News

  • You’re Invited: Use Your Voice to Discuss Criminal Justice Reform in Michigan

    You have the power to drive real change in our criminal legal system. You are invited to join us in creating content that advocates for a future free from mass incarceration, violence, and inequality.

    Our goal is to end life and long sentences, shift the focus from punishment to accountability and healing, and work toward liberation. But we can’t do this without you.

    🔔 Event Details
    📅 Date: Oct. 17th
    🕒 Time: 7:00 PM EST
    📍 Location: Zoom
    🎟️ Register here: bit.ly/CJmessaging

    Why We Need You

    We’re inviting you an important event. You will learn how to craft values-based messages that align with our shared vision of redemption, transformation, and safety.

    You will walk away with the skills to:

    • Use people-centered language that fosters compassion and understanding.
    • Share messages of accountability that focus on healing, not punishment.
    • Advocate for second chances for everyone, ensuring that you are part of the solution.

    At the end of the training, you will have posted a message on social media, amplifying your voice in our collective fight for justice.

    Register Today and Join Us Next Week!

  • Second Chances: Exploring the Impact of Resentencing and Juvenile Justice

    We invite you to join us for two important events coming up soon in Detroit, where we will engage in crucial discussions on the Second Look Resentencing Act and Juvenile Life Without Parole.


    1. Second Chances: A Listening Session
    Date: October 16th, 2024
    Time: Dinner 6:00 PM, Presentation 7:00 PM
    Location: 8850 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202
    At this event, you will hear firsthand experiences of perseverance, learn how you can be part of the movement for second chances, and help build stronger communities. This is your opportunity to be part of the change we all need, using your voice and influence to amplify those who have been too often unheard.

    We are honored to announce that Senator Chang will join us for the event. We look forward to her insights and contributions to the discussion. Please Note: An RSVP is requested to assist in planning for food. RSVP here.

    Visit the Facebook event page here. Presented by Nation Outside.


    2. Lifers Right To Life Fellowship
    Date: October 26th, 2024
    Time: 6:00 PM EST
    Location: 22450 Schoolcraft Road, Detroit, MI 48223
    Join us for an fellowship as we discuss the challenges and injustices faced by young people sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole and those that have served decades. This event will highlight the voices of impacted individuals, advocates, and experts. RSVP here. Presented by the National Lifers of America.

  • Storytelling with Integrity: Centering Impacted Voices Responsibly

    Join us for a discussion on Ethical Storytelling on Wednesday, November 21st, from 12:00 to 1:30 PM EST.

    This event will explore how to center impacted voices in our narratives while avoiding tokenization and retraumatization. We’ll hear insights from representatives of Safe and Just Michigan, the Michigan Center for Youth Justice (MCYJ), and the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), who will share their perspectives on the importance of ethical practices in storytelling. Together, we will engage in meaningful dialogue to enhance our understanding and approach to responsible narrative-building.

  • Announcing Season Two of the Statewide Learning Community: Back to School Edition

    Across Michigan, communities are mobilizing around community violence intervention, advocating for police accountability, and implementing restorative justice alternatives. In support of these efforts, we’re excited to kick off Season Two of the MI Statewide Learning Community!

    As the new school year kicks off, join us for a discussion about the problems of criminalization and excessive punishment of young people and how people are working to create more supportive communities for our youth.

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  • Michigan Coalition Calls for Second Look Legislation to Alleviate Staffing Shortages in State Prisons 

    CONTACT: Will Mesinger, Will@MerakiCommsGroup.com, (518) 338-7119

    (Lansing, Michigan) – Today, the Second Look Michigan Coalition released the following statement responding to the severe staffing shortages in Michigan’s prisons:

    Today, there are hundreds of people sitting in Michigan’s prisons who pose no threat to society, have served significant time, and in many cases, are unable to physically commit a crime. By offering these individuals a second look, we can make our criminal legal system more humane while also alleviating the staffing shortages throughout the state’s prisons.

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