I almost sent this without the best part. It's in here now. 🫢
I'm going to be upfront — I pulled a classic "wait, WAIT" move right before sending this because I nearly left out something good. Crisis averted. (PHEW!) What's NOT averted is how much is happening t
I'm going to be upfront — I pulled a classic "wait, WAIT" move right before sending this because I nearly left out something good. Crisis averted. (PHEW!) What's NOT averted is how much is happening this week, including opportunities that pay you real money for your writing. Let's go.
(Psssst...Want the Linkage Public Newsletter Too? Just shoot Frannie an email) frannie@linkagecommunity.org
[Image: Breaking Down Walls, 2024]
URGENT OPPORTUNITY — Deadline May 20th (That's 5 Days!) MJF Closed Call for Submissions: Custom Journal Cover Design | $750 Stipend The Michigan Justice Fund, in partnership with Linkage Community, is offering a paid commission — EXCLUSIVELY to Linkage members — to design a custom journal cover for their 2026 Annual Summit. The theme is Protecting Progress, Dreaming Forward, and MJF wants an artist from THIS community in those rooms, in those hands. Here's what they're asking for: 4–5 portfolio pieces, a brief design concept (up to 400 words), and a short bio (up to 150 words). That's it. Selected artist gets $750 and wide exposure across MJF's print and digital channels. Deadline: Wednesday, May 20th. Full guide linked below. Read it, and if this is you, GO FOR IT! Read the Full Submission Guidelines | Submit via the MJF Form Questions? Contact Josie Graham at jgraham@cfsem.org.
MJF Exhibit Curation & Planning Zoom Recap (In case you missed it) This morning we discussed our upcoming traveling exhibition for the MJF Summit, centered on the theme: Protecting Progress, Dreaming Forward. Check out the notes, title ideas, and cast your VOTE! You can even self-nominate your artwork to be included in the exhibit! VOTE & SELF-NOMINATE
A Brighter Way 4th Annual BBQ | 3–7pm (TODAY) Our absolute BFF org is throwing their 4th Annual BBQ TODAY and it is always — ALWAYS — a wonderful time. Linkage won't have an official table this year, but that is zero reason not to show up and soak in some community love. Go eat. Go laugh. You deserve it. Riverside Park: 2 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
[Image: Chow Hall @ Mama Akua's for Friendsgiving, 2024]
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
PROTECT YOUR SHIZ Copyright Workshop | Tentative Evening of May 26th I cannot stress this enough. If you are creating work and you haven't thought about how to best protect it, this workshop is specifically for you. Date is still being confirmed so stay tuned — but pencil it in now.
REBIRTH Exhibition Install — May 29th | 10am–3pm Next to Newman Lofts: 200 Albert Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823 Lunch is included. Transportation reimbursement is available (there will be an opt-out option too). And I have one very important question: WHO WANTS TO EXHIBIT?! Seriously — message me. Let's get you in this show. Email Sarah
Pop-Up Art Stop — June 27th | 11am–8pm Open Book Theatre: 1621 West Rd, Trenton, MI 48183 Sell your art, your food, your books, your music. Perform your written work, instrument, or monologue. We've got slots for exhibitors, vendors, authors, actors, and performers at our first BIG Pop-Up Art Stop! Reach out TODAY to claim your spot — these go fast! Bring your friends too! Email Sarah
[Image: Linkage T-Shirts @ Epic Kush Launch Party, 2025]
FREE OPPORTUNITY FREE ServSafe Manager Certification Training & Exam | June 8 — 9am-4pm Eastern Market Shed 5: 2810 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207 This is the kind of opportunity that can genuinely open doors. Detroit at Work is offering free ServSafe training AND the exam — no cost to you. Food service certification matters and this is a rare chance to get it without paying for it. Get details & register here
GET PAID FOR YOUR WRITING Your words have value. Here are publications actively looking for voices like yours:
Beyond Bars: A Journal of Literature & Art — Accepts poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, art, rap lyrics, and drama from writers/artists who are incarcerated or impacted by the carceral system. Up to 7,500 words for prose, up to 5 poems or 10 pages for poetry. Response time is 4 weeks to 4 months. beyondbarsmag@gmail.com
Prism — Right to Write Project | $0.50/word — An independent nonprofit newsroom led by and for people of color, featuring and paying incarcerated & formerly incarcerated writers.
The Marshall Project — Life Inside | $200/essay — Weekly first-person essays from people who live or work in the criminal justice system. 1,000–1,400 words.
Inquest | $250/essay — A forum for advancing bold ideas to end mass incarceration in the United States.
[Image: l i s t e n... Exhibit at MSU Law School, 2025-26]
YOUR STANDING REMINDERS Coffee & Chat — Every Monday at 9am. The weekly vibe check. Come hangout, catch up, and start the week right. Join Zoom LiNK Hub — All Our Zoom Links in One Spot. For member eyes only. Bookmark this: https://linktr.ee/4linkagemembers Volunteer Waiver Form Time! We want to make sure all the incredible hours you're pouring into this community in 2026 get counted and honored. Fill it out electronically (it's quick, I promise). You do NOT need to sign up for anything to complete it. Fill It Out Today!
SELL YOUR SHIZ! Perform your work! Tables available for art, books, food, etc. Stage time for music, written word, theatrical performances, all of it. This is going to be a whole day. Sign up for a spot — Limited slots are available now! Reach out to Sarah directly via text (734)649-0508 or email to snag one!! Sign Me Up!
We Need U! Sign the Volunteer Waiver Form — Please! If you're volunteering time or expertise with Linkage in 2026, we need you to fill out this form so we can track all the incredible hours you're putting in. It's electronic and takes a few seconds. (You do NOT need to sign up for anything to complete it.) If you would prefer a paper copy, please let me know, and I can get one mailed to you. Fill Out Waiver
Linkage MADLIB: Fill in the Blanks! Frannie and I are reaching out individually, but here it is if you haven't heard from us yet. We want your voice 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, or video. All responses are anonymous. This is YOUR org. Help us shape it. Share Your Thoughts
Want to see what's coming this year? View Full 2026 Calendar Here
That's a wrap! If you made it all the way down here, you are a total Linkage SUPERSTAR and I genuinely see you. Go do something great today. Or go outside for five minutes. Or nap. Honestly, all three are solid choices, and I support every single one of them.