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The Power of Language: MI-CEMI Joins VAAC’s Weekly Coalition Meeting
At MI-CEMI, we know that words matter. The language we use shapes how society views individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. That’s why we created the MI-CEMI Impact Language Glossary—a resource designed to help advocates, media professionals, and policymakers use language that uplifts rather than dehumanizes.
On Friday, March 7th, from 12:30 – 1:30 PM EST, we’re excited to join Voting Access for All Coalition (VAAC) as a guest at their weekly coalition meeting.
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Together, we’ll explore the impact of person-centered language and discuss how intentional word choices can shift narratives, influence policy, and advance justice.
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Michigan Violence and Incarceration Prevention Learning Community Session on Diversion
Often someone’s involvement in the criminal legal system is the result of underlying problems like poverty, mental illness, or substance use disorder. Arrest, jail, and prison don’t address these underlying problems, and as our friends at Michigan Liberation remind us, “You can’t get well in a cell.”
Many sessions in our learning community have focused on what actors outside the criminal legal system can do to prevent violence and incarceration such as alternative emergency response, community violence intervention, and restorative justice. For this series we look at ways people involved in the criminal legal system can divert or deflect cases and prevent jail time.
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Breaking Barriers: Strengthening Prison Programming Together
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the first MI-CEMI Prison Programming quarterly convening of 2025. Our discussion explored key strategies, challenges, and opportunities to strengthen programming in-reach and relationship-building efforts.
The discussion highlighted that, while there is an important role for department-provided and mandated programming, there is a special transformative power when people voluntarily choose to participate in programming offered by peers and community members.
Key Lessons For In reach and Relationship Building: Panelists shared the following tips to help you successfully get your volunteers into facilities, build appropriate relationships, and deliver quality programming.
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2023-2024 Legislative Lookback
The 2023-2024 legislative season has closed.
(more…)While the final days of this cycle were marked by chaos and conflict, advocates like you did help get several important pieces of legislation across the finish line, including:
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Join the Conversation on Harm Reduction & Mental Health
Recently, MI-CEMI’s Steering Team member organization, the Detroit Justice Center, hosted a powerful two-day Harm Reduction Convening in Detroit. This impactful event brought together experts, organizers, and community leaders to address the harmful and punitive responses to substance use and mental health crises. The focus? To uplift solutions grounded in harm reduction that keep our communities safe, connected, and supported.
As a postlude to this collaborative gathering, we are excited to invite you to a follow-up session featuring engaging presentations and dynamic discussions.
Join us on December 18th from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM as we continue these vital conversations.
Register now at bit.ly/MiLearning. Let’s keep moving the conversation—and solutions—forward!
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