Dear Ally/Advocate,
Recognizing the urgent need for change, a coalition of community leaders has united to champion criminal justice reform in Lansing. The current state legislature has regrettably fallen short in addressing essential reforms. Our coalition is resolute in its commitment to addressing these gaps.
Despite the clear public call to enhance public safety, reduce mass incarceration, and mitigate recidivism through effective policies, critical decisions have been repeatedly postponed for future sessions.
Our coalition brings together esteemed leaders from various organizations:
- Chuck Warpehoski – The Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration (MI-CEMI)
- Charles Thomas – When You Vote – I Win (WYVIW)
- Angela Davenport – Voting Access for All Coalition (VAAC)
Deon leads strategy and media campaigns, Chuck oversees legislative tracking, Angela provides communications support, and Charles plays a pivotal organizing role within our leadership team.Enclosed with this message is a preliminary document outlining our evolving coalition goals and objectives. This living blueprint will evolve as we gather more insights and information.To support our cause, here are three ways your organization can contribute:
Endorsement:
1. Formally endorse our coalition’s efforts, allowing us to prominently feature your name and logo on all coalition communications. Your endorsement adds credibility and support to our cause.
Promotion:
2. Distribute our coalition one-pager at your events and disseminate coalition information through newsletters, website features, and social media channels. Collaborate with us in media efforts by facilitating interviews, op-eds, or articles within your sphere of influence.
Participation:
3. Identify a representative from your organization to actively engage in our planning group and advocacy meetings. Your delegate’s involvement will be instrumental in shaping our strategies for effective advocacy. These biweekly planning sessions occur every other Wednesday at 2 pm. To ensure your delegate receives timely notifications, please provide their contact information for inclusion in planning session notices.
Our coalition is unwavering in its commitment to address critical gaps, with a particular focus on expanding access to participation. Often, discussions are monopolized by established and well-funded organizations, leaving grassroots groups and activists with limited opportunities to engage meaningfully. Through the unification of multiple groups in the collective advocacy for “criminal legal reform,” we aim to generate a critical mass of support, thereby amplifying the effectiveness of each individual struggle.
We also recognize that Michigan’s high incarceration rate has not made us safer; rather, it has created a vicious cycle of incarceration that disproportionately harms the most vulnerable communities. We envision a Michigan where public safety is genuinely enhanced, equity is upheld, and resources are thoughtfully directed toward addressing the root causes of crime.
We believe in our collective power to raise awareness and action on these vital issues.
Your dedicated commitment to this cause empowers your voice as the most credible and impactful.
By uniting multiple groups to collectively advocate for criminal legal reform, we aim to amplify the effectiveness of each individual struggle. Your support and collaboration are pivotal in driving change within our communities. We deeply appreciate your consideration and commitment to this critical cause.
Warm regards,
When You Vote – I Win (WYVIW),
The Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration (MI-CEMI),
Voting Access for All Coalition (VAAC)
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