Be Part of the Celebration!
Bringing Michigan's 250th Anniversary Commemoration
to your community through our 5 Guiding Themes
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Form Your Committee
Start a vibrant, open conversation about the Declaration of Independence, Michigan history, and America250MI. Host a friendly gathering to explore the 5 Guiding Themes and invite everyone—the students who spark ideas, seniors with lived memory, local leaders, tribal voices, teachers, historians, artists, neighbors. Co-create a short mission that centers on a shared purpose and appoint a liaison to communicate with America250MI. Build a team that mirrors all of Michigan's residents and energy!
2
Pass Your Resolution
Pass your Official Resolution to earn formal recognition, unlock doors to local partnerships, and show your whole community you’re serious about Michigan’s stories. Use the provided template to weave in local connections to the 5 Guiding Themes, set tangible goals for your commemorations, and invite voices from all corners to participate. Plan the adoption with a concise, engaging presentation and keep momentum going with information sessions and America250MI committee meetings!
3
Celebrate and Take Action!
Celebrate and take action with real heart! After the resolution, announce it publicly, line up local media, and give thanks that lift everyone’s spirits. Keep the fire alive by scheduling regular meetings, brainstorm events tied to the Declaration of Independence and the 5 Guiding Themes, and build partnerships that enrich the entire community. Leverage America250MI resources and statewide initiatives to expand momentum and deepen community engagement. Most of all, celebrate Michigan's unique and exciting stories!
Why this matters...
As we approach America's 250th anniversary in 2026, Michigan has a unique opportunity to showcase our state's endless contributions to the American story. Through America250MI's 5 Guiding Themes, every community can participate in this historic moment:
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The American Experiment - How democracy has evolved and grown in Michigan
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We the People - Celebrating all the voices that built our state
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The Power of Place - Michigan's unique contributions to America through its geography, resources, and communities
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Unfinished Revolutions - Our ongoing work toward equality and justice
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Doing History - Preserving and sharing our stories for future generations
The best part? Anyone can get involved! You don't need special credentials, extensive resources, or prior experience. All you need is enthusiasm for Michigan's history and a desire to bring your community together!
Step 1.
Form Your America250MI Committee
Local Committees can be established at various levels—regions, counties, cities, towns, or through community organizations such as historical societies, student groups, and civic associations. If your community has not yet formed a committee, here are the steps to inspire collective action and engagement:
Start the Conversation!
Engage Your Community!
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Begin by fostering enthusiasm about America250MI and its significance for everyone within your community.
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Host informal gatherings, discussions, or brainstorming sessions to discuss the idea of forming a committee.
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Encourage individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels—students, parents, seniors, and anyone with a passion for local history—to join the conversation.
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This initiative is open to all, regardless of experience or resources.
Gather Support and Resources
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Collaborate with local organizations, schools, and community champions to create a supportive network for your committee.
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Seek out resources and tools that empower members to contribute, whether it be educational materials, event ideas, or promotional support.
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Encourage participants to share their talents and resources, whether it includes creativity in planning events or skills in marketing.
Welcome
Everyone!
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Emphasize that forming an America250MI committee is accessible to everyone, including high school students.
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All that's required is a desire to participate and make a difference in honoring and exploring Michigan's history.
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Highlight the importance of collaboration with local politicians, city councils, and government officials, as their support can enhance the committee’s impact and facilitate engagement with the broader community.​
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Meet Regularly and Plan Events
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Establish a schedule for regular meetings that fit the needs of your members. Use these gatherings to brainstorm ideas, plan events, and build camaraderie among participants.
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Engage everyone in planning community events to commemorate the 250th anniversary, celebrating local history and culture with activities that involve all community members.
Invite
Members!
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Establish the Committee within your local community.
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Formalize the committee by drafting a simple charter or mission statement outlining its purpose and goals.
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Focus on collective storytelling about Michigan's history. Click here for an example of the America250MI Mission and Vision statement.
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Ensure that the committee reflects the unique makeup of your community, welcoming voices from all walks of life.​​​
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Communicte and Collaborate
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Maintain an open, friendly environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas. Encourage input from all members, ensuring that authentic community voices are heard.
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Publicize committee activities through social media and local forums, fostering a sense of community ownership while inviting others to get involved.
Recommended Committee Composition
To ensure broad representation and engagement, local committees should ideally include members from all sectors of the community:
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Tourism: Representatives from local attractions, lodging, and restaurants.
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Economic Development: Individuals interested in growth and community sustainability.
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Education: Students, teachers, and educational organizations of all levels eager to be involved.
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Tribal Representatives: Members from Native American tribal governments and organizations.
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Museums and Historic Sites: Local cultural institutions open to collaboration.
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Local Historical and Cultural Groups: This includes arts organizations and community heritage groups.
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Community Advocates: Individuals committed to local engagement and development.
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Youth Leaders: High school students and young adults eager to lead.
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Local Politicians and City Council Members: Engaging with these officials can facilitate support for your initiatives.
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Churches and faith based organizations.
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Service organizations such as VFW Veterans groups, Kiwanis, Eagles, Masons, etc.
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Any Other Interested Community Members: Anyone with a passion for history and a desire to participate!
Step 2.
PASS YOUR OFFICIAL RESOLUTION
Passing a resolution for America250MI is an empowering process that allows everyone in your community to participate and promote activities related to the 250th Semiquincentennial Commemoration –250th Anniversary–of the Declaration of Independence and the United States. This initiative encourages collaboration among residents, local organizations, and civic leaders, providing a platform for multiple voices and perspectives.
Why Pass an
Official Resolution?
An official resolution:
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Provides formal recognition of your committee.
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Demonstrates community commitment to America250MI.
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Opens doors for collaboration with local government.
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Creates momentum for your initiatives.
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Shows how your community embraces our 5 Guiding Themes.
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Tips for
Success
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Schedule time on the agenda in advance.
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Bring committee members to show community support.
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Prepare a brief presentation explaining America250MI and your plans.
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Emphasize how this connects to broader state and national celebrations.
Use Provided Template
The resolution template (included below) can be customized to reflect your community's unique vision. Work as a committee to:
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Highlight local connections to our 5 Guiding Themes.
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Include specific goals for your commemoration activities.
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Reflect your community's unique voices and perspectives.
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Emphasize participation by everyone.
Engage Your Broader Community
Throughout the resolution process:
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Host information sessions about America250MI.
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Use social media to share updates.
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Use the America250MI marketing folder to share our logos and branded images.
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Invite community feedback and input.
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Connect your efforts to our 5 Guiding Themes.
Seek
Adoption
Present your resolution to:
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City councils or county commissions.
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Township boards.
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Tribal authorities.
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Other local governing bodies.
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Local Historical Society.
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Local School Club.
A resolution can be passed by any body or group!
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Step 3.
CELEBRATE AND TAKE ACTION!
Once the resolution is adopted, celebrate this achievement! Organize an event or a gathering to publicly announce the resolution, empowering everyone involved.
Use this moment to build momentum for upcoming activities and initiatives related to the America250MI commemoration, ensuring that your community remains engaged and informed.
By following these steps, your community can effectively pass a resolution that not only acknowledges the importance of the America250MI initiative but also actively involves residents from all walks of life. Together, this collaborative effort ensures that Michigan's contributions to American history are celebrated, appreciated, and preserved for future generations.
Celebrate Your Success!
Once your resolution passes:
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Organize a public announcement event
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Share the news through local media – see the press release template in the marketing folder.
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Thank everyone who participated.
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Use this momentum to build excitement for future activities.
Plan Regular Meetings
Establish a schedule that works for your members to:
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Brainstorm event ideas connected to our 5 Guiding Themes.
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Plan community activities for the 250th anniversary.
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Build relationships and maintain momentum.
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Coordinate with other local organizations.
Connect with America250MI!
Your official committee can:
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Partner with a 501(c)3, a tribal government, or a municipal government to apply for a America250MI History Grant starting November 1, 2025.
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Participate in statewide initiatives.
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Access resources and promotional materials on the America250MI website.
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Join our network of Michigan communities celebrating together!
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Program Guide
If you need information about forming a committee, passing a resolution, understanding the 5 Guiding Themes, or any other aspect of participating in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, please access our Program Guide below. This comprehensive resource is designed to provide you with all the necessary tools and insights to engage meaningfully in this historic celebration. Whether you're looking to contribute to local events, collaborate with community members, or learn more about the significance of this milestone, our Program Guide will assist you in making the most of your involvement.
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Need further advice or guidance? Reach out to us at America250MI@gmail.com.