In Michigan We Trust / About
About In Michigan We Trust
In Michigan We Trust is a nonpartisan public education campaign that explains how Michigan’s elections work - including the rules, safeguards and decentralization process - all grounded in state law and the Michigan constitution. The campaign features a rotating set of election laws and facts side by side with real Michiganders doing the iconic Michigan “mitten” hand - a symbol that cuts across geography, ideology and party lines.
Why now? Michigan voter confidence in election administration has rebounded since 2020 but is still fragile. The midterms are a stress test. Research conducted by nonpartisan, right leaning and left leaning groups in Michigan all show that the more people understand about Michigan’s rigorous election administration, the more they trust it.
The goal of In Michigan We Trust is to get that information into the hands of as many Michiganders as possible before November. In Michigan We Trust will be delivered through billboards, TV and digital channels statewide.
In Michigan We Trust is a project from Screaming Eagle Creative Collective, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Screaming Eagle Creative Collective is a group of advertising experts committed to creating a more perfect union by applying premium marketing strategies to scaled civic education. Screaming Eagle Creative Collective and all programs, including In Michigan We Trust, are strictly nonpartisan and do not support any party, candidate or ballot initiative.
Put the facts in front of more Michiganders
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To donate via check, direct deposit, DAF, QCDs, or appreciated stock, please email screamingeaglecollective@proton.me
Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Frequently asked questions
Who is behind In Michigan We Trust?
In Michigan We Trust is a nonpartisan civic education program from Screaming Eagle Creative Collective, developed by its Michigan-based creative and marketing services partners.
Screaming Eagle Creative Collective is a group of advertising experts committed to creating a more perfect union by applying premium marketing strategies to scaled civic education. It is a 501(c)(3) and strictly nonpartisan. Neither Screaming Eagle nor In Michigan We Trust support any candidate, issue or party.
Who paid for In Michigan We Trust?
The campaign thus far has been paid for by individual contributions, from both sides of the aisle.
Are the people in the In Michigan We Trust ads real Michiganders?
Yes! Every person featured is a Michigan resident who volunteered to participate. The campaign intentionally highlights the diversity of people and professions that make the state great.
What do the In Michigan We Trust billboards look like?
The billboards feature real Michiganders, and are running statewide in September, October and November. Every fact is cited to Michigan law, the state constitution or data provided by the state — it’s printed right on the board.
Are the facts featured real Michigan laws?
Yes, every fact shown on the website, a billboard or an ad is backed up by an actual Michigan law, the Michigan state constitution or data provided by the state — that’s why we provide citations that you can check yourself at legislature.mi.gov. There is no spin, and no politics — we present facts fully, cite laws precisely, and let the public decide for itself.
Is In Michigan We Trust partisan? Does it support any candidates or ballot measures?
No, it is strictly nonpartisan. Federal law bars 501(c)(3) organizations like Screaming Eagle Creative Collective from partisan activity, and that objectivity is essential to the credibility of our civic education.
That’s not how I do the UP! Why did you show it that way?
As a team of Michiganders, we had literal hours of debate on this topic! Because we wanted to feature the Michigan mitten palm out in front of each person, this was the only way to represent the UP. When it comes to how to hold your hand, there was no one answer, so we let everyone do it their own way.
Can I use material from In Michigan We Trust?
Yes, we are developing a partner toolkit with branded and unbranded materials that can be repurposed for your social media, emails, newsletters and websites. Stay tuned!
Can I donate to In Michigan We Trust?
Yes, we are still accepting donations to fully fund the multi-channel program. You can donate here. Screaming Eagle Creative Collective is a 501(c)(3) and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.
How can I get in touch?
You can email us at inmichiganwetrust@gmail.com.