City Guide
Politics and Social Action
American Civil Liberties Union of Washtenaw County (ACLU)
P.O. Box 3416, AA 48106480-4972
Promotes the Bill of Rights through education, litigation, and legislation. Helps resolve citizen complaints and lobbies legislators. Meets 1st Thurs. 7 p.m., Washtenaw County Annex, 110 N. Fourth Ave. Dues $20, families $30, students & low-income members $5. washtenaw@aclumich.org, aclumich.org
American Friends Service Committee
1414 Hill [map]761-8283
National social change organization with programs worldwide. afsc.org Criminal Justice Program, advocacy for prisoners and their loved ones. Peter Martel, pmartel@afsc.org or Natalie Holbrook, nholbrook@afsc.org; prisoneradvocacy.org
Ann Arbor Democratic Party
P.O. Box 4178, AA 48106Anne Bannister, 945-1639; Mike Henry, 313-559-5558
Advocates on issues of local, state, and national interest. Organizes to elect Democrats to local, state, and national office. Hosts Labor Day picnic and chili cook-off. Meets Sept.-July, 2nd Sat. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Ann Arbor Community Center, 625 N. Main. info@aadems.org, aadems.org V
Democracy for America—Washtenaw County
996-3963
Sponsors events and recruits volunteers for progressive issues and election activities. Call or email for meeting info. dfawashtenaw@comcast.net, democracyforamerica.com/groups/272
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Donate Life Coalition of Michigan
3861 Research Park [map](800) 482-4881, Peggy Burkhard, (248)770-5172
Advocates for organ and tissue donation through lobbying and public and professional education. peggyburkhard@sbcglobal.net, donatelifemichigan.org
Gray Panthers of Washtenaw
3470 Carpenter Rd., apt. 211, Ypsilanti 48197 [map]973-5593
Intergenerational organization for social and economic justice. Works at local, state, and national levels on health care, environmental protection, civil rights, social security, political integrity, and other issues. Usually meets Sept.-June, 1st Sat. 9:45 a.m.-noon, Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth. Dues $35 or less (sliding scale), couples $60. donpelz@umich.edu
Huron Valley Greens
548 S. Main [map]663-3555
Local section of the global Green movement and Green Party of Michigan promotes ecology, social justice, democracy, and nonviolence through education and action. Call for meeting info. V
Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice
1679 Broadway [map]663-1870
Education and action group for people of all faiths and backgrounds working on issues of hunger, peacemaking, climate change, U.S.-Latin American policy, the Middle East, and racial and economic justice. Organizes annual CROP Hunger Walk. Dues $25, students & low-income residents $10. Call or write for free newsletter. info@icpj.net, icpj.net V
Jim Toy Community Center (formerly WRAP)
319 Braun Ct [map]995-9867
Information, education, social events, and advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their allies. Monitors violence and hate crimes. Free and anonymous HIV testing provided by the HIV/AIDS Resource Center. jimtoycenter.org V
League of Women Voters
P.O. Box 3832, AA 48106Local chapter of nonpartisan national group that studies local, state, and national issues; provides nonpartisan election information; sponsors candidate forums and debates; and lobbies government officials on issues studied by league members. Publishes Your Elected Officials guide. Open to all people of voting age. Dues (local, state, and national) $60, students $20, households $90. See website for meeting info. bliz468@yahoo.com, lwvannarbor.org
Libertarian Party of Washtenaw County
P.O. Box 447, Chelsea 48118Paul Giuliano, 949-632-8004
Fields political candidates and promotes free-market enterprise and social tolerance. Publishes quarterly newsletter, Washtenaw Libertarian. Meets 1st Tue. 7 p.m., Classic Cup Cafe, 4389 Jackson. Meetings and information free; dues $25. paul.giuliano@gmail.com, lpwc.wordpress.com V
Michigan Nude Beach Advocates
P.O. Box 8127, AA 48107Members work on naturist activities, especially the development of clothing-optional parks. mgkerwin@juno.com, michigannudebeachadvocates.org
Michigan Peaceworks
Jim Toy Community Center, 319 Braun Ct. [map]761-5922
Works to effect change locally and nationally by promoting peace, democracy, civil rights, and civil liberties. Legislative campaigns, marches, and vigils; Armistice youth zine; high school activist clubs; anti-militarism and immigration rights task forces; and various peace projects. info@michiganpeaceworks.org, michiganpeaceworks.org V
Michigan Tenants Counseling Program
761-8599
Information, education, handbooks, and brochures about tenants’ rights. Phone and online counseling. Services free to Washtenaw County residents. michigantenants.org
NAACP—Ann Arbor Branch
P.O. Box 3399, AA 48106William Hampton, 761-9084
Monitors civil rights issues. Events include Juneteenth celebration (June, 3rd Sat.) and Freedom Fund Dinner (Nov., 1st Sat.). Homework assistance Sat. mornings at Bethel AME Church, 900 John A. Woods. Meets 1st Mon. 7 p.m., James L. Crawford Lodge #322, 220 Sunset. Dues $30 (includes national membership). wvhamp@comcast.net, www.hvcn.org/info/a2naacp V
National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees
Kaye Taylor, 475-9220
Ann Arbor chapter of national organization works to protect benefits and help members attain them. Open to active and retired federal employees and their spouses. Meets 2nd Mon. noon, Classic Cup Cafe, 4389 Jackson. Dues $40. klgt@aol.com, narfe0304.org
National Organization for Women (NOW)
Beverly Fish, 484-1897
Works to bring women into full participation in all areas of society. Call for newsletter. Dues up to $45 (sliding scale), $10 for students, includes local, state, and national membership. Email for meeting information. beverly.fish@comcast.net, now.org" target="_new">michnow.org, now.org V
The Nicaragua Project (Capital to Bridge the Divide)
Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, 3257 Lohr [map]846-0448
Nonprofit 501(c)3 organization promotes economic justice in Nicaragua and other developing countries. Works to provide employment and cultural exchange through sustainable investment; is helping to build cultural center and eco-lodge in Nicaragua. info@nicaraguaproject.org, nicaraguaproject.org V
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays—Ann Arbor (PFLAG)
P.O. Box 7471, AA 48107741-0659
Support, education & advocacy for families and friends and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Occasional speakers. Meets 3rd Sun. 2-4:30 p.m., St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 306 N. Division. info@pflagaa.org, pflagaa.org
Public Interest Research Group in Michigan (PIRGIM)
103 E. Liberty, suite 202 [map]662-6597
Research, litigation, and advocacy on issues such as consumer rights, public health, and public safety. Dues $25 & up. info@pirgim.org, pirgim.org
Slow Food Huron Valley
P.O. Box 7237, AA 48104277-1017
Volunteer organization dedicated to all aspects of community food security. Organizes farm tours, panel discussions, potlucks, and other community events. Sponsors annual Home Grown Festival, Michigan Good Food Film Festival, and Local Food Summit. leadership@slowfoodhuronvalley.com, slowfoodhuronvalley.com
Spectrum Center
Michigan Union, 530 S. State, room 3200 [map]763-4186
Resources for political and social action and advocacy groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Sponsors events and workshops. Open to all. No dues. spectrumcenter@umich.edu, spectrumcenter.umich.edu
Think Local First
P.O. Box 7961, AA 48107730-6905
Supports and cultivates locally owned independent businesses in the county through education, advocacy, and networking opportunities. Meets even-numbered Thurs., 7-9 a.m. at Zingerman's Next Door, 422 Detroit. ingrid@thinklocalfirst.net, thinklocalfirst.net
United Nations Association—USA (Huron Valley Chapter)
Supports U.S. participation in an effective UN. Quarterly newsletter, special projects, and at least 3 public meetings annually; see website for times, location, and dues. unahv.org S
Veterans for Peace
706 Dwight, Ypsilanti 48198 [map]487-9058
Dedicated to peace and justice issues, such as abolishing war as international policy and eliminating nuclear weapons. Nonveterans welcome. Regular meetings, schedule online. Dues $25. wolverbob@gmail.com, vfp93.org
Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition
Ecology Center, 117 N. Division [map]864-4095
Works to improve local bicycling and walking opportunities; promotes nonmotorized transportation. Dues $25. info@wbwc.org, wbwc.org
Washtenaw County Democratic Party
P.O. Box 3951, AA 48106Cleveland Chandler, 961-0660
Recruits, trains, and organizes party activists and supports candidates in the county. Membership meetings, events, or special town hall meetings most months. Dues $10 for students and seniors, $20 & up for others. chair@washtenawdems.org, washtenawdems.org V, S
Washtenaw County Republican Party
3025 Boardwalk, suite 290 [map]996-9467
Assists candidates running for public office; participates in local politics. Membership $30. washgop@provide.net, wash-gop.com V
Women Progressive Activists
P.O. Box 3182, AA 48106Network of progressive women officials and activists. Works on social justice, civil liberties, voting rights, health, the environment, peace, and the welfare and education of children. Dues $15. info@wpactivists.org, wpactivists.org V
