Getting Involved

An active citizenry is essential for a thriving community. As the government most accessible to the people, townships offer myriad opportunities for involvement—whether it's volunteering as a firefighter, sharing insights during a visioning session on the township's future, participating on a township committee, or seeking elected office on the township board.

Citizen Engagement

Local governments provide many opportunities for individuals to directly participate in decisions and in the delivery of programs and services.

Running for Office

What the requirements to run for elected public office? And what skills and core competencies are necessary to be an effective local leader?

Helpful links

Click here for Open Meetings Act
Click here for Freedom of Information Act
Click here for Community Dispute Resolution Program (Michigan Supreme Court website)
Download "Opening the Door to An Active Constituency" (PDF) Michigan Township News, April 2004
Download The Neighborhood Charrette Handbook (PDF)
Download "Educating Youth About Local Government" (PDF) Michigan Township News, September 2002
Click here for International Association for Public Participation (IAP2)
Click here for Cobalt Community Research, Local Government Programs
Click here for White House Open Government Initiative

New to township government? MTA is here to help!

As you serve your community, the MTA is here to help you fulfill your role as a township legislator. MTA has a vast array of services and resources available to help you succeed as a local leader:

Got township questions? We've got answers. MTA's Member Information Services Department is available to answer member officials' inquiries on all facets of township governance and administration.
Explore our online resources. MTA's website, www.michigantownships.org, offers hundreds of pages of information and knowledge for Michigan's township officials. Contact the MTA office for a username and password.
Professional development offered year-round. MTA workshop topics range from the basic "nuts and bolts" duties of township officials to advanced policy issues that members face. We offer everything from webinars (including a series specifically for new officials) to half-day workshops to a three-day Annual Conference.
Your link to Lansing. MTA's Government Relations Department is your connection to what's happening at the Capitol and in Washington, D.C. MTA lobbyists are on the front lines in Lansing, fighting for or against legislation in order to protect township government.
Publications put information right into your hands. MTA publications—from our enewsletters, to our monthly Township Focus magazine, to nearly 20 publications on township governance and administration—provide the resources and information you need to succeed.

It is our privilege to provide these quality services to our member township officials. Please do not hesitate to contact MTA with any questions or for additional assistance.