In this lively on-location episode of The Collective Us, hosts Erica Austin and Ryan Buck attend the Michigan Community Action (MCA) Summer Conference in Grand Rapids. They speak with attendees, leaders, and partners to highlight the conference's sessions, energy, and impact on Michigan’s Community Action Network.

• Brian McGrain, MCA Executive Director, explains that the conference blends inspiration, education, and networking. It helps staff from Michigan’s 27 Community Action Agencies connect, recharge, and learn from one another.

• Sessions include organizational guidance, new funding and reporting practices, leadership development, and even wellness offerings like yoga at dawn.

• The conference balances 14+ hour days with reflection time, celebrating staff while addressing the emotional toll of front-line service work.

• Speaker Shannon Cohen emphasized “replenishment” over self-care—reminding staff to refuel emotionally to better serve others.

• The message resonated across the conference, affirming the importance of caring for the caregiver.

• Rebecca Kraus, longtime LDI instructor, discussed the nine-month program designed to build leadership capacity for emerging and mid-level managers.

• LDI focuses on communication, behavioral dynamics, and personal coaching. Peer learning and one-on-one mentorship are critical.

• Kraus is stepping down, with Stephanie Kasprzak (program co-founder) and Michelle Stevens taking over and enhancing the curriculum to align with Emerging Leaders and the national CCAP certification.

• The training path is intentionally designed to cultivate future leaders. Many executive directors across Michigan have gone through LDI.

• Stevens and Kasprzak emphasized inclusive design, peer support, and reducing the learning curve for young leaders.

• Gustavo Perez, Director of Kent County Community Action, described this year’s service project: decorating food boxes with uplifting artwork.

• The goal is to bring smiles and messages of hope to struggling families. Volunteers found joy and purpose in contributing creatively.

• Attendees shared key takeaways:

  • AI's role in community action.

  • Leadership skills and mental health in the workplace.

  • Innovative programs like OLSA’s “Rx Kids,” offering new moms $1,500 to use freely.

  • Relationship-building and peer support were among the most appreciated elements.

• Attendees suggested songs like "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake and "Stayin’ Alive" by the Bee Gees—highlighting the conference’s vibrant, uplifting energy.

• MCA and conference participants stressed that Community Action is more than service—it’s a movement powered by hope, data, and shared mission.

• Erica and Ryan encourage donations to local community action agencies and invite listeners to share the podcast to spread awareness.

Three Words to Sum It All Up?
Innovative. Inspiring. Engaging.

🎙 Key Themes & Highlights:🌟 Conference Experience & Purpose🧘 Focus on Replenishment & Wellness🎓 Leadership Development Institute (LDI)🤝 Building a Leadership Pipeline🎨 Hope in Action Project🗣 Conference Attendee Reflections🎶 If the Conference Had a Soundtrack…💬 Closing Messages