WHAT

The 2024 Advocacy Day at the Michigan State Capitol will be held on Wednesday, March 13. Last year, 350 United Methodists and friends from across Michigan spent the day advocating with their state legislators, and this year, we hope to grow that participation.  Our focus in 2024 is assuring that all persons have access to affordable mental health care and to reduce the stigma of mental health that impacts every family in Michigan.

WHO

This event is for anyone who cares about mental health care in Michigan.  In other words, everyone!

WHEN

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

*All times Eastern Standard Time
7:30 AM Registration and refreshments
8:30 AM Welcome
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Advocacy Activites
10:30 AM Introductions in the Senate Chamber
11:30 AM Press Conference
12:15 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Worship
Official events conclude after worship. Capitol tours are optional at 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM. Sign-up is included in the registration form.

COST

This year's Advocacy Day is being offered on a sliding scale.  A fee of $30 per person is recommended, and includes refreshments, lunch and materials.  Additional funds will be used for future Advocacy Days.

WHERE

Central United Methodist, 215 N. Capital Ave., Lansing, MI 48933

Semicolon Butterfly; What you need to know.

Semicolons have become an important symbol for those struggling with mental health issues. The semicolon is used when an author could have ended a sentence but chose not to. In this analogy, those struggling with mental health are the authors; the sentence is their lives, and the semicolon represents a decision to say, "My story isn't over yet," and continue living.

For centuries, butterflies have symbolized transformation, rebirth, and growth. Combining these symbols, the semicolon butterfly has become a powerful image representing strength, perseverance, and hope for people who have experienced mental illness and their loved ones.

Your creativity is needed!

On Advocacy Day, 421 semicolon butterflies will be displayed on the Capitol lawn, each representing 1,000 Michiganders in 2020 who did not receive the mental health treatment they needed. Each elected official will receive a semicolon butterfly along with letters and a FAQ detailing specific asks.

Your help is needed in making these 600 butterflies. Be as creative as you want; we welcome all craft mediums! Most of these will be hung outside on a string, so please make them weather-resistant (i.e., laminate paper butterflies). Here are some examples to give you ideas: Semicolon butterfly coloring page, construction paper butterfly, sew a butterfly, knit a butterfly, crochet a butterfly  The possibilities are endless! Supplies you might consider using include: pipe cleaners, felt, fabric, paper plates, construction paper, yarn, cardboard, recycled material, clothespins, and more! Remember: They need to be able to be hung on a string outside!