What Are Outreach Councils and Why Do They Matter?

Outreach Councils are local groups that meet to talk about community needs and ways to respond.​ There is one Outreach Council for each county Mid Michigan Community Action serves: Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola.

Council members may include people with lived experience, community partners, local leaders, volunteers, and others who care about helping their area.

Each community is different, and community members know their communities best. Outreach Councils help Mid Michigan Community Action:
  • Hear directly from people in the community
  • Better understand local needs and barriers
  • Connect with partners and resources
  • Identify gaps in services
  • Share updates about programs and events
  • Strengthen local planning and outreach

Outreach Councils are working groups focused on listening, problem-solving, and building connections. 

Your voice can help us see what is working, what is missing, and what households may need next. The feedback and ideas shared at council meetings can help guide outreach, strengthen partnerships, and connect more people with support.

What Council Members Do

Outreach Council members:
  • Attend local council meetings
  • Share community feedback and ideas
  • Talk about needs they see or hear about
  • Share information about local events or services
  • Suggest ways Mid Michigan Community Action can better reach people in the community
  • Take part in respectful, solution-focused conversations
 
Meetings may also include updates from Mid Michigan Community Action, updates from community partners, resource sharing, and planning for community outreach efforts.

Outreach Councils help plan and host Neighbors in Action events. These are local events that help connect people with resources, information, and community support.

Each county Outreach Council elects one representative to serve on the Mid Michigan Community Action Board of Directors. This helps bring local community voices into agency-level planning and decisions.

​Members are not expected to have all the answers. The goal is to bring different experiences and ideas together to help strengthen communities.

Interested in Joining an Outreach Council?

Outreach Councils are open to people who live or work in the communities we serve and want to help strengthen local resources and connections.

We are especially interested in hearing from people with lived experience, including people who have used local services or supported family members, friends, or neighbors as they looked for help.

If you are interested in joining an Outreach Council, we encourage you to contact your local Outreach Coordinator before attending your first meeting. Your Outreach Coordinator can answer questions, tell you what to expect, and help you decide if the council is a good fit for you.
If you are not able to connect with someone before the meeting, you are still welcome to attend!

Contact Your Outreach Coordinator

If you have questions about Outreach Councils, want to check when your next meeting is, or would like to talk before attending, contact your local Outreach Coordinator.

Your Outreach Coordinator can tell you what to expect, share meeting details, and help you decide if an Outreach Council is a good fit for you.
​
Bay County Clare County Gladwin County Mecosta County Midland County Muskegon County Oceana County Osceola County
When you reach out, it helps if you can share:
  • That you're interested in Outreach Councils
  • What county's council you're interested in joining
  • Any questions you have before attending

Upcoming Outreach Council Meetings

Meeting schedules vary by area and are subject to change. Please check the details for your local council or contact your Outreach Coordinator before attending.
See My County's Meetings
Bay | Clare | Gladwin | Mecosta | Midland | Muskegon | Oceana | Osceola
Bay County
Meetings are at 5 PM at the Bay County Community Action Center unless otherwise noted
  • Tuesday, July 21
  • Tuesday, August 18
  • Tuesday, September 15
  • Tuesday, October 20
  • Tuesday, November 17
  • No meeting in December
Clare County
Meetings are at 1:30 PM at Pere Marquette District Library in Clare unless otherwise noted
  • Thursday, July 30​
  • Thursday, August 20
  • Thursday, September 17
  • Thursday, October 15
  • Thursday, ​November 19
Gladwin County
​Meetings are at 5 PM at the Gladwin County Community Action Center unless otherwise noted
  • Wednesday, July 22​
  • Wednesday, August 26
  • Wednesday, September 23
  • Wednesday, October 28
  • November meeting TBA
  • No meeting in December
Mecosta County
Meetings are at 10:30 AM at Michigan Works! in Big Rapids unless otherwise noted
  • Monday, July 20 
  • Monday, August 17
  • Monday, September 21
  • Monday, October 19
  • Monday, ​November 16
Midland County
​Meetings are at 5 PM at the Midland County Community Action Center unless otherwise noted
  • Wednesday, July 15
  • Wednesday, August 19
  • Wednesday, September 16
  • Wednesday, October 21
  • Wednesday, November 18
  • No meeting in December
Muskegon County
Meetings are at 11 AM at the Muskegon County Community Action Center unless otherwise noted
  • Thursday, July 30
  • Thursday, August 27
  • Thursday, September 24
  • Thursday, October 29
  • No meeting in November
  • Thursday, ​December 10
Oceana County
Meetings are at 11 AM at the Oceana County Community Action Center unless otherwise noted
  • Wednesday, July 29
  • Wednesday, August 26
  • Wednesday, September 30
  • Wednesday, ​October 28
  • No meeting in November
  • ​Wednesday, December 9
Osceola County
Meetings are at 1:30 PM at Michigan Works! in Reed City unless otherwise noted
  • Monday, July 20
  • Tuesday, August 18
  • Tuesday, September 15
  • Tuesday, October 13
  • Tuesday, November 17

Frequently Asked Questions

​Are Outreach Council meetings open to the public?
Yes! Outreach Councils are open to people who live or work in the community. We encourage you to contact your local Outreach Coordinator before attending your first meeting, but you are welcome to attend if you are not able to connect with someone first.
 
Do I have to work for an organization to join?
No. Community members, people with lived experience, and local partners all have helpful insight to share.
 
What if I have a concern about a service I received?
We want to hear feedback, but Outreach Councils are not the best place to resolve individual service concerns. If you need help with a specific issue, please contact Mid Michigan Community Action directly so staff can connect you with the right person.
How often do councils meet?
Councils typically meet monthly, but there may be additional times beyond the monthly meetings. Meeting schedules vary by area.
What if I can’t make it to every meeting?
That’s okay! Attend as you can. If you can’t make it to a meeting, just let your Outreach Coordinator know, and they can get any input from you for the meeting and let you know what you’ve missed.
 
Can I share information about local resources or events?
Yes. Outreach Councils can be a helpful place to share information about local resources, events, and needs.