Reflecting on 2025 & Hope for 2026

As we welcome 2026, we pause to reflect on the resilience and accomplishments of our community in 2025. Despite uncertainty locally and nationally, Midland County residents continued to show up for one another—whether stepping in when SNAP benefits were at risk, supporting nonprofits with time and resources, making the County Fair more inclusive, or celebrating together during Neighboring Week.

The volunteers of the Midland County Inclusion Alliance are grateful to work alongside so many who share the vision of an inclusive community where everyone thrives. This year we:

• Distributed over 250 Hate Has No Home Here signs

• Hosted 100+ participants in educational workshops

• Connected with hundreds at community events

• Placed 8,000 student-designed decals on Midland Public Schools Chromebooks

• Welcomed new volunteers energized by this mission

Thank you for your support and engagement. Keep reaching out to neighbors, having hard conversations, reading, listening, learning, and exploring discomfort. Together, our work of connecting, educating, and advocating continues.

Stay well, stay safe, and here’s to a hopeful new year.
— The MCIA Volunteer Team

Celebrating an Inclusive Holiday Season in Midland County

The holiday season is here, and we’re thrilled to see sensory-friendly opportunities continuing to grow in our community! These programs provide welcoming spaces where everyone can come together and enjoy the magic of the season—whether it’s visiting Santa, listening to festive music, or sharing a family film.

Below you’ll find upcoming sensory-friendly events happening right here in Midland County this month. We hope you’ll join in and experience the joy of the holidays in an inclusive and supportive environment!

Navigating Families & Politics Resource

Do divisive topics derail your holiday celebrations? Would you like to steer passionate conversations at family gatherings to be more respectful and inclusive for everyone?

Braver Angels, a political depolarization nonprofit, is here to help with a free online mini-course focused on strategies for both turning down the temperature and making the heat more productive. “Families & Politics” is listed as requiring around 40 minutes, and it provides some exceptional examples that can be used as templates for navigating challenging scenarios.

Check it out here: https://braverangels.org/what-we-do/take-an-ecourse/

Make sure to follow us on social media to keep up with MCIA events, resources, and great things going on in the community!
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Thanks for your continual support of the work MCIA volunteers do to make Midland a more welcoming and inclusive community for everyone. From speakers to workshops to our MPS Chromebook Sticker project to behind-the-scenes advocacy, it all take a lot of time and passion - a little bit of money. Your support is appreciated!