Up North Advocacy

08/26/2026

Join the Sault Tribe this upcoming Saturday in their fight to protect our beloved environment!

08/14/2026

Bonds and millages have always been a bandaid on the larger issue of disinvestment. When the state and federal governments fail to fully fund public education, millages are a way for local communities to try and bridge that gap.

As the cost of living increases, we know that people will continue to struggle with these proposals. We can’t rely solely on patchwork solutions when what we truly need is systemic change.

08/12/2026

"More than three-quarters of Michigan townships and villages have trouble finding people to fill elected or appointed offices... Even when there is someone to run for office, those races often are uncontested, according to the survey."

If we mean to maintain control over our own communities, we are going to need a lot more people to step up - and they are going to need their communities to support them.

Many of Michigan’s nearly 1,500 townships and villages are run by part-time retirees in their 80s who are begging for help. The system is frayed and, without reform, communities could falter. Lansing isn’t coming to rescue.

08/11/2026

Super proud to sponsor this event! Nearly 450 folks joined us either in person or online to learn more about what our communities can do to protect ourselves from this extractive industry.

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WBUP / WJMN) — Communities across the Upper Peninsula are rallying against the expansion of artificial intelligence data centers, drawing support from local residents and a well-known Midwestern

08/10/2026

We look forward to seeing you tonight in person or via Zoom!

Please join us for the Lessons Learned from the Data Center Fightback event happening on August 10. At this event we will hear from some incredible speakers about their work and roles in the pivotal fight against data centers in Northern Michigan. You may join either in person at the locations listed on the poster, or virtually. Please sign up using the QR code or this link: https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/northern-michigan-alliance-for-responsible-development?source=direct_link&

08/09/2026

Join Up North Advocacy, the Northern Michigan Alliance for Responsible Development, and Charlie Berens to learn about the data center fightback in Northern Michigan. Learn how you can help protect our land, water, and ways of life! Register here: https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/northern-michigan-alliance-for-responsible-development?source=direct_link&

08/07/2026

It's that time of year again! Please consider reaching out to Dave Markham: [email protected] or visit this page: https://upnorthadvocacy.org/home/ to get involved with a new cohort of the Sault Ste. Marie area Men's Circles! This retreat will be held from August 28-30. See you there!

To read more about our Men’s Circles please visit - https://upnorthadvocacy.org/home/
📍Open to Chippewa County Area men.

08/06/2026

Up North Advocacy is excited to share that our Chippewa County community came together to support the Community-Based Healthcare Services Millage. These programs are essential to keep our community thriving.

08/04/2026

We took a little time this weekend to celebrate the people who make Up North Advocacy what it is. We shared information about the upcoming elections (thanks, Promote the Vote MI!) had a cookout, played games, gave out some prizes, and had heckin’ fun enjoying each other's company.

We also heard updates from across our amazing volunteers: Hillary shared about People Organizing for Public Schools, Jess talked about Northern Michigan for Responsible Developments and her work helping communities understand and prepare for data center and crypto development, Kalvin gave updates on our Men’s Circles, and Amanda from Michigan Climate Action Network trained our crew on holding elected officials accountable. We also made time for everyone else to share what they’re working on.

And for maybe the first time in UNA history, we even thought of taking pictures!

Thanks to everyone who came out and continues to show up for our community! We’re so darn proud to do this work alongside of you.❤️

08/04/2026

Get out to vote today!

Michigan voters, polls are officially open!🗳️

Cast your ballot for Michigan's Primary Election today from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. Need to find your polling place? Go to MI.gov/vote.