INTRODUCTION 

Citizen participation is an essential component of any democratic government. Leaders require input and feedback from the public to enact policies consistent with the will of the people. In many cases, communication between the public and their elected leaders is limited by citizens’ uncertainty about the way government operates or the most effective means of sharing information with their representatives. Knowing who is responsible for public policy and how to contact them is important for anyone who wants to influence the process.

The intent of this Citizen’s Guide is to provide the public with some of the specific information that is necessary to influence public policy. This guide contains an overview of state government, contact information for state departments and state and federal lawmakers, information about how the lawmaking process works in Michigan, and guidance about how to ensure your message reaches policymakers in the most constructive way