“Michael is a strong and righteous advocate. Yet, their gift rests in a fierce gentleness. By that I mean, they pull people in with an open, friendly and loving demeanor, while always maintaining the courage of their convictions.”
—Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister, Jefferson Unitarian Church
My call to ministry came by way of social justice work. I’ve worked professionally in both direct service and advocacy ministries. I’ve engaged in faith-based organizing and civil disobedience. Some highlights of my past justice work include:
- Mentoring Indigenous youth in Montana
- Coordinating a campaign in support of state-level legislation to support unaccompanied houseless youth in Oregon
- Blocking the Brooklyn Bridge to call for a ceasefire in Gaza (see photo above, Michael is standing in the front row in an orange jacket).
- Testifying in support of the Kelly Loving Act to protect trans youth in Colorado
- Organizing a Christmas Eve vigil outside an ICE detention facility
- Participating in the GreenFaith Rising Leaders Fellowship program
While I always work with lay leaders and other staff to identify congregational justice priorities, some of my own current justice interests relate to:
- Transgender rights
- Immigration
- Anti-racism
- Disability & neurodivergence
- Climate justice