Before we introduce Flat MUS, it helps to understand the inspiration behind him.
Based on Jeff Brown’s children’s book Flat Stanley, Stanley Lambchop is flattened when a bulletin board falls off his bedroom wall and lands on him while he’s sleeping. Instead of being injured, he becomes paper-thin. His family soon realizes this unexpected situation has advantages. Stanley can slide under doors, fly like a kite, and most famously, be mailed in an envelope to visit people in other places.
Introduced in classrooms, typically in grades 2 through 4, the book eventually inspired a widely adopted classroom project. Students receive a printed outline of Flat Stanley, color and cut him out, personalizing him before mailing him to family or friends. Hosts photograph and document his visits, then send him along on his journey. Eventually, Flat Stanley makes his way back to the child, who presents his adventures, photos, and stories to the classroom.
It is a fun and creative project. Families often lean into the humor, staging elaborate photo shoots or sending Stanley on adventures that reflect their own communities and personalities. Over time, what begins as a paper cutout becomes something more meaningful. Students reflect on geography, culture, and communication, and a simple character becomes a bridge between places and people.
For an organization deeply engaged in strengthening the early childhood workforce, the inspiration felt fitting. Flat Stanley has long been used in elementary classrooms to foster connection, creativity, and communication — qualities that mirror the kind of systems-building Midwest Urban Strategies champions across the workforce ecosystem.
Flat MUS first appeared at our 2025 Milwaukee Forward Convening. He was tucked into registration bags and ready to travel. What began as something playful became an interactive and fun experience for our attendees. They were invited to take Flat MUS to a list local landmarks scavenger hunt style, snap selfies, and share their adventures on social media using the hashtags #FlatMUSinMKE and #MKEForward. The idea was simple: explore Milwaukee, connect with one another, and document the journey.
Flat MUS joined us at curated tours, appeared during sessions, and tagged along in conversations that stretched well beyond sightseeing. That is very much by design.
Midwest Urban Strategies’ convenings are not typical conferences. We intentionally create a boutique, immersive experience built to spark natural connection with workforce development stakeholders. From workforce simulations to site visits to informal networking moments, we create space for meaningful exchange. Flat MUS became another tool in that spirit, helping attendees engage with the local community, understand the workforce ecosystem, and connect through something lighthearted and shared.
Flat MUS fit right in. Equal parts adorable and slightly mischievous, he has a knack for showing up where interesting conversations are happening. He is bold enough to point at what works, curious enough to ask questions, and charming enough to get away with it. In a setting designed to foster connection, he became a lighthearted way to remind us that serious systems work can still have personality.
This year, Flat MUS will arrive ready for personalization. Attendees will be invited to color and customize their own version before taking him with them as they explore Northwest Indiana. Because just like workforce systems themselves, no two regions look exactly the same and neither will Flat MUS.
As we count down to Northwest Indiana, Flat MUS will be sharing Indiana facts right here in the newsletter, giving you a glimpse of what’s ahead before you even arrive. For example: Did you know Indiana Dunes National Park attracts more than three million visitors each year from across the country and around the world? This year’s convening will be drawing workforce leaders from just as many directions.
In February, he joined Midwest Urban Strategies leaders in Washington, D.C., where they met with White House officials and policymakers to discuss workforce strategy, scenario planning, and the future of coordinated workforce systems. Yes, he made it all the way to the White House.
From Milwaukee landmarks to national policy conversations, Flat MUS has a habit of showing up wherever workforce decisions are being made. He may fit in an envelope, but he has very big ideas about workforce strategy.
So, keep a lookout. Flat MUS will be making the occasional appearance in the newsletter, usually wherever something interesting is happening in the workforce ecosystem. You might spot him at a national conference, a member convening, an advocacy visit, or anywhere WorkforceWorks!! is showing up to lift strong local systems onto a national stage.
If you spot Flat MUS nearby, that’s your cue.
Ready. Set. Selfie.
It’s the simple call that has followed him from Milwaukee on — snap a photo, share the moment, and show where workforce systems are in action.
And It’s our playful way of reminding folks to be present, capture the moment, and share where workforce systems are in action.
