Bridging Michigan is an event series and new grant opportunity that will spark in-depth conversation and action around the persistent social, economic, and cultural issues of systemic inequities that divide our communities.

On Thursday, October 1, from 7 to 8 p.m. (EDT) join Michigan Humanities for the next Bridging Michigan online conversation featuring Dr. Paul Elam and Troy Rienstra in dialogue about the history and impacts of mass incarceration. Upon registration, attendees will receive a link to the event. Questions can be submitted on the registration form and during the Q&A portion of the online, webinar-style event.

Register here.

Paul Elam, PhD serves as Michigan Public Health Institute’s Chief Strategy Officer. He is responsible for aligning the priorities of MPHI with national interests as well as diversifying the Institute’s portfolio to address cutting edge issues that affect the health and well-being of our society. His past leadership includes mentoring and training professionals from historically underrepresented groups with evaluation expertise in the areas of child welfare and juvenile justice. His deep understanding of youth violence and prevention, crime and justice, and child maltreatment is nationally recognized. Dr. Elam brings a wealth of knowledge and experience measuring racial and ethnic disproportionality and believes that sound public policy analysis should include an examination of whether all people are being treated fairly and equitably. Dr. Elam works closely with governmental, philanthropic, university, and nonprofit clients, providing strategic consultation to advance decisions in ways that improve lives, advance social justice and produce equitable outcomes.

Troy Rienstra is director of outreach with Safe & Just Michigan  where he works to advance the organization’s outreach program by elevating the voices of people directly harmed by the effects of crime and punishment. He is responsible for outreach activities to crime survivors, formerly incarcerated individuals, and their family members, and the faith community. Troy also serves as director of Nation Outside, a formerly incarcerated led criminal justice advocacy organization focused on elevating the voices of formerly incarcerated people in the formation of policy. “When people come together to help, they can change the world,” says Rienstra. “Lives are being changed across the state, and that’s exciting work to be a part of.” Prior to his beginning with Safe & Just Michigan as outreach director, Rienstra founded the Network for Real Change, and worked as program coordinator at the Church of the Servant – Prisoners in Christ. Rienstra completed 22 years of a life sentence in Michigan, and during that time he contributed to the development of Calvin Prison Initiative, a fully accredited 5 year bachelors program operating at R.A. Handlon Correctional Facility. Troy also serves on the executive board of National Network for Justice and the strategic advisory group to the Michigan Justice Fund.