LCC students bringing change to Lansing

By Carson Lemon
Staff Reporter

Clubs are a large part of the student life culture that Lansing Community College has worked to foster. Student Advocates for Michigan Growth is a club recently founded by LCC students focusing on community work and political activism in local elections.

On LCC’s Clubs and Organizations webpage, interested students can read more about what the club does and find a contact link to get involved. The site states that “The mission of this student organization is to contribute to the growth and development of Michigan by getting involved in and advocating for local politics while also focusing on improving the Downtown/Lansing area through community service.”

Student Advocates for Michigan Growth became a Registered Student Organization in April 2024 and since then has participated in community events like the Adopt A River cleanup hosted by the Board of Water and Light and Impression 5 Science Center. The club meets on Wednesdays in the Gannon Building and discusses local issues and community events where they can make a difference.

Camille Murphy, the club president, spoke a bit about how the club has fostered her relationship with the city. “I do think this club has strengthened my relationship with Lansing, because it has helped me get involved in the community of people who care about improving our city. In the past, I didn't know there were so many interested groups of people trying to make a difference,” Murphy said.

Not only focused on community service, Student Advocates for Michigan Growth also discuss and promote attention towards local elections, like Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s bid for Governor of Michigan. "A way we focus on local politics is by advocating for participating in smaller elections and encouraging our members to promote public figures that they feel will improve Michigan,” Murphy said.

Reflecting on her time spent with the club, Murphy said, “My favorite thing we have done was the Recycle Rama [event]. It was lots of fun to work with my club members, running around and helping out where we were needed.”

Students interested in joining the club are welcome to attend a meeting without any expectation of joining. Encouraging interested students to check the club out, Murphy said, “In a world where all news seems to be bad news, you can still make a positive change in your community. It is exhausting trying to focus on every world issue, and it can bring you down; instead of feeling like the world is on your shoulders, try to focus on the difference you can make right outside your own front door. PS, we have snacks!”