We will defend
At the heart of the Michigan flag lies a scene celebrating Michigan's clear waters, green land, and self-sufficiency. Above this scene is the Latin word "tuebor," which means "I will defend".
We treasure the natural resources of this land, for ourselves, for future generations, and for the land itself.
We will defend.
Defending Michigan from industrial colonization
Mission
We are a grassroots alliance of residential stewards, united in our purpose to stop corrupt deals by taxpayer funded economic development corporations and the capture of regulatory agencies from destroying our communities, our wild spaces, and our water so that a few may profit.
As Michiganders, we are also stewards of the Great Lakes watershed: our nation's most precious natural resource. Our highest priority is preserving this incredible heritage for generations to come.
Vision
We envision a community free from township, county, and state corruption, in which economic developments are designed, vetted, and voted upon by the people they impact–not distant regulatory agencies and special interest conglomerates.
A world where seventh generation organic farmers are held in the highest respect, and folk live here because they choose to–because they've fallen in love with the woods and the water.
Our Team
Marjorie Steele, Founder & Executive Director
Marjorie Steele, Founder & Executive Director
Marjorie Steele, Founder & Executive Director
Marjorie founded EDRA out of pure necessity–to protect her family's homestead and aquifers from toxic development, and to work with her neighbors to build a more sustainable statewide community. Her background as a creative director, educator, entrepreneur, and poet make her a powerful mouthpiece for EDRA's message.
Larry Finkbeiner, Agricultural Director
Marjorie Steele, Founder & Executive Director
Marjorie Steele, Founder & Executive Director
In addition to being a seventh generation local farmer and tribal clan leader, Larry is a decorated veteran with professional experience in hazardous materials, manufacturing, and law enforcement. Larry's vision and expertise have been critical in developing EDRA's programming.
Brandi Sweet, Advocate & Community Director
Brandi Sweet, Advocate & Community Director
Brandi Sweet, Advocate & Community Director
A fierce advocate and meticulous researcher, Brandi is a staunch ally for the underprivileged, volunteering much of her time to the community, to her daughter's school, and assisting the local Girl Scouts Troop leader. Brandi's environmental research and work with EGLE have been critical to much of EDRA's media.
Jessica Sharp, Sales & Development Director
Brandi Sweet, Advocate & Community Director
Brandi Sweet, Advocate & Community Director
The only thing stronger than Jessica's roots in the local community is her passion for community revitalization. Armed with too many professional experiences to list and a natural gift for making connections, Jessica's knack for sales and cold calling are critical to EDRA's lobbying, as well as community building.
