A Better Way for Michigan
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Citizens for Prison Reform (CPR) is pleased to invite the public, advocates, community members, and policymakers to its 14th Annual Legislative Education Day, themed "A Better Way for Michigan," on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Central United Methodist Church, located at 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI 489331.
For the past 14 years, CPR's Legislative Education Day has served as a vital platform for discussing pressing issues surrounding rehabilitative justice. This year's theme, "A Better Way for Michigan," will specifically focus on the critical need for Transparency, Accountability, Culture change, and Oversight (TACO) within Michigan's jails and prisons.
To further engagement and discussion around these crucial topics, this year's event will feature a "Taco Tuesday" theme, offering additional opportunities for networking and providing a complimentary taco lunch.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a distinguished panel of special guest speakers:
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Brian Dawe, National Director of One Voice United, will share his vision for creating safer prison environments for both corrections staff and the incarcerated population, drawing on his over 40 years of experience in corrections and emphasizing the need for culture and practice change. One Voice United aims to amplify the voices of corrections professionals.
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Deputized Percy Glover (Formerly Incarcerated) from IGNITE will speak about alternatives to solitary confinement. Having spent over a decade incarcerated, Percy now serves as the Executive Director of Community Engagement at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and is a driving force behind IGNITE. He is a passionate advocate for rehabilitation over punishment and believes in the transformative power of education and opportunity. He will share insights on creating real change by empowering successful reentries for safer communities.
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Major Gould of the Genesee County Jail, also representing IGNITE (Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education), will share insights on programming, the Meritocracy model, and a human-centered approach. Regarding the potential within the incarcerated population and the impact of IGNITE, Major Gould has stated, "Some of the most advanced, creative people I've ever met in my life have been in jail. So if you channel that, and make different decisions, it helps us all. That, in a nutshell, is what I.G.N.I.T.E. is". He also emphasizes that IGNITE is about more than just providing education; it's about giving people hope.
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The event will also feature a model solitary cell exhibit, available both indoors and outdoors, to provide a powerful understanding of the impact of isolation.
In addition, attendees can experience a powerful model solitary cell exhibit, available both indoors and outdoors, offering a visceral understanding of the profound impact of isolation within the correctional system.
CPR staff will also be available to provide assistance in scheduling meetings with legislators, empowering attendees to directly advocate for change.
Join us as we work collaboratively towards "A Better Way for Michigan" for incarcerated individuals and their families.
RSVP to Legislative Education Day: https://www.zeffy.com/
