Dear parents, educators and community leaders,

After the successful launch of the Minnesota Say Yes to No campaign in 2007, Michigan is stepping up to become the next state to embrace Say Yes to No. We are looking forward to focusing resources and attention across Michigan on the critical task of raising healthy, self-reliant kids to be successful in school and in life, despite our media culture of more, easy, fast and fun.

December 1st, 2008 marks the kick-off of the Michigan Say Yes to No Campaign and we are busy getting ready! With Minnesota's leadership and support, and the enthusiasm and organizational resources from an amazing coalition of state and local groups dedicated to children's health and development, teachers, parents and community leaders across Michigan are getting ready to participate in community-wide book reads and start the conversation that leads to success for our kids.

In the coming weeks, months and years, we will be joining together to ignite grassroots conversations around the book that focuses on a deceptively simple, but difficult to say, two-letter word – No.

We are excited to have you join the conversation and encourage you to use this website as a resource to engage in the discussion wherever you are in Michigan. We have made it simple and easy to join in by giving you the tools you need to plan and hold book reads and to share your experiences. So, spread the word and come back often to see the progress we are making together throughout the state.

To our children's success,

Robert Howe, Jr., Executive Director
Michigan Elementary & Middle School Principals Association