Don't Sit On This! Something In Here Is For You.

Don't overthink this. There's at least one thing in here that could shift something for you — an opportunity, a connection, a next step. Find it and move.

All virtual links in one spot, in order. Bookmark this: https://linktr.ee/4linkagemembers (Sign-up should not be required to use. If pop-ups happen, you can click the "X" to bypass)

Virtual Coffee Chat — No Agenda, No Pressure, Just Us Every Monday morning at 9am. Come as you are — sleepy eyes, full mug, quiet presence, high energy, whatever you've got. No agenda, no expectations. Stay five minutes or the whole time. You literally cannot be late. Text (734)649-0508 if tech gets funky. Join Monday Coffee

Link Arms with Linkage — Comment, Share, Repost!! The spring campaign is live and we need more than shares — we need you to comment and repost. That's what moves the algorithm. Don't just lurk. Show up in the comments. Want to make a short video about what Linkage means to you? Email Frannie — she makes it painless. Donation Link (Share with friends!) | YouTube Stories! (Check out, subscribe, & share) | Newsletter Sign-Up! (Get your friends all the Linkage Updates!) | Make a Video — Email Frannie

[Image: Elevate the Mic, 2023]

LiNK Arts Jam — June 27 · Open Book Theatre, Trenton · 11am–8pm THIS IS GOING TO BE EPIC. We're doing an artist market at Open Book Theatre in Trenton — members can share their crafts, sell their work, perform, and we're doing a BOOK TALK! All art forms welcome. All you have to do is show up, bring your shiz, and be yourself. Save the date and let me know if you want to hold a spot. More details coming but I want to know who's in ASAP! Claim Your Spot! Email Me Today.

Johnny Depp's People's Artist Competition — 5 Linkage Members are IN IT! Karmyn, Shelly, Sean, Jeremiah, and Kimiko are all in the running. One artist wins $25,000, gets featured in Artforum Magazine, and shows their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon in LA. Voting opens Monday, May 4 at 1pm EST. Mark your calendar and SHOW UP for your people.

Joyce Awards — Self-Nominations Open Saying this again because it's too important: $100,000 unrestricted grant for Michigan artists. Plus you direct an additional $40K to a Great Lakes org of your choice. You self-nominate — no one has to pick you first. Visual arts, performing arts, film, music, literary, community-based practice — all eligible. Michigan artists: this is your year. You don't need to be famous. You need to be doing the work. Self-Nominate at USA

[Image: Annual Art Workshop, 2022]

Upcoming Virtual Meet Ups

Bi-Weekly Music Meeting — April 27 · 3:30–4:30pm Come vibe with the music crew. Monthly check-in for musicians and music lovers. Join Zoom

Creation Circle: Exhibit Planning — April 28 · 9:30–10:30am Planning the REBIRTH install at Linkage Gallery in Lansing (coming May or June) AND early conversations about a new traveling exhibit: Protecting Progress, Dreaming Forward. Should we bring in a guest curator? Come weigh in. Join Zoom

Financial Fun #2: Budgeting & Banking Basics — May 1 · 1:30pm Real money talk, real tools. Free and virtual. Part 2 of our financial workshop series — budgeting and banking basics. Whether you feel like you need this or not, we need y'all to experience this curriculum so we can gather feedback on it. The goal is to modify it and take it inside! Join Zoom

Creation Circle: Community Service — May 5 · 12–1pm What do people actually need most when they first come home? We're building a care package list for community partners and want YOUR input. Join Zoom

Writers Workshop — NEXT May 8 · 11am No prep or experience needed. Just come write with us. This circle brings together members interested in writing, books, publishing, and literary events. Whether you're working on poetry, memoir, spoken word, or just exploring ideas, this is a space to connect, share, and build momentum together. Join Zoom

[Image: Linkage Gallery Lansing Install, 2025]

New Resources Worth Bookmarking

New Invite: Breaking Chains Mending Minds — Sundays · 1pm We just started connecting with the founder, Erin, and he's opened his weekly Sunday space (1pm EST) to anyone in the Linkage community — free, online, no recording — for honest, grounded conversation about life (and its challenges) after coming home. Join Sunday Meeting

OS Reentry YouTube Channel — Practical Life Skills Videos Short, judgment-free videos on everyday stuff that can feel overwhelming after incarceration — finding a therapist, pumping gas, doing laundry, navigating your phone. Made by people with lived reentry experience. Bookmark it, share it. Watch Videos

Opportunities!

Call for Art: Exhibition REBIRTH — Linkage Gallery, Lansing Interested in showing work on the theme of REBIRTH? Let me know how many pieces you'd like to bring. Musician, writer, actor? Let's talk about creative ways to get your work in the gallery too. Text or email me! sunrath@linkagecommunity.org

Annual Art Workshop — What Do YOU Want to Try? We're starting to plan and want YOUR ideas. Music, comedy, clay, theatre, storytelling — no experience needed and no bad ideas. Sky is literally the limit. Share Your Ideas

[Image: Shaka's Detroit Book Talk, 2025]

MORE In-person On The Calendar

AI Workshop @ SADO Detroit — Mon, April 27 · 6–7:30pm · 3031 W. Grand Blvd, Ste 450, Detroit. Real, practical content about using AI during reentry. Light refreshments. Doors lock at 6pm sharp. RSVP Here

Ringing of the Bell @ U of M — May 7 · 12:30–1pm · 1600 Huron Pkwy, Ann Arbor. We're celebrating our independence from UM and I want members by our side. Come show up with us. (Text me at 734.649.0508 to let me know you're coming!)

ABW Community BBQ — May 15 · 3–7pm · 2 E Cross St, Ypsilanti. Food, spades, dominoes, good people. Rep Linkage at one of our best friend orgs. (Text me at 734.649.0508 to let me know you're coming!)

Want to see what's coming this year? View Full 2026 Calendar Here

Every single one of you brings something to this community that can't be replaced. Keep showing up — for yourself, for each other, and for everything we're building together. I see you. (not in a creepy way haha!) — Sarah