How will you Declare Detroit in 2012?

In times like these, that question can breed phony optimism for some and suggest downright naiveté for others. But, for the nearly 15,000 advocates, signers and followers of the Declare Detroit movement, it is in fact, always a relevant question.

Why?

The reason is because our city needs civic mobilization and leadership accountability more than ever. Remember, this movement began in the wake of one of the most uncertain times in Detroit’s storied history: an upstart Mayor disgraced and betrayed our trust; our auto-heritage looked on the precipice of total collapse, and the leadership gap across the civic landscape was palpable.

Declare Detroit was built in that environment. Together, we confronted the perilous moment at hand in order to build momentum towards a Detroit future suited for the needs of all its residents and the demands of being a great place to live — a city we all can be proud of.

Detroit has never wavered in its civic pride. But, against the odds, unfortunately, it appears the “brink of collapse” discourse will dominate Detroit for yet another season in 2012. We get it. The financial crisis. Emergency Financial Manager. Regional transit collapse. Homicide up 12% in 2011. The headlines demand our attention.

So we stand by the 12 principles of the Detroit Declaration and the people near and far who embraced them as a platform for civic renewal in Detroit.  And we begin 2012 the same way we began the movement and ask you for your answer:

How will you Declare Detroit?

Join us on Martin Luther King Jr. Day — the 2nd anniversary of our launch in 2010 — by posting your answer on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #declaredetroit.

Let’s show our region, our state, and the world our commitment to creating a better future for our city.

(Photo by Marvin Shaouni for Model D)

We know you’re out there. We know you love Detroit and want to see it not just survive, but thrive.

This is our rallying cry. Welcome to a political movement for a brighter Detroit future.

• Read & sign the Detroit Declaration to get on our email list.
• Join us on Facebook for advocacy & political action updates.
• Read our Guide to Engagement for ways to advance the Declaration.
• Spread the Word! Help share the Declaration by posting the poster in your home, office, school or neighborhood. (Click on the images to download.)