About Michigan Climate Action Network
1 About MiCAN
2 Organization Members
3 Business Members
4 Equity and Justice
5 Contact Us
Michigan Climate Action Network connects and amplifies individuals, communities, and organizations confronting the climate crisis in Michigan and supports them in advancing equitable climate solutions with the urgency science demands for the environment and all that live in it.
We envision a state with equitable climate solutions and 100% clean, affordable energy for all; where communities are prepared for and resilient to the climate impacts we cannot avoid; where everyone has access to good, family-sustaining jobs; where frontline and fenceline populations, along with local and indigenous communities, are centered in authentic engagement and decision making; where investments in the most impacted and vulnerable communities are prioritized; and where all Michiganders live in pollution-free communities, thereby preserving the health, safety, and quality of life that makes Michigan the exceptional place we all call our home.
Meet the MICAN Staff
Kate Madigan, Executive Director
Kate has led the Michigan Climate Action Network since 2015, and has worked for climate, health, and the environment for two decades. Kate's work has included co-founding the Oil & Water Don't Mix coalition to shut down Line 5 and getting Traverse City to set the first community-wide 100% renewable energy goal in Michigan. Kate previously was the Deputy Policy Director for the Michigan Environmental Council in Lansing, and led a national safe food campaign based in Los Angeles for Environment America. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan School of Environment and Sustainability and a master's degree from the School for International Training in Vermont. She has ties across the Michigan – her family is from Detroit and Flint, and she lived in Lansing before moving to Traverse City with her husband and two children 10 years ago.
Jamie Simmons, Engagement Director
Jamie is a macro social worker and organizer who has worked within reentry job retention and succession planning, social justice advocacy and education dialogues, and helped establish the UM Social Work-Engage program. Jamie has spent the majority of her career helping people, organizations, and higher education institutions center equity and authentic engagement. She holds a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University School of Social Science and a master's degree from the University of Michigan School of Social Work.
Emmy Schneider-Green, Digital Media Manager
Emmy has a background in online and print journalism, social media management, and digital communication and marketing. She's particularly passionate about how we can most effectively encourage pro-health and environmental behavior using language that's accessible and non-preachy. She's managed social media presences for a variety of brands and organizations, is a regular contributor to several health and wellness publications, and was previously a bill editor for the Florida Senate. She holds a bachelor's degree from the Florida State University in Editing, Writing, and Media and a master's degree, also from Florida State University, in Communication and Media Studies.
Nirali Shah, Digital Intern
Nirali is a recent graduate who is motivated by the power of storytelling to create youth and environmental justice. Nirali is inspired by reciprocity within natural ecosystems for community building and is particularly excited to help engage MiCAN's youth audience.
Michigan Climate Action Network (c/o the Groundwork Center)
148 E. Front Street, Suite 303
The MiCAN Steering Committee
We appreciate the contributions and experience of the following individuals who are moving our Mission and Vision forward.
Missy Stults, Ph.D., Sustainability and Innovations Manager, City of Ann Arbor City of Ann Arbor
Justin Onwenu, Healthy Communities and Environmental Justice Organizer, Sierra Club
Frank Houston, Regional Program Manager, BlueGreen Alliance
Bentley Johnson, Senior Partnerships Manager, Michigan LCV
Conan Smith, President & CEO, Michigan Environmental Council
Catherine Garten, recent U/M graduate and Citizens' Climate Lobby volunteer
Bill Wood, Executive Director, West Michigan Environmental Action Council
Jim Lively, Director of Program Strategy, Groundwork Center
Bill Latka, TC350 and Oil & Water Don't Mix
Kate Madigan, Director, Michigan Climate Action Network
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BUILDING AND MOBILIZING A STRONGER CLIMATE MOVEMENT IN MICHIGAN
We have grown our network to over 75 organizations and 30,000 individuals, and we partner with many coalitions and campaigns working for climate solutions and justice around the state. We create opportunities for network members to share information and work together.
MiCAN organizes events, like the annual Michigan Climate Action Summit, the first statewide public gathering focused on climate action. We also support and uplift dozens of events each year happening around the state, from virtual webinars to rallies and marches.
MAKING CLIMATE A TOP ISSUE IN MICHIGAN
Climate in the Media - MiCAN generates dozens of stories on climate and solutions each year in newspapers, television news, and radio programs.
Building the Biggest Social Media Platform - We have strategically built our social media presence to have one of the largest social media audiences of any group in Michigan, and we reach over 100,000 people each month between our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, while also keeping people informed with our emails.
The Climate Solutions Podcast - MiCAN partnered with the Groundwork Center to host the Speaking of Resilience Podcast where we interviewed thought leaders on climate and justice in Michigan and the Midwest, and reached tens of thousands of people with our content.
Climate Candidate Education – We meet with candidates and use surveys and videos to educate them about priority climate, health, and clean energy policies.
ADVANCING EQUITABLE CLIMATE SOLUTIONS FOR 100% CLEAN ENERGY
Supporting Local Climate Work - MiCAN led the effort that passed the first community-wide 100% clean energy goal in Michigan. We are supporting partners who are leading efforts in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Oakland County, Grand Rapids, Petoskey, and communities around the state.
Supporting Climate Policies in Lansing - Using phone banking, email, and social media, we let network members know about opportunities to help move forward new policies in the legislature, and have generated 5000 comments on climate-related policy in a matter of weeks.
Shutting Down Line 5 - We are a leading group in the Oil & Water Don't Mix Campaign and we are formal interveners with the Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) working to prevent the Michigan Public Service Commission to deny a permit for a Line 5 oil tunnel.
Many citizens and groups in Michigan want to take bold action on climate change. The Michigan Climate Action Network is working to bring everyone together to make sure our state acts for solutions to climate change with the urgency the science demands.