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As our series Three Things continues, Michigan Radio’s Morning Edition host Christina Shockley speaks with Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop about what three things he thinks all of us can do to help improve our state.

Senator Bishop begins by encouraging Michigan citizens to be proactive and positive. Calling for civil engagement of all kinds, Bishop says, “Democracy is only as great as the people who participate.”

It’s important, says Bishop, that Michiganders don’t wave their right to have a role in determining the state’s future. “One person can make a difference,” adds Bishop, “And if you don’t feel comfortable being proactive on your own, join groups… Share your thoughts with others and join a movement to make a difference.”

For his second idea, Mr. Bishop says, simply, “Be a good neighbor.” Acknowledging the tough economic times facing many in Michigan, Bishop says, “There’s been pressures placed on every single one of us, but some are truly overwhelmed.” Bishop would like to see more involvement in local service projects, whether that means donating time, skills, food, or clothing.

Besides community-based ways to help neighbors, Bishop is also urging residents to simply check up on their neighbors to make sure they are okay. “You’d be surprised,” says Bishop, “just how close to home people are that are genuinely in need.”

On the potential impact of stopping by a neighbor’s house to make sure all is well, Bishop says, “It’s a gesture of kindness that people will never forget. I just think we need to start the act of charity at home with our neighbors, and if we could start it there, imagine what we could do to an entire neighborhood, an entire community, and an entire state.”

Bishop keeps it simple for his third idea as well, calling on residents to set good examples for others. Whether your behavior is setting an example for a child, grandchild, student, or random stranger, Bishop thinks Michigan is in need of positive role models. Negative thinking is a big problem, says Bishop, adding, “I’m afraid we could lose an entire generation of our world that is really jaded by the negativity of the day.”

Rather than blaming the state’s problems on one political party or the other, Bishop says it’s time to recognize that the state’s problems belong to all of Michigan and all its residents. “All of us are in this together,” says Bishop, “Stop the negativity, teach our children to be part of the solution, and Michigan’s destiny is in all of our hands.”