SawariMedia

Written by Chanton Miles #619306 MDOC, Coordinated by SawariMedia

OUR GOAL

Our goal is to coordinate with other like minded groups and individuals in an effort to restore what was formerly “good time” credits in Michigan’s state prison system through a ballot initiative in the upcoming 2024 statewide election.

THIS GROUPS CONTRIBUTION TO THE CAUSE

We plan to coordinate the contribution of at least 200,000 pledged signatures before the end of this year to present on the first of January, 2024. In 2020/2022 the number of petition signatures needed to get the proposed good time bill on the ballot for voters was a little over 300,000. Projecting for the year 2024, we have no reason to believe that the number will change too much. By securing over half of these signatures prior to January of 2024, this will give us a head start, and increase the likelihood that we will obtain the required signatures.

HOW WILL WE GET PLEDGES AND CONVERT THEM TO SIGNATURES

We will accomplish our goals by assembling a team of canvassers (use the pledge form to) across the state of Michigan. Instead of depending on the door to door approach, our strategy will focused on providing opportunities for people in large groups, assemblies, and congregations to sign. We hope to draw support from leaders and persons of influence. In real life this looks like phone calls, visits to church leaders, persons of influences by referring people to the pledge site, using campaign tags in posts and/or sharing supportive messages on social media. Those who hear the message and are supportive of our cause can be connected to our web of communication where they will be considered a pledgee, and receive information, updates, and alerts concerning the ballot initiative.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY WEB OF COMMUNICATION

Through technology we will develop and maintain a web of communication with each pledgee over the course of 2023 – 2024. Initially a pledgee will be asked to complete a form. When they do so, they will automatically be (unless otherwise noted) signed up to receive email campaign updates. This will contain information regarding the ballot initiative. It will also contain a facebook link where they will be asked to follow the RepealTIS page to participate in livestream sessions. Through this organization’s facebook page the pledgees will continue to receive updates on progress and status of the mission, as well as instructions and tips on how to register to vote, and when and where to refer people to go to sign petitions.

WHY NOT WAIT FOR LEGISLATORS TO PASS GOOD TIME BILL

Historically, no bill in this respect has ever made it out of a committee and onto the house floor for a vote. There’s been a lot of consideration due to resent events especially with local advocacy strengthening, but even with progress over the pass 5 years no action has happend on the state’s end other than dialogue. Thus, we have no reason to believe that it will now; or that if it did, it would be a bill of character that is progressive and congruent with the ideals and desires of the people. And where the people have a lack of faith in legislation to act, the Michigan Constitution gives power to the citizens of Michigan to bring forth a law to be voted on by the people, by way of a ballot initiative. We have elected to do just that.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP

We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about this cause. If you believe in this cause and would like to assist in this endeavor please contact us using the form linked below. If you are part of a group and your group is interested in coordinating with us, please indicate that upon submission.