Starting a support Group

A goal of Michigan Citizens for Justice is to spread these support groups all over Michigan. If there is no meeting close to you and you would like to start a support group in your area we are happy to help. We encourage you, if possible, to attend a meeting or two of an existing group to see how it is done. It is helpful, although not necessary, to have several people in one geographical area who want to start a group. We are willing to help you:

find a place to meet
write a welcoming and informative invitation letter
get addresses of registrants in your area
advertise your group on our website
train your facilitators to guide the meetings (with Fearless Group resource materials from the National Alliance to Reform Sex Offender Laws and restorative justice circle practices)
co-conduct your first meeting or two (given location and time constraints)
become part of Michigan Citizens for Justice, a connected group of people in Michigan working together to restore registrants to their full potential

Testimonials

From a sex therapist, “One of my clients had been languishing for years until he attended Michigan Citizens for Justice. This support group made a huge difference in his progress. I definitely recommend it.”

From parents, “We had no one that we could talk to about our situation starting from the time our son’s photo was first seen on TV, all the way through imprisonment. Since we have found Michigan Citizens for Justice, we felt a community, we are accepted and we have found a home there among people who understand and can offer advice.”

From a registrant, “You have been such an inspiration to me. It has renewed my efforts to try to make a positive difference in the world.”

From a registrant, “I want to encourage you and the work you’re doing for people affected by the registry. It truly was a God-send for me. I believed that I was alone in my battle, until I received that letter [invitation]. It was the spark to the fire of my journey for freedom. Thank you!”