Featured Organization: Michigan Moves Coalition
Building a More Active Michigan: Introducing the Michigan Moves Coalition
A blue image of the state of Michigan with an image of a stick figure dancing within the image of the state. To the right of the image is the text “Michigan Moves Coalition”. Underneath the main text is the tagline “Collaboration. Advocacy. Impact.”
The Michigan Moves Coalition was created to address a simple but urgent reality: physical
inactivity is one of the most pressing public health challenges facing our state. With rising rates
of obesity, chronic disease, and sedentary lifestyles—especially among children and
underserved communities—Michigan needed a coordinated strategy to turn the tide.
A Vision for Change
Founded through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and public health leaders across the state, Michigan Moves has a bold vision: to make Michigan the most physically active state in the country. At its heart is a powerful organizing tool -the Michigan Physical Activity Plan (MPAP).
What is the Michigan Physical Activity Plan?
The MPAP is Michigan’s roadmap to increasing physical activity statewide. Based on the National Physical Activity Plan, the MPAP prioritizes the strategies and tactics most relevant to Michigan’s unique needs and communities. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it empowers local organizations to implement evidence-based programs with measurable outcomes—all aligned with a shared statewide vision.
The MPAP is organized around 10 societal sectors, including:
Education
Healthcare
Transportation & Community Design
Recreation, Fitness, & Parks
Public Health
Business & Industry
Faith-Based Settings
Mass Media
Sport
Military & First Responders
Each sector has its own sector committee, comprised of Michigan-based leaders and experts, who identify key priorities, set objectives, and collaborate to roll out programs and advocate for policies that make physical activity easier and more accessible for everyone.
MPAP Core Priorities
The MPAP is guided by six overarching priorities:
Health Equity: Ensure all Michiganders—regardless of ability, income, or background—have access to physical activity opportunities.
Policy Development: Advocate for legislative and systemic changes that support active lifestyles.
Cross-Sector Collaboration: Unite organizations across industries to combine resources and amplify impact.
Evaluation Accountability: Measure outcomes at both the local and state level.
Implementable Outcomes: Ensure that programs are realistic, effective, and scalable.
Sustainable Impact: Build programs that create long-term change, not short-term fixes.
Progress and Momentum
● In 2023, 2024, and 2025, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued official proclamations declaring May as Michigan Moves Month, highlighting the coalition’s importance and aligning the state’s leadership with the growing movement.
● In May 2025, hundreds of students, educators, advocates, and policymakers came together at the Capitol for the first Michigan Moves Day, promoting physical literacy and the importance of daily movement.
● The first version of the MPAP will be finalized in December 2025, with community grant applications opening in early 2026.
Looking Forward: A Movement for All
As the MPAP moves into implementation, equity and accessibility remain front and center. Michigan Moves is actively working to ensure that physical activity programs include and reflect the lived experiences of people with disabilities, older adults, and historically excluded communities. Whether it’s redesigning park spaces, training inclusive coaches, or ensuring activity surfaces are accessible, universal design and community voice are essential to the coalition’s approach. Whether you’re an organization, advocate, policymaker, or simply passionate about health and inclusion—you have a role to play.
