www.wemu.org/post/new-washtenaw-county-juvenile-justice-plan-focuses-more-rehabilitation-vs-punis...
New Washtenaw County Juvenile Justice Plan Focuses More On Rehabilitation Vs. Punishment
www.wemu.org
In under a month on the job, the new Washtenaw County prosecutor, Eli Savit, has announced a number of new criminal justice plans for the county, includingEleven new policies already this month by our new Prosecutor team! Important steps to making our community better!
Great news!
Join us for our January First Thursday "Meeting of the Whole" on January 7 and help elect officers to the new WeROC Provisional Leadership Team.
Register here: us02web.zoom.us/.../tZUlf-mrrDIuGtFRUbD0IAtM...
Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing
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 ...Hello all -- this is a time when all of us as WeROC supporters can remember and feel some pride for the past -- and anticipation for the future -- of our brand of bottom-up power-building for a more just Washtenaw County.
WeROC leaders asked the three of us to serve as a Nominating Committee to put forward a slate of candidates for a "WeROC Provisional Leadership Team." We'll vote as a body at the January 7, 2021 Meeting of the Whole. The officers elected will serve for one year, or until we complete the formal process laid out in our Bylaws of establishing formal institutional memberships -- among local congregations, labor organizations, and community organizations -- and then creating a formal Board of Directors from delegates from these member institutions.
We are excited to put forward for the consideration of the WeROC body this slate of committed WeROC leaders who have agreed to be candidates as Officers of the WeROC Provisional Leadership Team. We believe that together, these leaders -- who regular participants in WeROC know from many meetings -- would represent the best of WeROC on many levels. The "floor" is open now until this Thursday December 24 for any other nominations.
Nominating Committee Proposed Slate for the WeROC Provisional Leadership Team (with affiliations for identification):
President: Cindy Bodewes, Church of the Good Shepherd
Vice President: Charlotte Tillerson, President, Ypsilanti Community Education Association
Secretary: Audrey Anderson, Community Church of God
Treasurer: Rita Turner-Sheerin, Voters not Politicians
Clergy Representative: Rev. Jeff Harrold, Pastor, New Beginnings Community Church of Washtenaw County
Lead Organizer: Tad Wysor, First Congregational UCC (Ypsi), AFGE Local 3907 (EPA), Huron Valley Area Labor Federation (AFL-CIO)
Nominating Committee:
Cindy Bodewes
Pastor Jeff Harrold
Tad Wysor
This is a joint statement from Rev. John Welch, Rev. David Bigsby, and Gamaliel Executive Director Ana Garcia-Ashley on the treasonous protests and unlawful breach of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 20201.
Gamaliel Statement on the Treasonous Protests in Washington, D.C.
Chicago, IL –– The Gamaliel Network denounces the unlawful breach of the United States Capitol Building this afternoon.
We condemn the violent attempt to disrupt the democratic process and to discredit the results of the 2020 election. We call upon every member of Congress and President Donald Trump to acknowledge the results of the election and to demand that protestors leave the Capitol Building. We call upon leaders at all levels of government and on both sides of the aisle to call this action what it is: an act of domestic terrorism, and an attempted coup. We call upon all Americans to demand and support a peaceful transfer of power.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Washington, D.C and with all Americans in this dark moment. We mourn the violence inflicted upon our nation’s capital. We pray for a safe and peaceful end to this atrocity.
###
We encourage our affiliates and members to speak out against these acts of domestic terrorism and invite them to use our statement as needed.
Prosecutor-elect Eli Savit taps Washtenaw County activists to help shape agenda for change
Prosecutor-elect Eli Savit taps Washtenaw County activists to help shape agenda for change
www.secondwavemedia.com
When Eli Savit assumes his role as Washtenaw County prosecutor on Jan. 1, his policies – like his campaign – will be guided by a team of local activist advisors and other feedback from the communi...www.washtenaw.org/3158/Testing
COVID-19 Testing Information | Washtenaw County, MI
www.washtenaw.org
Information and locations of COVID-19 testing.New COVID-19 Testing Site to Provide Saliva Testing
LynxDx, 2|42 Community Center, and Washtenaw County Health Department expand easy, accessible drive-thru testing
YPSILANTI, Mich., Nov 18, 2020 – Washtenaw County Health Department is announcing plans with LynxDx and the 2|42 Community Center to offer a new drive-thru COVID-19 testing site in Ann Arbor opening on Wednesday, November 18. This new site will offer contactless saliva testing and will be open to all Michigan residents with or without insurance. COVID-19 continues to spread in Washtenaw County. Access to COVID-19 testing is an important tool in helping identify cases and prevent further community spread of COVID-19.
“This new testing site will benefit our entire community,” says Juan Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director at WCHD. “We’re grateful to partner with Lynx and the 2|42 Community Center in bringing more accessible, faster testing to our county. Additionally, we know there has been a lot of interest in saliva testing. We’re excited to bring this no-contact saliva testing option to our community members.”
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should immediately seek testing. If you were potentially exposed but do not have symptoms, the Health Department recommends self-quarantine and waiting at least 5 or more days before testing. If you are in quarantine and develop symptoms, testing is recommended. Symptoms may take up to 14 days after exposure to appear, and individuals are considered contagious two days before symptoms appear.
Anyone getting tested should stay away from others until they get their results. Anyone with symptoms should stay home unless they are getting medical care or testing and limit all contact with others in their household.
Testing Site Information:
This testing site will open on Wednesday, November 18. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, testing will be available from 8:00 am-1:00 pm. On Tuesday and Thursday, testing will be available from 3:00–7:00 pm. This site will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27.
Testing will be hosted in the parking lot of 2|42 Community Center/Church (648 S. Wagner Road in Ann Arbor). Drive-thru only.
Tests will be contactless and saliva-based (no nasal swabs required). Results will be sent to your email or phone within 48 hours. We expect this site to be able to accommodate 150-200 tests per day.
Who Can Get Tested?
Testing is open to all Michigan residents. You do not need to have symptoms to get tested. You do not need a doctor’s note or order to get tested.
Pre-registration is required. Register for a test at lynxdx.health/register. You will need your driver’s license or state-issued ID card and insurance card.
Testing is available with or without insurance. Please bring identification when you arrive for testing. If you have health insurance, please bring your card. There should be no out-of-pocket fees for individuals needing testing. Many insurance providers have already waived copays for COVID-19 testing. If you do not have insurance, testing staff will ask for your social security number to verify that you do not have insurance.
Once you arrive on-site for testing, LynxDx will verify your identity and other information. They will then provide a self-testing kit to collect your saliva sample.
Additional COVID-19 Information and Resources
Data on local cases, guidance for employers, prevention information, additional testing options, and more are available at www.washtenaw.org/covid19. Health Department staff are also available to answer questions. Call 734-544-6700 or email l-wchdcontact@washtenaw.org.
Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs. Visit us at washtenaw.org/health or call 734-544-6700.
LynxDx, Inc. is a privately held diagnostics company headquartered in Ann Arbor, which spun out of the University of Michigan. LynxDx currently operates a high-complexity molecular diagnostics laboratory, and is focused on commercializing diagnostic tools, including a qPCR assay for COVID-19 and a urine assay to aid in diagnosing prostate cancer (MyProstateScore).
2|42 Community Center
The 2|42 Community Center is a FREE family friendly space which includes a play structure, a turf field, a Cafe and rooms for rent. During COVID we host as many blood drives as we can and are thankful for everyone on the front lines of our community.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | Washtenaw County, MI
www.washtenaw.org
The latest Washtenaw County information on the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)As many of us focus on the aftermath to the November 3rd election, here is an inspiring story from our MOSES affiliates of their successful struggle for our democracy here in Michigan: Protecting the vote, then protecting the count.
WeROC continues to find ways to support the organized voices of our neighbors who are hardest hit by the health and economic crises. As we build capacity for our next exciting phase, we will be grateful for any ongoing financial support from the community – use the “Donate” button to the right.
werocmi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Cobo-Hall-ballot-count-lessons.pdf
Timeline PhotosThere will be Count Every Vote actions across the country this Saturday. Here in Michigan, there will be rallies Saturday afternoon in Traverse City, Lansing and Detroit. Check wemakemichigan.com/count-every-vote/ for information.
This year, MOSES Action ran our largest digital voter engagement program to date, protecting the vote at every step of the way. In the interest of safety during the pandemic, we adapted our traditional canvas program to reach voters remotely through phone banking, text messaging, social media and the OutVote app.
We helped Michigan residents connect their values to the voting process through voter education; guided them in making detailed plans for casting their ballots in this unprecedented COVID-era election; and supported them in carrying out their plans.
As anti-democratic protesters attempted to stop the ballot counting process, we quickly mobilized 15 leaders to the TCF Center (formerly Cobo Hall) in downtown Detroit to become certified as poll challengers. In this role, we were able to observe the counting process and everything that goes into verifying and counting ballots.
Most importantly, we helped to counter the efforts of those who were there in an attempt to disqualify thousands of valid ballots.
www.mosesaction.com/
www.mosesaction.com
MOSES Action’s mission is to promote social welfare by developing and advocating for legislation, regulations, and government programs that improve the quality of life for Michigan residents. We als...and more links to state and local races here:https://www.freep.com/
Detroit Free Press - Breaking news, sports, business, entertainment
www.freep.com
Detroit Michigan news - freep.com is the Detroit Free Press. News about Detroit, as well as headlines and stories from around Michigan.Experience problems at the polls? See something that doesn’t look right? Call the Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE
(Assistance in additional languages: www.michiganvoting.org/election-protection-hotlines)
Great FYI for voting questions today:Today is Election Day.
Here is what you need to know:
1) Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM local time. You have the right to vote if you are in line by 8:00 PM.
2) If you still have your absentee ballot it must be received by your city/township clerk by 8:00 PM.
3) You can register to vote in-person at your clerk’s office.
You must show proof of where you live. Documents must have your name and current address. You can show a digital copy of any document. Acceptable documents include:
-Michigan driver’s license or State ID card
-Current utility bill
-Bank statement
-Paycheck or government check
-Other government document
After registering, you can vote an absent voter ballot at the clerk’s office or you can vote at your polling place on Election Day.
To be eligible to register to vote you must be:
-A Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote)
-A United States citizen
-At least 18 years of age (when you vote)
-Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison
4) If you have an absentee ballot that has not been returned, you can surrender the ballot and vote at the polls.
5) If you have NOT received your requested absentee ballot in the mail, can vote at your polling place on Election Day. You simply have to sign a statement stating that the ballot was lost or destroyed then you can vote at the polls. Track your absentee ballot here: mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index
6) If you mailed your ballot and it hasn't been received by your clerk, you can still vote in person, but you MUST cancel your absentee ballot first at your local polling place. Track your absentee ballot here: mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index
7) There is no option on Election Day to spoil an absentee ballot that has already been received by the clerk.
8) You will be asked to show ID when you check in to vote. If you don’t have one, you can still vote.
If this happens, expect a poll worker to ask you to sign a form before you vote that explains you didn’t have an ID. Your ballot will be included with all others and counted on Election Day.
ID types you can use to check-in are:
-Michigan driver's license or state ID
-Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state
-Federal or state government-issued photo identification
-U.S. passport
-Military ID with photo
-Student identification with photo from a high school or accredited institution of higher learning
-Tribal identification card with photo
9) The ACLU recommends reporting intimidation to:
The Election Protection Hotline, 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español)
The U.S. Department of Justice Voting Rights Hotline, 1-800-253-3931, or teletypewriter line,1-877-267-8971
Voters can also call the Michigan Department of Civil Rights' election protection hotline at 1-800-OUR-VOTE.
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!
Do not mail absentee ballots! The Michigan Court of Appeals recently ruled that voters must return absentee ballots to their clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day in order for their vote to count.
More resources and info here:
werocmi.org/vote-2/
Vote and encourage others to vote!
werocmi.org
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., communica…Turn in your ballot to your clerk TODAY! If you don't have a ballot, go to your polling place TOMORROW! You can also register to vote at your clerk today or tomorrow. And please remind others to VOTE!!
more info here: vote.michigan.gov/
and here: RockTheVote.org
WeROC began working this summer with our affiliated organization in the Metro area, MOSES, on an ongoing regional “prosecutorial accountability” campaign in Washtenaw County as well as in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. We’re calling it the “Justice Matters” campaign and are working together in real time in parallel with the massive racial justice activism nationally and in Michigan.
werocmi.org/justice-matters-campaign-for-prosecutorial-accountability/
Justice Matters Campaign for Prosecutorial Accountability
werocmi.org
WeROC began working this summer with our affiliated organization in the Metro area, MOSES, on an ongoing regional “prosecutorial accountability” campaign in Washtenaw County as well as …Don’t forget to request, fill out, and turn in your ballot!
Go in person to your local clerk to get your ballot, turn it in to the clerk or your local drop box, or show up to the polls on Nov 3.
See MI SOS for more info. And remember:
Nov. 2: Last day to pick up an absentee ballot at your local clerk’s office by 4 p.m.
Voted ballots must be received by 8pm on Election Day, Nov 3, in order to be counted.
You may submit your application either in person or by mail to your City/Township Clerk's office. Check with your local clerk to find out about drop box locations.
If you or someone you know isn’t registered to vote, you/they can still do that up to and on election day!
werocmi.org/vote/
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…Know Your Voting Rights
www.aclu.org
Learn more about how to exercise your voting rights, resist voter intimidation efforts, and access disability-related accommodations and language assistance at the polls. For help at the polls, call t...Democracy & Debate Theme Semester: John Lewis: The Legacy of a Life Lived in Good Trouble
umich.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cvEEc4mtRpWY6JUK_ylUSw
umich.zoom.us
Troy, Alabama. Selma. Nashville. Washington, DC. John Lewis’ journey bore witness to the trials and tribulations of the civil rights movement. Please join us for an important conversation on the bio...Reframing Criminal Justice
Tuesday October 20, 2020: 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Zoom visit aadl.org/mcsp for Zoom information
Join the Michigan Community Scholars Program and members of the community in a panel discussion about criminal justice in Washtenaw County. We’ll use Bryan Stevenson’s TED Talk: “We Need to Talk about an Injustice” as a springboard for the conversation.
Panelists include:
The Rev. Jeffery Harrold, Senior Pastor, New Beginnings Community Church of Washtenaw County
State Senator Jeff Irwin, Michigan’s 18th District
Eli Savit, incoming Prosecuting Attorney, Washtenaw County
Dephia Simpson, Chief Public Defender, Washtenaw County
Alma Wheeler Smith, Citizens for Racial Equity in Washtenaw
This event is sponsored by the Michigan Community Scholars Program and the Ann Arbor District Library
Please check back on the day of the event for the Zoom link and phone number.
Panel Discussion | Reframing Criminal Justice | Ann Arbor District Library
aadl.org
Panel Discussion | Reframing Criminal Justice When Tuesday October 20, 2020: 7:00pm to 8:00pm Where Zoom Description Join the Michigan Community Scholars Program and members of the community in a pane...Please join us tomorrow!
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.School Board Candidate Forums:
Student Advocacy Center, in collaboration with the Michigan Education Justice Coalition, is hosting school board candidate forums in five school districts.
Youth, caregivers, advocates and others will have an opportunity to hear directly from those making critical decisions concerning discipline policy, special education policy, and how the district prioritizes where money is spent in our schools. We will also share information and answer questions for those that need help with requesting absentee ballots and in person voting on or before November 3rd.
mailchi.mp/9080a79ed127/ruth-is-turning-4702814
Learn about YOUR school board candidates!
mailchi.mp
Student Advocacy Center, in collaboration with the Michigan Education Justice Coalition, is hosting school board candidate forums in five school districts. Youth, caregivers, a...Join us on Saturday, October 17th from 4pm - 7pm for a statewide education candidate forum!
Throughout the summer, our partner organizations across the state hosted listening sessions and surveyed their communities, asking students, educators, parents, and families how they reimagine schools. Using everything we heard, we developed a state-wide education justice platform. Come hear where candidates stand on education justice issues so you can vote for candidates who align with your values!
Free Covid testing locations in Washtenaw Co.
www.washtenaw.org/3158/Testing
COVID-19 Testing Information | Washtenaw County, MI
www.washtenaw.org
Information and locations of COVID-19 testing.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.Thursday!
Join Ypsilanti Mayor Lois Allen-Richardson’s first Millennial Town Hall to share your experiences, goals, and visions around important issues in the city that impact life in Ypsilanti. This will be a facilitated dialogue between Millennial residents of Ypsilanti to produce shared generational wisdom toward the goal of guiding the city’s future.
www.facebook.com/events/1006201043146527/?__mref=mb
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