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All this year, Michigan Radio has been asking people from across the state what three things they think we can all do to help improve the state. It’s part of our series Three Things. Today, Michigan Radio’s Morning Edition host Christina Shockley speaks with Grand Rapids artist Tommy Allen.

For his Three Things interview, Grand Rapids-based artist Tommy Allen focuses both on cooperation and personal independence. To begin, Allen encourages communities to engage the next generation earlier. Speaking of his work with community-based groups, Allen says, “Sometimes there’s a sense of ownership from people that are in an older demographic.”

In order to imagine our future, Allen believes we must tap into the energy and vision of younger generations. He explains, “The next generation brings an amazing, fresh perspective. It brings a new way of looking at your surroundings, and I think that if we can engage the generations that are coming up through the ranks earlier in projects… we have a chance to get an idea what the future might look like for our state.”

For his second idea, Mr. Allen suggests that Michiganders reconsider the idea of patriotism in a more inclusive way. Recognizing the tendency for people to accept flag waving as the ultimate demonstration of patriotism, Allen says, “For me, patriotism is really about the wonderful inclusion that we can have as people who really believe in what’s happening in our state… It’s not what divides us. It’s what brings us together.”

Citing his work as a community organizer, Allen says he often works with people with diverse views and conflicting ideas about how to solve problems. However, Allen says the people he works with don’t let their disagreements overshadow what they have in common. He explains, “Even if we don’t line up politically, and we don’t line up on every issue, things do get done in a very positive fashion.”

As to how this idea of inclusive patriotism could be applied more broadly in Michigan, Mr. Allen suggests that the cities of Grand Rapids and Detroit could share what they have to offer with each other. He adds, “One of the projects I’d like to see get off the ground is to try to create a greater creative, class, cultural exchange program between the two cities to really improve and increase dialogue about Michigan.”

Mr. Allen’s third idea involves the ability and willingness for individuals to step up and act on their good ideas. Allen says, “The whole history of our planet revolves around the idea once in a while that somebody will step up with a new idea, or that somebody will step up with a new concept and put it into action.” Using planet-changing entrepreneur Steve Jobs as an example, Mr. Allen calls the ability for one person to change the world with an idea “the power of one.”

Given Michigan’s current economic situation, Allen adds, “I really believe there is no reason why anybody who feels they have a good idea shouldn’t be willing to step forward with that idea in Michigan.”

Noting that the business tax in the state is not ideal for start-up businesses, Mr. Allen says he wishes the state could address this problem in order to encourage more innovation.

In terms of how to put an innovative idea into action, Mr. Allen urges Michigan citizens to get involved with local community groups. He says, “If you have an idea, really seek out an organization that might be a good mentor or a good partnership for you… I think it’s really just matching up whatever your idea is with some group or some organization within your own community.”