop Resorts 3962 Wilkinson Rd Gaylord, MI 49735 Tuesday, May 25, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. Great Hall Banquet & Convention Center 5121 Bay City Rd Midland, MI 48642 Thursday, May 27, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. Lansing Center 333 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48933 Tuesday, June 1, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. Dort Financial Center 3501 Lapeer Rd Flint, MI 48503 Thursday, June 3, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. Ford Community and Performing Arts Center 15801 Michigan Ave. Dearborn, MI 48126 Tuesday, June 8, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. Suburban Collection Showplace 46100 Grand River Ave. Novi, MI 48374 Thursday, June 10, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. Centerpoint Marriott 3555 Centerpoint Pkwy Pontiac, MI 48341 Tuesday, June 15, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. The Village Dome at Fellowship Chapel 7707 W. Outer Dr. Detroit, MI 48235 Thursday, June 17, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. TCF Center 1 Washington Blvd Detroit, MI 48226 Tuesday, June 22, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. Blue Water Convention Center 800 Harker St. Port Huron, MI 48060 Thursday, June 24, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. MRCC Banquet Center 23401 Mound Rd Warren, MI 48901 Tuesday, June 29, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. VanDyke Mortgage Convention Center 939 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 Thursday, July 1, 2021 Start Time: 6:00 p.m. DeVos Place 303 Monroe Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503