Category: Uncategorized
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What’s at Stake in Michigan’s Prison Communications Contract
The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) is finalizing a new statewide contract that will govern how people in prison make phone calls, send messages, participate in video visits, and access tablets. This decision will shape how thousands of people stay connected to loved ones—and MI-CEMI is urging the state to get it right. Alongside several advocacy partners, MI-CEMI submitted a…
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Common Sense Policing Reform Needs Your Voice
Five years after the murder of George Floyd, we’re finally seeing real momentum for meaningful policing reform in Michigan. A bipartisan group of state senators has introduced the Police Practices Standardization, Transparency, and Trust (S.T.A.T.) package, a set of eleven bills shaped by years of community advocacy to increase transparency, accountability, and public trust in policing.…
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VAAC Friday Community Meetings in June: 6/6/ & 6/20 – Stay Plugged In!
This Friday, June 6: Real ID Access + Ballot Petition Threats This week’s VAAC Community Meeting is packed with information you need to know. We’ll be joined by a representative from the Michigan Department of State to break down how Real ID requirements affect people who are unhoused or justice-impacted, and what options are available.…
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Your Rights Are on the Line: Before You Sign, Know the Facts 📜❓✍🏿❌
Two dangerous constitutional amendment petitions are circulating in Michigan right now: Committee to Protect Voter Rights‘ “Prove It, Michigan” and Americans for Citizen Voting (AfCV) They’re framed as protecting elections, but what they really do is create new, permanent barriers to voting, especially for: Black and brown voters Justice-impacted citizens People who are unhoused or…
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On the Ground: State of the People Power Tour Comes to Detroit
It was deep and meaningful for VAAC to be part of the State of the People Power Tour when it touched down in Detroit for a powerful two-day experience rooted in Black political power, joy, and community connection. From the youth town hall to the community meal to the power rally, each part of the…
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📣 Upcoming in Our Community
TONIGHT: A Powerful Night of Truth and Transformation Redemption Road: The Story of Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur Join us in Lansing for a special screening of Redemption Road, the powerful story of Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur, followed by a panel discussion with directly impacted leaders and advocates creating real change in Michigan. Tonight – Friday,…
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June is Gun Violence Awareness Month 🧡
June 6–8 is Wear Orange Weekend, honoring survivors and raising awareness about gun violence in our communities. All across Michigan, people are coming together to mourn, to resist, and to take action. Events continue throughout the month. Here are a few events happening around the state: Silence the Violence Silent Vigil – Detroit June 7…
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Local Juneteenth Events ✊🏿
Honor Black freedom, resistance, and community by showing up for Juneteenth. Here are some powerful gatherings where community meets culture and action: Juneteenth Resistance Summit – VirtualJune 15 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Juneteenth Jubilee – DetroitJune 15 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM1151 Taylor St, Detroit, MI Oak Park Juneteenth CelebrationJune 15 |…
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In the News: Michigan Voters to Decide on Constitutional Convention in 2026
In November 2026, Michigan voters will face a significant decision: whether to convene a constitutional convention to rewrite the state’s governing document. This question appears on the ballot every 16 years, as mandated by Article XII, Section 3 of the Michigan Constitution. If approved, the process would involve electing delegates from each of the 110…
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We’re Back: Let’s Debrief and Defend Voting Rights Together
Last week, VAAC was on the ground in Lansing, fighting a deceptive petition summary that threatens the rights of Michigan voters. Today, we’re back—and we need you in the conversation. On May 16, we canceled our regularly scheduled community meeting to attend a critical Michigan Board of State Canvassers hearing. The Board was voting on…