The Kresge Foundation has awarded Wayne State University a $100,000, one-year grant to support CitizenDetroit, a community outreach program of the Forum on Contemporary Issues in Society (FOCIS). Since its inception in 2012, CitizenDetroit has educated and mobilized residents of all ages, providing a framework for constructive political discourse. Community participants co-create the standards for evaluating political leadership and decisions made in Detroit. CitizenDetroit is directed by Irvin D. Reid, inaugural holder of the Wayne State University Applebaum Chair in Community Engagement and President Emeritus, and his collaborative partner, former Detroit City Council member Sheila Cockrel. "CitizenDetroit challenges the tendency of individuals to sit on the sidelines and oppose the actions of city leaders based solely on media coverage and urban legends," said Reid. "Access to better information means citizens will better understand how difficult it is for elected and appointed leaders to make tough decisions that affect other people's lives."

http://www.newswise.com/articles/wayne-state-university-receives-100-000-kresge-foundation-grant-to-support-citizendetroit
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-11/wsu--kf111314.php