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Register Today: MI-CEMI Advocacy & Budget Priorities Member Meeting
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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This Is Us: Art Exhibition & Sale in East Lansing
A Celebration of Creativity, Resilience, and Community At VAAC, we believe in amplifying the voices of those impacted by the justice system—and art is one of the most powerful ways to do that. That’s why we’re excited to share This Is Us, an art exhibition and sale presented by the University of Michigan’s Prison Creative…
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Experience the Power of Second Chances: Join the Screening of Commuted in Detroit
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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Stand Up for Working Families: Join Capitol Day 2025
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Communities Over Corporations Working families are under attack—from Lansing to D.C.—but together, we’re fighting back. On April 23, 2025, we’re gathering at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing to demand a government that puts people over profit. Why We’re Rallying These are just a few of the critical issues we’re standing up for: Make Your…
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Wronged: The Maurice Carter Story Documentary Screenings
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Wronged: The Maurice Carter Story is a powerful documentary that tells the compelling story of Maurice Carter’s wrongful conviction, and the birth of the Michigan based organization, Humanity for Prisoners. Upcoming Screenings: April 23, 2025: 6:00 pm – Calvin University’s Covenant Fine Arts Center, Grand Rapids, MI. April 27, 2025: 12:00 pm – Hope Church, Holland,…
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Investing in a Safer Michigan, Support the Budget Recommendations
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Support the 2026 Budget Recommendations On March 24th, 2025, a coalition of organizations released their 2026 Michigan Budget Recommendations to invest in crime prevention, rehabilitation, and reentry. These recommendations call on lawmakers to support evidence-based programs that promote public safety and help people successfully reintegrate into society. Take Action You can read the letter and…
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April is Second Chance Month: Support the Second Look Sentencing Act
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Michigan, you have a sentencing problem. Now, we have an opportunity to address the challenges of excessive sentencing through a conservative and pragmatic solution: the Second Look Sentencing Act. This proposed legislation, approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee last year, would allow individuals who have served at least 20 years to petition their original…
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Upcoming Event: THE STRIKE – Film Screening
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Join the screening of The Strike – a powerful feature documentary that tells the story of a generation of California men who endured decades of solitary confinement and, against all odds, launched the largest hunger strike in U.S. history. Dinner will be provided following the screening, along with a Q&A session featuring Michael Saavedra —…
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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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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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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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