Across races and places, Michiganders want everybody to have the freedom to love who they want, the freedom to decide when – or if – they grow their families, and freedom from fear of gun violence in our schools or on our streets. You cannot be free unless you are free to be tour truest self. Happy PRIDE Month!
This Sunday, June 4 @ 2:00 – 4:00 pm
June Member Meeting and Panel:
Hate Crimes in Washtenaw County and Michigan: Forms, Targets, Magnitude, Responses
Note the change in day of week and location: our June meeting is on Sunday afternoon!
In 2020, the incidence of hate crimes in the U.S. reached its highest level in over a decade. The incidence continues to climb, affecting Black, Jewish, Asian-American and LGBTQ and transgender Americans in particular. This crisis infects Washtenaw County as well as the rest of the state and the nation. Please join us to learn more about the nature and targets of hate crimes in our community, our elected leaders’ actions in response, and our own role in reversing this wave of hatred.
Confirmed panelists include:
- Joe Halsch, President, Jim Toy Community Center
- Eli Savit, Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney
- Lori Roddy, Executive Director, Neutral Zone
- State Representative Jimmie Wilson, Jr, Michigan House District 32
- Carolyn Normandin, Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League of Michigan.
Location: First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Fahs Chapel.
Zoom: Advance registration is required at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvcemsqj4uG9exV2h76tbVvWF7wTOiN0Y
Bridging 23: 7th Annual Unity Walk
Join the Dispute Resolution Center and neighbors from across the area for the 7th Annual Unity Walk. This is a fundraiser for the Dispute Resolution Center’s Restorative Justice Program.
The Unity Walk was born out of a Bridging 23 restorative community circle and has been spearheaded by community members since 2017. It is dedicated to transforming the way the people of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and the surrounding communities relate to one another.
The DRC’s Restorative Justice Program helps to keep adults and youth out of the criminal legal system and brings healing and wholeness to families and our community.
The Unity Walk will be held on Saturday, June 10th, 2023, at 9:00am at Brown Chapel AME Church in Ypsilanti. There will be a 5K walk and a 1-mile fun run.
Registration is $25 for individuals and $100 for teams. All proceeds will benefit the DRC’s Restorative Justice Program.
To register, visit the DRC’s website.
Visibility Committee Call for Volunteers
Staff a table with other WCDP volunteers at these upcoming events:
Ann Arbor African American Festival
- Staff a table during the festival on Saturday, June 3 Sign up for a 2-3 hour shift
Chelsea Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights from 6:00-8:30 pm. Pick your date(s) here
Ann Arbor Juneteenth Celebration: Afternoon shifts (two hours each) needed Saturday June 17. Pick your shift here
These additional events in May, June, and July need volunteers as well. If you live in one of these areas, we especially need you!
- Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market (Saturdays beginning in May)
- Milan Pride Picnic (Thursday, June 8, 4-7pm)
- Ann Arbor Art Fair (July 20-22, shifts available throughout the day)
- More events coming in August and September
Even if none of these dates work for you but you are interested, sign up using the link below.. Training will be offered. We also need ongoing Visibility Committee members to help us plan and support local events throughout the county on an ongoing basis.
Sign Up Here and tell us which events are of interest to you. A member of our team will be in touch.
WCDP Office is Open Again!!!!
As you may remember, a car struck our office during the winter. After remodeling, we’re now open again. Come by and visit. Our hours are:
Tuesdays, 5-7
Thursdays, 5-7
Saturdays, 1-3
Coffee ☕ with Your Representatives!
State Rep Felicia Brabec, District 33
May 27 @ 1 pm
- Brewed Awakening, 7025 E. Michigan Avenue, Saline.
June 25th-Save the Date: Join Us for Fun, Food, and Community
The Washtenaw County Democratic Party is excited to invite you and your loved ones to our annual Friends and Family Picnic! This year, the picnic will be held on June 25, 2023 from 1pm-5pm at the Independence Lake Beach Center in Webster Township.
We hope you can join us for an afternoon of fun, food, and community. We’ll be grilling up some delicious food provided by Chef Walter Jackson, so all you need to bring is a dish or beverage to share.
Please note that there is an entry fee of $3 for seniors who are Washtenaw County residents and $10 for others. We encourage you to RSVP as soon as possible, as entry will be denied once the park capacity is filled.
This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Democrats, meet elected officials, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. We hope to see you there!
If you have any questions or would like to RSVP, please contact Susan Baskett at Susanebaskett@ailurophile.
Save the date for our annual Garden Party: Saturday, July 15th, with a rain date of Sunday, July 16th . Watch this space for updates and ticket sales.
