News

  • Update: Small Win in the Fight Against MDOC’s Invasive Body Camera Policy

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    Effective Monday, March 24th, 2025, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) has revised policy directive 04.04.160 “Body Worn Cameras” to mandate a “Sleep Mode” on officers’ body cameras during strip searches. This update comes following the dedicated efforts of our friends at the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), who have tirelessly advocated for the privacy…

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  • Join VAAC for Our Weekly Community Meeting Today at 12:30!

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    Today we’re excited to welcome the Michigan Education Justice Coalition (MEJC) for an urgent discussion on the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education and what it could mean for Michigan students—particularly those with disabilities and from low-income backgrounds. ➔︎What’s at Stake? We’ll assess how these proposed changes could impact public education, student rights, and…

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  • Reclaiming Our Power with Jocelyn Benson – Women’s History Month Event Monday!

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    This special evening will bring together Jocelyn Benson, too many elected officials to mention, and fierce women leaders to celebrate our strength, resilience, and impact.  Don’t miss this chance to connect and stand together for women’s rights and democracy! Monday, March 24th from 6:30 – 8:00 PM in the Southfield Area, address provided upon RSVP.…

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  • Rally Saturday: Uncle Sam Wants YOU to Say NO to the SAVE Act!

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    The Voting Access for All Coalition invites you to join the Great Lakes Democracy Alliance (GLDA) in the fight to protect voting rights! The SAVE Act threatens to disenfranchise eligible voters by adding unnecessary barriers to registration. Meet your hosts, Larry Jackson (Ottawa County Democratic Chair, Veteran) and Cara Erskine (GLDA Co-Founder, Veteran, Social Worker), both lifelong activists dedicated to defending…

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  • You’re Invited: 2nd Chance Community Resource Fair with Rep. Donavan McKinney and VAAC

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    Join VAAC and partners to celebrate Second Chance Month with real resources, connections, and change Join Representative Donavan McKinney and the Voting Access for All Coalition—a coalition founded by returning citizens—for an inspiring day of resources, reentry support, and real community connection. 📅 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM📍 Location:…

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  • Register Today: MI-CEMI Advocacy & Budget Priorities Member Meeting

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    At VAAC, we believe in the power of collective action to break down barriers to voting and justice. That’s why we encourage our community to join MI-CEMI’s Advocacy & Budget Priorities Member Meeting on Thursday, April 10, 2025. This gathering will focus on the key justice advocacy efforts and budget priorities shaping the year ahead.…

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  • Stay Informed: Get the Latest Legislative Updates with MI-CEMI’s Bill Tracker

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    Your Go-To Resource for Policy Changes At VAAC, we know that staying informed is key to making a difference. That’s why we turn to MI-CEMI’s Bill Tracker—a powerful tool providing real-time updates on legislative efforts, policy changes, and action opportunities. Why Subscribe to the MI-CEMI Bill Tracker? 📌 Get real-time legislative updates on bills that…

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  • Experience the Power of Second Chances: Join the Screening of Commuted in Detroit

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    A Story of Resilience, Justice, and Redemption At VAAC, we believe in breaking barriers to justice and advocating for systemic change. That’s why we encourage our community to attend a powerful screening of Commuted, a documentary that tells the story of Danielle Metz, a woman whose triple life sentence was commuted—giving her a rare opportunity…

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  • Wrongful Conviction Awareness: Eric Anderson to Educate Future Law Enforcement

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    Sharing Knowledge to Prevent Future Injustices At VAAC, we believe in raising awareness about the flaws in the justice system and the need for reform. That’s why we’re sharing an important initiative from our friends at the Organization of Exonerees. On March 28, 2025, Eric Anderson, Director of Programs and Operations/Co-Founder, at Organization of Exonerees,…

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  • Take Action: Join the Discussion on Specialty Courts & Incarceration Prevention

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    Learn How These Courts Impact Justice & How You Can Advocate for Change At VAAC, we believe in breaking down barriers to justice and ensuring that every individual has access to resources that prevent unnecessary incarceration. This month, our partners at MI-CEMI are hosting an important discussion on specialty courts—a growing alternative to traditional sentencing…

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  • Secretary Benson, Rep. Koleszar host Citizens Roundtable for Michiganders

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    Press Release March 11, 2025 In a March 11, 2025, press release, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) hosted a Citizens Roundtable to hear directly from Michiganders about the devastating impact of House Joint Resolution B (HJR-B) and the SAVE Act (HR 22). Among the voices speaking out was VAAC…

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  • Breaking the Cycle: School-to-Prison Pipeline

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    Join VAAC’s Friday Coalition Meeting on March 21 At Voting Access for All Coalition, we fight for a future where every voice is heard and every vote counts. But for too many young people, the school-to-prison pipeline creates barriers that last a lifetime—blocking opportunities for education, employment, and civic engagement, including voting. Join us for…

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