“Learn to do right; seek justice, defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” Proverbs 31:8

The Grand Traverse Region

SALT Coalition

By Zeke Fleet and SALT Leadership Team Member Jessica Forster

Mission Statement

SALT (Spiritual Activists Leading Together) is an interfaith coalition of spiritual organizers in the Grand Traverse region. We work to dismantle oppressive structures and build communities rooted in justice. We do this by:

Following the leadership of those most impacted,
Organizing collective power for the common good,
Building relationships, educating, praying, and taking action.

Make a gift to Central Missions now. Support the SALT Coalition: Spiritual Activists Leading Together. Your financial contribution can help uplift those who are oppressed and strengthen our community. Select “Central Missions” on the dropdown when making a donation online.

Background

Founded in 2020 in response to the murder of George Floyd and to protect democracy during the presidential election, a group of Grand Traverse area spiritual leaders came together to create pathways for meaningful change. SALT’s efforts focus on eliminating injustice and challenging harmful stereotypes. Key initiatives include:

Hosting community prayer vigils in response to mass shootings and, at the onset of the Russian invasion, standing in solidarity with area Ukrainian immigrants.
Gathering petition signatures to support voting rights, increase the minimum wage, protect reproductive rights, and advocate for incarcerated individuals.
Educating young voters on their rights and the voting process by partnering with Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and Groundwork to develop a voter toolkit.
Collaborating with governmental and nonprofit organizations to address homelessness and attainable housing issues, including hosting zoning forums with Traverse City and East Bay Township.
Working with Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) to implement policies for diversity, equity, and inclusion, including training through the Northern Michigan E3 program, a key SALT community partner.

Looking ahead to 2025, SALT plans to extend its outreach by assisting and welcoming immigrant neighbors into the Grand Traverse area.

Collaborative Community Partners

SALT partners with several faith communities and advocacy organizations, including:

Faith Communities: Central United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse, New Waves Church of Christ, Beloved 360, and Undivided Michigan.
Northern Michigan E3 (Educate, Elevate, Engage): A nonprofit anti-racism task force committed to celebrating and embracing diversity and equity through education, respect, and acceptance of Black, Indigenous, and all people of color.
Traverse Indivisible (TI): A nonpartisan coalition addressing social inequities, environmental protection, and the defense of democracy.

Greatest Needs

To expand and sustain its mission, the SALT coalition urgently needs financial support for:

A paid staff member to provide clerical assistance and coordinate initiatives.
Funding for digital and social media services to enhance outreach and engagement.
Resources for community gatherings, including snacks, music, and venue expenses.

Support the SALT Coalition: Spiritual Activists Leading Together. Your financial contribution can help uplift those who are oppressed and strengthen our community. Select “Central Missions” on the dropdown when making a donation online.