Timeline PhotosJoin us for an evening of bedtime stories that will settle little souls to sleep. A selection of children's books by EMU alumni authors are sure to captivate the imagination of children while taking them on an adventure to remember. Tune in tomorrow at 7 p.m. via Facebook Live! Special credit to two current Eagles, Korrine Stevens and Ashley Sacha, for their video editing expertise.
This program is brought to you in partnership with EMUCU – the credit union for Eagles near and far.
County task force on COVID-19 and people of color addresses emergency needs and systemic problems
County task force on COVID-19 and people of color addresses emergency needs and systemic problems
buff.ly
Since the task force's formation in April, members have mobilized to address the immediate needs of highly impacted communities and to begin tackling the root causes of the pandemic's disproportionate...werocmi.org
Help get out the Vote! The upcoming November 3rd General Election is one of the most important elections of our lives. WeROC is joining with other organizations to make sure we do the large-scale a…How to vote early in the November election in Michigan
How to vote early in the November election in Michigan
www.bridgemi.com
Early voting begins on Thursday, when clerks begin sending out absentee ballots to regular voters. Here’s how to cast your absentee ballot before Election Day.Help us spread the word to increase the impact on our community!
FB lives are bi-weekly.
Small group discussions are Sundays at 4pm. Participants get self-care kits.
Click here to sign-up for weekly small group discussions or individual therapy scholarships-- forms.gle/eUHkKgB54NupAL647
Questions or more info email info@cflcypsi.org
This program is the joint effort of Collaborative ChangeMakers, Grace Fellowship Church - House of Solutions, and Community Family Life Center. Funded by United Way of Washtenaw County.
New initiative provides mental health services, self-care kits, and more for Ypsi-area residents
New initiative provides mental health services, self-care kits, and more for Ypsi-area residents
buff.ly
YPSI: In This Together is helping Ypsilanti-area residents address mental health needs through Facebook Live events, small virtual group sessions, scholarships for individual therapy, and self-care ki...Facing legal pressure, graduate students accept University’s proposal to end strike
Facing legal pressure, graduate students accept University’s proposal to end strike
www.michigandaily.com
Facing an injunction and the potential for retaliation from the University of Michigan, the Graduate Employees’ Organization voted to accept an offer from administration in a virtual meeting Wednesd...Dear U-M Community,
After more than a week of courageous organizing with solidarity from all corners of campus, GEO members have decided to accept an offer from the U-M administration. The conclusion of the strike deserves a moment of reflection. However, we also know that this work is far from over: join us this Friday to build on our commitment to these issues beyond our strike.
By working together as faculty, graduate students, undergraduates, staff, and alumni, we have made important strides towards making our campus and classrooms safe and equitable. We still have more to teach the university administration, and more to learn from each other, about what this looks like.
On Friday (9/18) from 1-3pm, #UMTeachTogether will now serve as an opportunity to reflect on and build the momentum needed to continue the work we have started over the past two weeks.
Together we will:
- Learn from brief faculty teach-ins about the context for further progress on GEO’s key demands
- Reflect on our collective experience of organizing together
- Build our community connections into the future
By working collectively to demand safety for everyone at U-M, we have not only mobilized together toward a common aim, but have united across diverse parts of our community. Now, we must join together to ask: how do we continue to strengthen these ties in order to build the transformative change necessary to face the many challenges we have to come? Sign up at bit.ly/UMTeach to commit to beginning that conversation on Friday, together.
Ypsi-area residents create website, grassroots organization to encourage civic engagement
Ypsi-area residents create website, grassroots organization to encourage civic engagement
buff.ly
Ypsi, Can I Share? aims to educate and empower residents who may otherwise feel excluded from conversations about voting, politics, and civic participation.werocmi.org
Help get out the Vote! The upcoming November 3rd General Election is one of the most important elections of our lives. WeROC is joining with other organizations to make sure we do the large-scale a…"After a months-long investigation into Washtenaw County court records, a citizen-led group has released hard data on racial disparities in how people are charged with crimes. The report found that in one of Michigan’s most populous, and progressive, counties, Black people are charged with felonies at rates between two and 29 times higher than white people charged with the same crimes.
Former state lawmaker Alma Wheeler Smith is co-chair of Citizens for Racial Equality in Washtenaw (CREW), which conducted the study. She says that while the group had heard anecdotal examples of racial disparities and possible bias in the prosecutor’s office and courts, the hard data was still startling."
www.michiganradio.org/post/black-citizens-washtenaw-county-more-likely-face-felony-charges-says-n...
Black citizens in Washtenaw County more likely to face felony charges, says new report
www.michiganradio.org
After a months-long investigation into Washtenaw County court records, a citizen-led group has released hard data on racial disparities in how people areGEO Statement for Members on U-M Seeking Injunction
GEO Statement for Members on U-M Seeking Injunction
bit.ly
GEO Statement for Members on U-M Seeking Injunction September 14, 2020 Today, the University of Michigan filed for an injunction against GEO. This means they have asked for a judge to order us to end ...More News and Resources related to GEO strike at UM:
NEWS: (Where you’ll find some of the latest press about U-M workplace actions.)
Michigan Daily, Graduate students reject deal from University, opt to continue striking
Michigan Daily: Dining hall employees to walk out of work Friday, following lead of grad students and resident adviser
MLive: Residence hall staff on strike at University of Michigan, demand more coronavirus protections
RESOURCES: (Where you’ll find information about U-M workplace actions.)
Students Demand Representation Allied Social Media Links
LEO Update on GEO Strike (9/8/20)
LEO Statement on Subbing/Scabbing
GEO Demands
GEO Info for Undergraduate Students
GEO Post for Parents of Undergrads
GEO on Facebook
docs.google.com/document/d/1t75126wNudIaQ2pNHRNxAV6t7bB0hTzpFdaYdj_jaN4/edit?usp=sharing
docs.google.com
NEWS: (Where you’ll find some of the latest press about U-M workplace actions.) Michigan Daily, Graduate students reject deal from University, opt to continue striking Michigan Daily: Dining hall em...Please Support the GEO on strike going on now at UM:
You can read more about GEO demands here www.geo3550.org/2020/09/04/geos-demands-for-a-safe-and-just-pandemic-response-for-all/
or at bit.ly/StoppagePlatform
If you would like to stand on the in-person or virtual picket line with GEO, you can also do that by signing up at bit.ly/GEOpicket.
Sign the solidarity pledge online-
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSciY3Ew45hbQbYdARyZbgw2yqu9MOsqYVb-407xjeNgQ1YT6g/viewform
If you are available to Phone Zap, this is the phone # list and a short script:
GEO #StrikeForSafeCampus Phone Zap
NUMBERS
President Schlissel · 734 764 6270
Provost Collins · 734 764 9290
Regent Weiser · 734 769 8520
Regent Acker · 248 483 5000
Regent Behm · 810 234 2400
Regent Bernstein · 248 865 0877
Regent Brown · 734 730 1077
Regent Ryder Diggs · 313 882 5777
Regent White · 313 577 1054
SCRIPT:
My name is [name], and I am acting in solidarity with the graduate workers at U-M currently on strike.
I am calling to insist that the university grant GEO’s demands for a safe and just pandemic response.
They are demanding transparent and robust plans for campus safety during the pandemic, a universal right to remote work without documentation, increased flexibility for subsidies for caregivers, better support for international grad students, rent freezes and flexible leases at UM housing, extensions to funding and degree timelines, and an automatic universal emergency grant.
Additionally, they are calling for the defunding and disarmament of campus police and divestment from other agencies like AAPD and ICE. GEO’s anti-policing demands are inseparable from our COVID demands, and they stand in solidarity with this week’s ongoing general Scholar Strike.
Until significant movement on these demands is made by UM, GEO members will withhold labor. Thank you for listening and ACTING on these issues.
You can also donate monetarily here: www.geo3550.org/2020/09/04/geos-demands-for-a-safe-and-just-pandemic-response-for-all/
You can write automatically generated letters to the University Regents here actionnetwork.org/letters/strikeforsafecampus?source=direct_link&
or through the bit.ly on the graphic:
In-Person and Virtual Picket Shift Sign-up
bit.ly
Graduate Students and Allies! The only way we're going to win our demands for a safe and just pandemic response is by withholding our labor and obstructing University operations with virtual and socia...WeROC September Meeting of the Whole Thursday September 10, 5:30 pm (delayed from first Thursday this month): More to come, but please mark your calendar and plan to join as we develop our local Get Out the Vote efforts in this crucial election WHILE taking solid steps to expand WeROC's long-term capacity.
TOMORROW!
Teach-In to build our Justice Matters Prosecutorial Accountability campaign, in conjunction with our partner organization MOSES: This Tuesday, September 1, 6:00-7:30. Register at this link: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvdumrqjooHdJJn40psTyKPM6mylNYT6jJ
us02web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: County Prosecutor Teach In. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.The Delonis Center is in need of new underwear and travel-sized hygiene products. If you wish to call ahead first, (734) 662-2829. or 312 W Huron Street or mail to PO Box 7078, Ann Arbor
The team of 30+ members and allies who put together our big WeROC/MOSES virtual “Justice Matters” event last Thursday feels that, despite some minor bumps in the road, it was a big success — hope you do, too! After this Tuesday’s primary, we want to hit the ground running to build on what we made happen, and you can be a part of that, too: Our next meeting (combined with our August WeROC meeting of the Whole) will be a region-wide Celebration (don’t we need some of that!) and some Reflection on what to do now, locally and regionally, with this powerful cross-racial momentum we’ve built. This Thursday, August 6, 6-7pm –– Register Here us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsdOCgpjksHNRuzEEWBC1G1P_GN4zIVV44
us02web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Reflection and Celebration . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.EMUFT (EMU Federation of Teachers), representing lecturers at EMU, was one of the institutions that created WeROC years ago, and has been a faithful partner over the years. Now THEY need OUR help: After months of what seemed like constructive negotiations for their next contract, EMU’s Administration threw a wrench in the process with an unexpected demand to remove the remaining opportunity for part-time lecturers to move toward full-time positions.
EMUFT has decided that they just can’t accept that, and is asking for allies in the community to show that we’re watching and that we care, and we expect better of a key institution in our community as the bargaining now gets tougher. Two things they’re asking as many of us as possible to do:
Take a selfie of yourself with a sign that says “#IamEMUFT” and send it to Matt: cooper492@yahoo.com or text it to 734-536-8891 (See mine below!) so they can show tangible community support, AND
Join an in person rally by the Ypsilanti Water Tower on Thursday August 13, 11 am – 12:30 pm, weather permitting and with social distancing and masks. Example signs to bring: “I support the Part-time lecturers” or “Job Security for EMUFT!”
Also, if you prefer, drive around in a circular route around the Water Tower protest area, with supportive horn beeping!
The election is this Tuesday, Aug. 4, and only those ballots received by the local clerk by the time polls close on Election Day will count. Problems or delays with the mail may prevent the clerk from receiving the ballot in time.
According to Secretay of State Jocelyn Benson, "This close to the primary, Michiganders should return their absentee ballots to their clerk’s office directly, or submit them via their local ballot dropbox, in order to ensure their vote is counted,"
If you plan to vote absentee and you haven't mailed in your absentee ballot, it's best to now use a dropbox or take your ballot to the clerk directly, A list of all drop box locations is available on the Secretary of State's website.
www.michigan.gov/documents/sos/Ballot_Dropbox_Locations_697191_7.pdf
The criminal justice system has been broken for a long time, especially for poor people and communities of color. The recent murders of unarmed black men and women have created a national conversation on the system as a whole, but we fear one of the most important agents in the system is being overlooked: County Prosecutors/District Attorneys.
To help us all move together to solidify real fixes to the current system, WeROC and MOSES are organizing a four-county virtual Townhall event on Prosecutorial Accountability and Voter Education on July 30th at 6pm. We’ll learn more about the critical role of Prosecutor and use our strength in numbers to get commitments from the candidates who want our votes in the August 4 Primary Election – from Wayne, Washtenaw, Oakland, and Macomb counties – so we can hold the winners accountable as they take office. Please register now, and encourage others in your congregation, union, organization, or network to do so as well.
Register for our July 30th Justice Matters Virtual Townhall here:
werocmi.org/weroc-moses-justice-matters-prosecutor-campaign/
WeROC/MOSES Justice Matters Prosecutor Campaign
werocmi.org
The criminal justice system has been broken for a long time, especially for poor people and communities of color. The recent murders of unarmed black men and women have created a national conversat…
To help us all move together to solidify real fixes to the current system, WeROC and MOSES are organizing a four-county virtual Townhall event on Prosecutorial Accountability and Voter Education on July 30th at 6pm. We’ll learn more about the critical role of Prosecutor and use our strength in numbers to get commitments from the candidates who want our votes in the August 4 Primary Election – from Wayne, Washtenaw, Oakland, and Macomb counties – so we can hold the winners accountable as they take office. Please register now, and encourage others in your congregation, union, organization, or network to do so as well.
WeROC/MOSES Justice Matters Prosecutor Campaign
werocmi.org
The criminal justice system has been broken for a long time, especially for poor people and communities of color. The recent murders of unarmed black men and women have created a national conversat…Dear WeROC Members, Friends, Supporters...
The criminal justice system has been broken for a long time, especially for poor people and communities of color. The recent murders of unarmed black men and women have created a national conversation on the system as a whole, but we fear one of the most important agents in the system is being overlooked: County Prosecutors/District Attorneys.
Please register NOW to join us for our major Justice Matters Prosecutor Townhall, next Thursday July 30 at 6:00 pm: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2e5ITr3rTSKMTZm_LFwA0w
To help us all move together to solidify real fixes to the current system, locally and regionally, we are organizing a four-county virtual Townhall event on Prosecutorial Accountability and Voter Education on July 30th at 6pm. We'll learn more about the critical role of Prosecutor and use our strength in numbers to get commitments from the Prosecutor candidates who want our votes in the August 4 Primary Election -- from Washtenaw, Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties -- so we can hold the winners seriously accountable as they take office. Please register now above, and encourage others in your congregation, union, organization, or network to do so as well. (See also note on AAATA Board discussion tonight below)
Questions? Contact Tad Wysor, WeROC Organizer and MOSES Liaison (734-883-3225)
us02web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: MOSES Justice Matters Virtual Town Hall. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.Eastern Michigan University adds last minute clauses in contract negotiations, dissolves bargaining team in favor of “anti-union” law firm
www.easternecho.com
The administration at Eastern Michigan University, while in negotiations with the university’s part-time lecturers through their union, the EMU Federation of Teachers (EMU AFT Local 9102), has disso...Bad News!
The AAATA is planning to cut bus service to Ward1- Precinct 1. The entire service area between Michigan Ave. south to Jefferson, and between Second Ave. east to Hamilton St. is planned to be suspended.
Ward1-Precinct 1, also known as the Southside of Ypsilanti, is an oppressed and depressed area with some of the lowest-paid workers in the county. Although service to this area will be suspended, the residents will continue to pay the transportation millage.
The plan is to extend A-Ride service at $3.00 a trip to replace it. Or riders “can walk” to Michigan Ave. At $3 a trip, it is $6 a day, which is $30 a week for someone working 5 days a week. That could equal 1/4 to 1/2 of a family’s groceries for a week.
Please consider writing an email to Matt Carpenter and the AAATA letting them know this is wrong.
Please address your emails to
the following people:
Matthew Carpenter, CEO MCarpenter@theride.org
Bryan Smith, Deputy CEO, Operations bsmith@theride.org
The AAATA Board Zoom meeting is Thursday, July 23rd, 6:30 pm-9:00 pm
Residents or anyone else can speak during the audience participation item at the beginning of the meeting. Add this to your calendars and send it to residents on the Southside of Ypsilanti. The residents of Ypsilanti are funding the AAATA transportation Millage and it doesn't go up for renewal until 2023.
The Board agenda is in the attachment.
Below is the link to the Board Zoom meeting:
www.theride.org/about/events/aaata-board-meeting-july-23-2020
AAATA Board Meeting - July 23, 2020 | TheRide
www.theride.org
Jul 23 July 23 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM July 23 This event is remote only. Click on the date for more details. Google iCal Yahoo! Outlook.com In order to continue maintaining social distancing during the COV...DDear WeROC leaders, friends and supporters, please share this information widely in your own networks, family and friends. Studies show that the most effective way to impact voting and social change is relational organizing, i.e., communicating with those we know and/or we are related to. Let’s make this election season one that supports deep social change by electing officials who support our mission. We want WeROC and our MOSES partners to be a meaningful part of building the kinds of smart, powerful, and durable cross-racial coalitions — locally, regionally, and statewide — that can win fundamental change and build that Beloved Community.
Let’s vote and encourage others to vote! Let’s elect those who govern by the values we hold dear. Let’s make sure our voice is not ignored!
werocmi.org/vote/
Go to our website to find voter info links.
werocmi.org
Dear WeROC leaders, friends and supporters, please share this information widely in your own networks, family and friends. Studies show that the most effective way to impact voting and social chan…Washtenaw County Prosecutor candidate Interviews:
Hugo Mack: Candidate Interview Hugo Mack (Wastenaw County)
Eli Savit: Candidate Interview: Eli Savit (Washtenaw County)
Arianne Slay: Prosecutor Interview: Arianne Slay (Washtenaw County
Register for the July 30 WeRoc/Moses Justice Matters Townhall to learn more about the Prosecutor race!
werocmi.org/weroc-moses-justice-matters-prosecutor-campaign/
If you have tents or tarps, sleeping bags, socks, can openers, or sunscreen, please DM Washtenaw General Defense Committee for dropoff locations. Due to inadequate housing or shelter options, many folks experiencing housing or food insecurity are forced to camp. Washtenaw General Defense Committee
Washtenaw General Defense Committee
www.facebook.com
The General Defense Committee was formed to defend working class people fighting for our rights on the picket line and in our community.Lois Allen-Richardson Sworn In As New Mayor Of Ypsilanti
Lois Allen-Richardson Sworn In As New Mayor Of Ypsilanti
cbsloc.al
The city of Ypsilanti is under new leadership following former Mayor Beth Beshert’s comments that many felt were racist.IFA’s lawsuit uniquely takes on the neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and hate groups at the center of this violent movement, holding them accountable for the violence they orchestrated.
The murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and so many others are the tragic and unsurprising results of a racist and broken system — the same system that fueled Charlottesville, Charleston and the litany of other white supremacist attacks.
Taking on, and taking down, these violent extremists is all the more critical as they try to exploit this moment to spread disinformation, terror, and violence. Our suit is a powerful and effective way to fight back that will have major national impacts.
IFA’s plaintiffs will win when this case goes to trial in October — and you can help:
1. SIGN UP FOR CASE UPDATES at www.integrityfirstforamerica.org.
2. DONATE: If you’re able, anything you give to IFA will fund critical security and evidence collection costs: www.integrityfirstforamerica.org/Donate.
3. SPREAD THE WORD: Follow IFA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to share this work and stay up to date. Forward this email to friends and family, or direct them to IFA’s website to read the lawsuit and learn how extremists are exploiting this moment: www.integrityfirstforamerica.org.
www.integrityfirstforamerica.org/
www.integrityfirstforamerica.org
Integrity First for America (IFA) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to holding America's leaders accountable.www.secondwavemedia.com/concentrate/features/racialjusticewashtenaw.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3ucE50muIr9mo...
Local leaders discuss what's next for racial justice in Washtenaw County
www.secondwavemedia.com
As our community joins so many others in envisioning a more just way forward, we asked six Washtenaw County activists what they want to see as our community's next steps in confronting police brutalit...University of Michigan Should Double Their Endowment Spending During COVID-19 w/ Howard Bunsis
ICPJ Voting Engagement Team:
Suppressed: The Fight to Vote" : Film Viewing and Panel for Action Tonight. I hope you can join us tonight.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone tonight! We have a great (and large) group gathering! Hosted by ICPJ (Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice) and collaborating congregations and organizations in the Ypsi-A2 area, this Voting Engagement gathering centered around this documentary is a call to action to reduce barriers to voting and address systematic efforts to interfere with people's voices and votes.
We welcome your sharing this invitation to register for the event or go ahead and share this direct zoom link below to your family, friends, and groups:
"Suppressed: The Fight to Vote" : Film Viewing and Panel for Action
Jun 23, 2020 7:00 PM
Zoom Meeting link:
us02web.zoom.us/j/87602039221
Meeting ID: 876 0203 9221
No computer or internet access? Dial the number below and enter the Meeting ID when prompted to join the meeting using your phone:
zoom phone access number: +1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 876 0203 9221
We invite you to sign in a few minutes early to be sure your link is working.
Here is a working document that will change over the days and weeks ahead, but that may give you a big picture of directions where we are headed and we will discuss further follow-up tomorrow: docs.google.com/document/d/1oeQiff7ZTbSr_KDBwDf6D4ZYpRr1_44_7rbXlUsGdSU/edit#
ICPJ Voting Engagement Team
Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting
us02web.zoom.us
Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom ...Help spread the word... demand UM support all if its campuses, not just Ann ArborCalling 1U supporters! This week there are several ways to support the One University Campaign! Help us fight for trip-campus equity by getting involved! #OneUniversity
DETAILS
— Photo social media action: docs.google.com/document/d/1QdUhen3wCjvh4hATEFg8NE3G0Wcl6iKtcm7sSc-yRYY/edit?usp=sharing
— Protest Info: www.facebook.com/events/635814690340389/?active_tab=about
—Phone Zap Behm’s Office: docs.google.com/document/d/1PbYr5OYL5ZZPzKH8Ut4IhTxUwa1Gf4fZUJ5Qh88_iFM/edit?usp=sharing
— Email Behm: actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-regent-behm-to-support-equity-for-dearborn-and-flint?source=direct...
RSVP for June 20, 2020 ~ Mass Poor People's Assembly & Moral March on Washington
RSVP for June 20, 2020 ~ Mass Poor People's Assembly & Moral March on Washington
actionnetwork.org
On June 20, 2020, we will RISE TOGETHER as a powerful moral fusion movement to demand the implementation of our Moral Agenda! We need everyone to attend, everyone to help, everyone to give. Claim your...If you would like to participate in the County Prosecutor Campaign training with allies from nearby counties this Thur, please contact Tad Wysor.
Here's the info:
Seems we're all feeling more busy than ever, but that's exactly the time for us to focus in on what we can do most effectively together with the limited time and energy we have.
Youth leaders and others will be telling us more Thursday, but please be thinking about which of these committees you might like to participate in:
The Voters Guide team -- will be engaging candidates to create physical and digital voters guide with important information about the role of the office and specific responses candidates have to our values survey
Poetry and Politics -- A virtual event aimed to target new voters and millenials around the importance of voting and the importance of the prosecutor in today’s America
Virtual Phone Banking -- A team doing phone banking for targeted voters in the county’s we are doing prosecutorial voter education
Media Week Team -- A team that will conduct social media interviews of candidates the first week of July
Townhall Committee -- A team that will pull together a virtual townhall late in July as a last push for voters before the primary
Hope to "see" many of you tomorrow evening!
Meet the Ypsilanti woman who's organized four of Washtenaw County's anti-police-brutality protests
Meet the Ypsilanti woman who's organized four of Washtenaw County's anti-police-brutality protests
www.secondwavemedia.com
Trische' Duckworth describes her efforts as a "movement of justice, peace, and love under God."LEO Statement on the Killing of George Floyd & Police Brutality — LEO Union
LEO Statement on the Killing of George Floyd & Police Brutality — LEO Union
leounion.org
LEO statement on police brutality and a range of resources to support activists and anti-racist education.How Do We Change America?
www.newyorker.com
The quest to transform this country cannot be limited to challenging its brutal police.