News

  • Michigan’s Day of Empathy: Unite for Change

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    Mark your calendars! On Sunday, March 2, from 10 AM – 3 PM, we’re coming together at 6531 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, for Michigan’s Day of Empathy—a powerful gathering focused on eradicating poverty, transforming mental health, and ensuring housing for all. We’re proud to join our friends at Silent Cry, the Michigan Collaborative to End…

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  • Youth Defense Bills Move Forward: A Win for Juvenile Justice

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    Great news! Today, Michigan took a critical step toward stronger legal protections for young people in the justice system. The Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee voted 5-0 to advance Senate Bill 081, which, along with House Bill 4070, will ensure that the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) can set statewide standards for…

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  • Michigan HJR-B: A Direct Attack on Voting Rights

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    Michigan’s HJR-B is a dangerous and anti-democratic policy. It impedes legitimate access to vote, despite the fact that our voting system is already secure from fraud.

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  • Stop the SAVE Act

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    Congressional Republicans have introduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a dangerous and unnecessary anti-voter bill that would make it significantly harder for eligible American voters to register and cast their ballots—regardless of their party affiliation. The SAVE Act would impose new, burdensome voter ID requirements and mandate in-person registration, effectively disenfranchising millions of…

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  • MI-CEMI 2025 Legislative Bill Tracker

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    Folks, the Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration has posted their Bill Tracker for the 2025-2026 legislative session. This is an excellent way to keep up on legislative progress for bills related to criminal justice reform.

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  • Michigan Statewide Violence and Incarceration Prevention Learning Community discusses Diversion

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    Are you an organizer or practitioner working to advance community-based public safety solutions? Whether you’re focused on alternative emergency responses, violence intervention, police accountability, or harm reduction, this session is for you! Join our friends for Season Two of the Michigan Statewide Violence and Incarceration Prevention Learning Community as they explore Diversion—a vital approach to keeping people…

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  • From Labels to Lives: The Power of Person-Centered Language

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    The words we use matter. Language has the power to shape public perception, policy, and how we engage with systems of justice. That’s why VAAC is thrilled to welcome Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration as a special guest at our weekly coalition meeting on Friday, March 7th to discuss their Impact Language Glossary—a powerful…

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  • Defend Our Rights: Resistance Summit This Saturday

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    Hey VAAC Family, Our democracy is under attack, and we need all hands-on deck. Join us this Saturday, February 15, from 2 PM – 4 PM on Zoom for the Resistance Summit, where we’ll build a unified front against the dangerous power grab threatening our communities. 🚨 Why This MattersBillionaires and their allies are working…

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  • Join Us for Legislative Advocacy & Power-Mapping Training – Happening TOMORROW!

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    Civic engagement is more than just voting—it’s about making sure your voice is heard in decision-making spaces. If you’re passionate about advocating for issues that matter, holding elected officials accountable, and learning how to create real change, don’t miss our Legislative Advocacy & Power-Mapping Training TOMORROW, February 15th, from 10 AM – 4 PM in…

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  • Join Us for Black by Demand: Where Do We Go from Here?

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    State Representative Donavan McKinney, in partnership with Y.M.I.T School Tour and Michigan Families for Fair Care, invites you to Black by Demand: Where Do We Go From Here?—a powerful community conversation focused on economic issues, funding, and the future of our communities. 📅 Date: Friday, February 28, 2025⏰ Time: 5 PM – 9 PM📍 Location:…

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  • Join Us for the Ingham County Reentry Resource Fair!

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    Looking for resources, opportunities, and support for successful reentry? The Ingham County Reentry Resource Fair 2025 is the place to be! This event brings together local organizations, advocates, and community members to connect people with the tools they need to thrive after incarceration. 📅 Date: Friday, February 21, 2025⏰ Time: 2 PM – 5 PM📍…

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  • Local Victory for Housing Justice! 

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    Earlier this week, Flint City Council officially passed the Fair Chance Housing Ordinance—a monumental win for justice, opportunity, and second chances! This bold step ensures that everyone, regardless of their past, has a fair shot at stable housing.  A huge shoutout to Flint City Council for standing up for what’s right and to the relentless advocates…

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