Erin Byrnes, the democratic engagement lead for the Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning, is also a member of the Dearborn City Council. (Photo by Scott C. Soderberg, Michigan Photography)
From listening to her parents chat around the dinner table to winning her own seat on the Dearborn City Council, politics has always been an important part of Erin Byrnes’ life.
Growing up in Dearborn, Byrnes remembers tagging along as a child when her parents went to vote. Her father also constantly listened to NPR, his radio perched on top of the fridge.
In her role as democratic engagement lead for the Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning, Byrnes now uses that passion for politics to help students stay informed and engaged in the democratic process as well.
Along with connecting students to elected officials, Byrnes helps plan the WeListen staff discussion series, which brings together staff from across campus to discuss political and social issues like mass incarceration and immigration.
Also wanting to serve her hometown, Byrnes was elected to Dearborn City Council in 2017. She said she ran for a council seat to have a direct effect on people’s lives and increase the number of women on the public body.
“I knew that I wanted to run for something where I could have an immediate, tangible impact. I felt like running and being there on the local level was the best way to do that,” she said.
