When I started my journey as an MPP at the Ford School, I thought that I was taking a break from Lansing politics to indulge in academic literature and learn to knit in R. Instead, I was thrown into ongoing debates surrounding Michigan's hazardous waste disposal policy, and spent hours lobbying officials—who were also my classmates—on behalf of my clients in local government. This year's Integrated Policy Exercise (IPE) turned Fordies into elected officials, stakeholders, and journalists, allowing my peers and me to peek behind the doors where policy decisions are made. In my simulated role as a representative of the Michigan Association of Counties, I had the opportunity to engage with the policymaking process in a simulation of waste disposal issues in the state of Michigan, as well as meet some of the real-life figures advocating for reform.
As policy students with unique perspectives and lived experiences, we all came to the Ford School with a baseline understanding of our individual policy interests. However, IPE encouraged us to step into the shoes and embody the perspectives of state and local leaders who were different from us. Having this opportunity to engage with policy from a different perspective helped me, and many of my peers, explore creative solutions to a pressing issue. As well as increase our understanding of Michigan politics and geography during our academic programs. This exercise in policymaking was a welcome break from the typical cadence of classes and studying, and enabled students to put their policy analysis and advocacy skills to the test in order to build durable coalitions.
The IPE not only allowed students to exercise their negotiation skills in a time-sensitive scenario, but it was also an opportunity for students to reconnect with their peers and form new bonds at the Ford School. This was one of a few opportunities students had to spend a weekend together and learn from each other in a structured environment. As important as it is for Ford School students to cultivate the technical skills they need as the next generation of leaders, it's also important to remember that policy is not formed in a vacuum and that we can rely on one another to build community. Whether we were playing our respective roles, or taking a minute to be ourselves, Fordies made use of the IPE to check in with each other and refocus. While the simulation can be challenging, it is a great way to round out the perspectives and connections of Ford School students.
Alimatou Sarr is a first-year MPP student with an interest in foreign languages and migration policy. A graduate of UM-Flint, Alimatou spearheaded civic and democratic engagement efforts as part of Turn Up Turnout. Since graduating, she traveled to Jordan to study Arabic as a Critical Language Scholar. During this interim period, she also served as a Legislative Aide in the Michigan House of Representatives. In this role, she mediated issues between constituents and state agencies and advocated alongside Michiganders calling for policy solutions.