Advocacy

Hope for Creation is involved in efforts to create systemic change, which is desperately needed as our planet continues to warm at record rates and lives are impacted. We advocate for a shift in state and national policy to prioritize climate justice. Whether it is speaking at our local city commission, making phone calls to our representatives, or participating in marches and protests, we recognize that systemic change is absolutely vital. Below are some opportunities to join this effort.

See below for current advocacy opportunities!

Calling for Climate Justice

March Advocacy: Data Centers

We will be calling our State Reps this month (see phone numbers below) Script for call:

"Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I am a constituent living in [Your City/Township].

I am calling to urge Representative/Senator [Name] to support the repeal of tax incentives for data centers (such as HB 5396). It is irresponsible to give tax breaks to some of the wealthiest corporations in the world while Michigan residents face potential energy shortages and rate hikes. These centers also consume millions of gallons of water and discharge polluted wastewater into our streams, rely on air-polluting diesel generators as backup, and increase our dependence on fossil fuels. We cannot sacrifice our environment for low-employment, high-consumption projects.

I also ask that you support House Bills 5594-5596, that would halt the construction of data centers in Michigan until April 1, 2027, allowing local leaders and residents some time to consider environmental and community concerns. Thank you for your time."

United States Reps

U.S. Senators:

Senator Gary Peters

202-224-6221 (DC office)

Senator Elissa Slotkin

202-224-4822 (DC office)

U.S. Congress 4th District (includes Kalamazoo)

Congressman Bill Huizenga

(202) 225-4401 (DC office)

Governor Whitmer's office

517-335-7858

Michigan Reps for Kalamazoo

Sean McCann

Office phone: 517-373-5100

Email: sensmccann@senate.michigan.gov

Julie Rogers

Phone: 517-373-1783

Email: julierogers@house.mi.gov

Fish for the Future Campaign

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – In a massive collective effort to protect the Great Lakes and shut down Line 5, organizations and participants part of the Fish for the Future campaign broke the world record for the largest display of origami fish. The campaign collected a total of 86,262 fish. The collection debuted at the Urban Ecology Center this weekend.

Participants across the world mailed origami fish in thousands of fish to promote protecting our water and shutting down the Line 5 pipeline. The world record for largest display of origami fish was previously set at 18,303 origami fish by a group in Japan.

At the world record-breaking announcement, participants took action and contacted Governor Whitmer’s office to ask her to deny permits for the Line 5 tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac.

The new world record of 86,262 paper fish include:

Fish from all 50 states as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico
15,596 fish made by an Akira Toki Middle School science class in Madison, Wisconsin
Fish from over 70 groups across the Great Lakes region, including religious organizations and congregations, schools, scout groups, climate action organizations, and more.

Check out the full photo gallery!