Shaping Our Future: 2025 Midland County Belonging Survey

Why Your Voice Matters: Help Shape a More Inclusive Midland County

At Max Loves Midland, we believe that a thriving community starts with listening, really listening, to the people who call this place home. That’s why we’re joining Midland's Ward 4 City Council member and longtime advocate Diane Brown Wilhelm in inviting you to take part in something that can truly make a difference: the We Hear You – Shaping Our Future: 2025 Midland County Belonging Survey.

We recently sat down with Diane to talk about why this survey matters now more than ever, and how every voice (including yours!) plays a powerful role in shaping our shared future.

Diane, what makes this belonging survey so important for the people of Midland County right now?

“This survey isn’t just a form to fill out, it’s a reflection of where we are and where we’re headed as a community," Diane shared. "It builds on the 2021 We Hear You survey, which gave us powerful insights about racial and ethnic equity and trust in law enforcement. This new survey takes a wider lens, asking how people experience inclusion, belonging, access, and community overall in Midland County.”

Here’s why the timing is so important:

It tracks our progress since 2021 and gives us a chance to measure what’s changed.
It helps us identify gaps — areas where people may still feel left out or overlooked.
It opens the door to opportunity — revealing ways we can create more connected and supportive spaces for all.
It broadens who’s included by reaching folks who didn’t have a chance to participate in the first survey.

"Inclusion isn’t a box we check. It’s something we build and rebuild every day," Diane said. "This survey helps us see how we’re doing."

What would you say to someone who feels like their voice doesn’t matter? Who might think this survey won’t make a difference?

"If you’ve ever felt invisible or like your experiences don’t count, this survey was made for you," Diane said, her voice full of heart. "We can’t fix what we don’t understand. And we can’t understand unless people speak up."

Here’s what happens when people share:

Decisions get better. Real stories lead to real solutions — not just assumptions.
Belonging gets stronger. When people feel seen and respected, the whole community benefits.
We move forward together. One person’s story can help another feel less alone — and help leaders build a community that works for everyone.

"Your voice matters. It always has," Diane said. "This is your chance to make it count."

How will the survey results actually be used? What happens after people submit their responses?

"This is more than a data collection project," Diane explained. "It’s a roadmap for action."

Once the survey closes, the data will be analyzed and used to:

Update existing plans based on what’s happening now.
Develop new initiatives to address the gaps we uncover.
Guide local leaders and nonprofits in making smarter, more inclusive choices.
Focus resources where they’re needed most.
Keep the community informed through public sharing of the results.

"This isn’t about checking a box, it’s about staying accountable," Diane emphasized. "We’re not just collecting stories; we’re learning from them and doing better because of them."

What’s your hope for our community as we gather these responses?

"My biggest hope," Diane said, "is that we hear from more people… Especially those whose voices have been missing from past conversations. That we open the door wider, listen deeper, and make space for every story."

She smiled as she quoted an old saying: “It takes a village to raise a child.” Then she added, "To raise a thriving, inclusive community? That takes all of us. Every voice. Every experience."

And finally, a reminder for the dreamers: “As Steve Jobs said, ‘The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.’ Let’s believe in that possibility and be the change we want to see in Midland County.”