Jen Szénay

  • Grand Rapids Events Illuminate Second Chance Month

    West Michigan has a proud history of supporting second chances.  Come out for these events to celebrate second chances and build support for second look legislation. And be sure to sign the petition below to show that people across Michigan support second chances.

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  • Unlocking the Narrative: Building Safe Communities for all

    Join us for a presentation by Insha Rahman, Vice President for Advocacy and Partnerships at the Vera Institute of Justice and Director of Vera Action where she’ll discuss insights in national and Michigan research on crime and safety messaging. Discover effective strategies to shape the narrative, and beat tired “tough on crime” opposition with proven…

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  • Statewide Learning Community Power Building Discussions

    Are you an organizer or practitioner championing community-based public safety solutions such as alternative emergency response, violence intervention, or police accountability? If so, our upcoming coffee hour session in April will further explore our recent conversation on power building, offering valuable insights and strategies for empowering your community and organization.

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  • Michigan coalition calls for investments in safety

    Experts in Michigan held a press conference to respond to the 2024-2025 Michigan state budget released by Governor Whitmer earlier this month. Coalition members from Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration (MI-CEMI), Force Detroit, Organization of Exonerees, & Safe & Just Michigan reinforced the need for a smart budget that increases public safety.

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  • Empower Reentry: Unlocking Opportunities for All Michiganders

    “You can’t get a job or an apartment without your birth certificate and state ID.” – Chuck Warpehoski, MI-CEMI Program Director On January 25th 2024, WSJM.com released an article entitled, ‘Legislation seeks to ensure inmates have personal identification documents upon release.‘ The Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration advocates for a package of bills awaiting…

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  • Fairer Reporting is Better Reporting

    Reporters hold tremendous power in shaping public perceptions about safety in our communities. Harmful stories told about crime, safety, and justice have held us back from reimagining proven, cost-effective solutions to public safety.

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  • Empowering Change: Investing in a Safer Michigan

    Your Voice Matters in Shaping FY2024-2025 Budget Reforms Today, we ask for your help. Governor Whitmer and the legislature are crafting the FY2024-2025 budget. You’re invited to support our Budget Recommendations. Our coalition of organizations has created the Investing on a Safer Michigan Budget Recommendations. You can read the full text here.

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