Tax Credit Outreach Makes A Splash in Michigan

When Elizabeth Trapp and Eastern Michigan University educate graduate students about the EIC and CTC, the lessons reach far beyond the classroom.

The Opportunity

Elizabeth Trapp was a graduate student in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Eastern Michigan University — and also the Aquatics instructor at the Ann Arbor YMCA — when she attended the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities’ Tax Credit Outreach Training Seminar in 2007. Inspired by the two days in Washington, Elizabeth returned home riding a wave of enthusiasm, eager to put to work all she had learned. She soon realized a tremendous opportunity was right in front of her: all the students in her program were completing field placements in community-based organizations.  Their involvement could be the start of community-wide tax credit outreach activities!  In order to encourage groups to embrace tax credit outreach, Elizabeth had to ensure that students understood why the credits could mean more than just a refund check for families and convince them their investment of time and effort would be worthwhile.

The Opportunity Fulfilled

Elizabeth’s first step was to seek the cooperation of her professors, several of whom agreed to display “Money Talks” posters on their office doors. Next, Elizabeth dove into the deep end of the pool: She created a community tax credit outreach training model that “spoke the language” of the MSW students and showed them how to incorporate outreach into their field placements.   Elizabeth tied the training to the course curriculum of the ‘Empowerment: Social Justice and Social Change” class by assigning two relevant academic articles and asking students to discuss and write about the environmental factors affecting Michigan’s low-wage workers.  Elizabeth facilitated a brainstorming session to help students explore the connection between refundable tax credits and both individual and community empowerment.  For example, on the micro level, the tax credits can enable a family to take control of its finances, and on the macro level, the credits can help reduce income disparities.

Finally, students were asked to commit to specific outreach activities for the upcoming tax season.  For example, Elizabeth reports, “Students who are case managers agree to inform every client about tax credits.  Students working in other capacities generally commit to educating their coworkers about outreach, and to utilizing tax credit flyers and posters.”   Since many students continue to work at their field placement agencies or similar organizations after graduating, the tax credit trainings for MSW students have a lasting impact. Over the years Elizabeth has observed an increase in tax credit outreach activities in her community.

Following her own graduation, Elizabeth continued to conduct trainings for MSW students each fall, as well as for fellow YMCA staff and a group of non-traditional students in a scholarship program at Eastern Michigan University. She coordinates with the local 2-1-1 agency to publicize free tax preparation sites and helps her training participants to connect with a local women’s resource center that educates tax preparation clients about how they can file for themselves in the future.  “People think tax credits are overwhelming” Elizabeth says.  “The trainings show students that sharing basic information can change lives and have a big impact. In this economy, we need as much help as possible to reach people who are eligible for the EIC and CTC, especially those who may qualify for the first time.”

It’s true.  For many families who are treading water these days, the credits can play a role in determining whether they sink or swim.  Elizabeth’s efforts have undoubtedly helped many stay afloat.

Share with us:

What groups exist in your community (such as MSW students) who can help advance local tax credit outreach efforts?

How can you “speak the language” of the group and tailor your outreach approach?