Linkage Anthem?? 👀 May is about to go OFF 🔥

Almost Friday, Steven!

May is almost here, and honestly? We've got A LOT to celebrate — and even more to do. This week's newsletter is PACKED with things to do! Read it. Click something. Tell a friend. Let's GO!

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)

Kimiko's Match Challenge — Give $5, She Adds $5 (Ends May 2nd!) "Most of us went to prison alone. We're not alone now. I'd love for outside donors to see that we showed up for ourselves first." — Kimiko, Chair of Linkage's Strategic Advisory Committee From now through May 2, Kimiko is matching the first $5 every Linkage member donates. Give $5, give $50, give whatever feels right — she adds $5 on top. On May 5 we'll use what we raised together to challenge outside folks to match us back. Let's show up for ourselves. Donate Now (Share with friends too!)

Virtual Coffee Chat — No Agenda, No Pressure, Just Us Every Monday at 9am. No agenda, no pressure, no such thing as late. Sleepy eyes, full mug, quiet presence — all welcome. Stay 5 minutes or the whole time. Text (734) 649-0508 if tech gets funky. Join Monday Coffee

[Image: Suffocated Truths, 2026]

Suffocated Truths Auditions — TONIGHT 6–8pm! Calling all Performers/Actors!!! Our very own rockstar, Johnetta, is holding auditions for her production Suffocated Truths TONIGHT. This is your time to shine! Show up to be a part of her show. 902 South Wayne Rd. Westland, MI · 6pm–8pm Come ready. Leave inspired.

REBIRTH Exhibition Install — May 29 · 10am–3pm It's happening! We're installing the REBIRTH exhibition on May 29. Lunch is included and transportation reimbursement is available (opt-out option available too). We want YOU there helping bring this to life. Let me know if you're in! Email or Text Sarah

Ring the Bell of Independence — May 7 · 12:30–1pm We are celebrating Linkage's independence from U of M and we want members by our side!! Come show them how we show up. @ Innovation Partnerships: 1600 Huron Pkwy, Ann Arbor. (No transportation reimbursement but hit Sarah up if that's a barrier.)

A Brighter Way BBQ — May 15 · 3–7pm · Ypsilanti We're tabling at our best friend org's annual BBQ! Food, spades, dominoes, good people. We need folks to help set up and rep Linkage — I'll be there until around 4:30 and would love others to hold it down after. @ Riverside Park: 2 E Cross St, Ypsilanti. (No transportation reimbursement but hit Sarah up if that's a barrier.) Email or Text Sarah

[Image: Annual Art Workshop, 2022]

Upcoming Virtual Meet Ups

Financial Fun #2: Budgeting & Banking Basics — May 1 · 1:30pm TOMORROW. Real money talk, real tools. Free and virtual. Don't sleep on this one. 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 Care package planning — what do people actually need most when they first come home? Come help us build the list. We need YOUR input! Join Zoom

Writers Workshop — May 8 · 11am This week, bring something to share — An old favorite or something brand new. YOU decide if you want feedback or not. Just come write with us. Join Zoom

Music Circle — May 11 · 3:30–4:30pm Last session sparked ideas for a jam session AND a possible Linkage Anthem. We're building on that momentum this week. Bring something you're working on, or just an idea that's been sitting with you. Also — interested in a performance slot at our Pop-Up Art Stop on June 27 in Trenton (11am–8pm)? Let us know and we'll get you a slot! Join Zoom

[Image: PCAP Workshops Reunion, 2026]

Help Shape What's Next!

Your Voice Needed — Fill in the Blanks Frannie and I are reaching out individually, but if you haven't heard from us yet — here it is. We want member voices at the center of where Linkage goes next. Just fill in the blanks: "Linkage Community exists [for this purpose]. We know it's a success when [these things happen]." One word, one sentence, one paragraph — whatever you've got. Text, email, voice memo, video. Everything shared will be anonymous. This is YOUR organization. Help us shape it. Got an answer already? Email it to us!

Annual Art Workshop — What Do YOU Want to Try? Music, comedy, clay, theatre, storytelling — sky's the limit. No experience needed, no bad ideas. Drop your ideas in the form. Share Your Ideas

[Image: MOCAD Reopening, 2026]

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

May is about to go OFF. I'm so proud of this community and what we're building together. Now go click something, haha! — Sarah