Get-Involved Guide

If you are ready to get active, there's an organization for you in Washtenaw County. Below is a sampling of the area's many political and human service organizations. Get involved, you can make a difference! (A2=Ann Arbor; YPS=Ypsilanti)

ADAPT Michigan is a grassroots civil disobedience/direct action group that fights tor disability rights, in general, and specifically for a national personal assistance program. 2765 Adrienne Dr., A2, 48103; 662-1256.

AGENDA Publications publishes AGENDA, Ann Arbors alternative newsmonthly, featuring grassroots politics and community events. Volunteers and student interns are always needed. 220 S. Main, A2, 48104; 996-8018.

AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACTUP Ann Arbor) is a diverse, non-partisan group committed to fighting AIDS through direct action. We have monthly meetings. c/o Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Programs Office; 763-4186.

Alternatives to Domestic Aggression is an intervention program which works with men to end domestic violence in our communities. We also offer presentations, trainings and consultations. 101 S. Huron, YPS, 48197; 484-1260 ext. 511.

American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker-based peace and justice organization with programs on criminal justice and lesbian/gay/bisexual rights. Volunteers are always needed. 1414 Hill St., A2, 48104; 761-8283.

Amnesty International works to protect human rights and free prisoners of conscience. Meetings 2nd Tues. each month, 7:30 pm, Mich. Union; 665-1619.

Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living provides counseling, advocacy, occupational therapy, case management, and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities . We offer accessibility recommendations to businesses. 2568 Packard Rd., A2, 48104; 971-0277, 971-0310 (TDD).

Ann Arbor Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization working to improve economic conditions tor all citizens. It does this by concentrating on improving the financial status of low-income people: including women; minorities; and people with disabilities. 2008 Hogback, A2, 48105; 677-1400.

Ann Arbor - Juigalpa Sister City Committee encourages educational, cultural, medical, and technical exchanges in order to demonstrate that people-to-people relations can break down the political barriers so often put in the way of international peace and understanding. c/o Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice; 663-1870.

Ann Arbor New Jewish Agenda is committed to building an inclusive Jewish community through working against racism, heterosexism, sexism, and intervention in Central America. Supports a 2-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. Monthly Shabbat potlucks and holiday celebrations. P.O. Box 7185, A2, 48107; 769-5680.

Ann Arbor Tenants Union is an advocate and intomiation source for tenants. Volunteers are always needed. 4001 Mich. Union, A2, 48109; 763-6876.

Black Students Union-EMU unites and promotes the interests of Black students at Eastern Michigan University. 115 Goodison Hall, YPS, 48197.

B'nai Brith Hillel Foundation promotes the welfare, cultural, religious and communal activities and interests of Jewish students and the entire university community. 1429 Hill, A2, 48104; 769-0500.

Bread for the World is a lobbyist group that deals with hunger and health-related legislation. Bi-monthly meetings. 706 Dwight, YPS, 48198; 487-9058.

Canterbury House is the home of the ministry of the Episcopal Church for the U-M community, offering an alternative Eucharist Celebration every Sun. at 5 pm. 518 E. Washington, A2, 48104; 665-0606.

Coalition for Arms Control lobbies and takes part in educational projects concerning the military budget, the Test Ban Treaty, and environmental issues. Monthly meetings. 1407 Wakefield, A2, 48103; 663-4897.

Court Appointed Special Advocates are court-trained community volunteers who provide a voice for abused, neglected, or abandoned children in juvenile court protective proceedings. 2270 Platt Rd., A2, 48104; 971-2997.

Depot Town Sourdough Bakery Is a community-owned, collectively-run, whole-grain bakery making authentic organic European sourdough bread in a wood-fired brick oven. Volunteers are always needed. 310 N. River St., YPS, 48198; 487-8110.

Domestic Violence Project/SAFE House provides services including shelter tor battered women and children, crisis intervention, counseling, education, and activities for children involving non-violent role models. Volunteer trainings in Oct., Jan., and May. P.O. Box 7052, A2, 48107; 973-0242 (business), 995-5444 (24-hour crisis line).

Ecology Center of Ann Arbor is an environmental advocacy and educational resource center working on such issues as solid waste and toxics reduction, alternatives to pesticides, and groundwater cleanup. 417 Detroit St., A2, 48104; 761-3186.

Ella Baker/Nelson Mandela Center for Racist Education is an alternative and community-run resource center, providing literature on racism, sexism, classism and other information on people of color. Offers a library open to the public, resources for activist groups, and educational programming. 663-0001.

EMU Student Government sponsors activities and works to enhance student life. 233 Goodison Hall, YPS, 48197; 487-1470.

Food Gatherers is the food rescue program serving Washtenaw County. It collects nutritious but no-longer saleable food from area food businesses and distributes it to people in need. 1731 Dhu Varren, A2, 48105; 761-2796, (fax) 930-0550.

Freedom Link is a non-profit group working to create a criminal justice system that serves the needs of victims, offenders and the community in a constructive, cost-effective way. P.O. Box 8182, A2, 48107.

Gay Liberation provides peer counseling, group facilitators, education and political resources for the lesbian/gay/bisexual community. 4117 Mich. Union, A2, 48109; 763-4186.

Graduate Employees Organization, AFT Local 3550 is the union tor graduate teaching and staff assistants at the U-M. 527 E. Liberty Suite #205, A2, 48104; 995-0221.

Gray Panthers of Huron Valley is the local chapter of the national Gray Panthers, which has an intergenerational focus and the motto "Age and Youth in Action." Goals include eliminating ageism and other forms of discrimination, and improving life for people of all ages. Projects include building a coalition for a single-payer health care program. 2406 Geddes Ave., A2, 48104; 662-2111.

Guild House is a United Campus Ministry serving U-M students, faculty, and staff on personal issues as well as systemic concerns like racism, sexism and homophobia. 802 Monroe, A2, 48104; 662-5189.

Greenpeace works to protect the environment through education and direct action. Paid postions available. 214 N. Fourth Ave., A2, 48104; 761-1996.

Haiti Solidarity Group works for human rights and the restoration of democracy in Haiti. 3423 Carpenter, YPS, 48197; 971-8582.

HlV/AIDS Resource Center provides AIDS education and promotes safe sex practices as well as speakers and a referral Iine. Staff workers to coordinate health care are available. There are support services for parents, friends and people with HIV disease. 3075 Clark #203, YPS, 48197; 572-9355.

Homeless Action Committee works to end homelessness using public education and direct action tactics. Advocates for increasing the supply of low-income housing. Meetings are held every Thur. at 5:30 pm at Guild House, 802 Monroe. P.O. Box 4502, A2, 48106; 930-0601.

Housing Bureau for Seniors assists, enables and empowers older adults to live in appropriate housing by providing counseling, information & public workshops about housing options, nursing homes, and property tax foreclosure prevention. It also runs the Homeshare Program which helps seniors find compatible people with whom they can share housing in exchange for work or low rent. 300 N. Ingalls, A2, 48109; 763-0970.

Humane Society of Huron Valley houses stray and unwanted animals and educates the public on the proper care of pets. Provides emergency rescues, low-cost spay-neuter clinic, cruelty investigations, and pet adoptions. 3100 Cherry HU Rd., A2, 48105; 662-5585, 662-4365 (clinic).

Green Party of Huron Valley seeks a radical synthesis of the environmental and social change movements, workng on issues such as stopping hazardous waste incineration, eliminating homelessness, and advocating feminist values and cornmunity-based economics. Meetings on 1st and 3rd Sun. of every month. 548 S. Main, A2, 48104; 663-3555.

Industrial Workers of the World is an independent labor union with locals in many industries and services. IWW publishes a paper and holds monthly meetings. 1137 S. 7th St.,A2, 48103; 662-1529.

Inter-Cooperative Council provides affordable cooperative housing and meal programs for students. Locations around central campus as well as on north campus (includes an all-female house). 4002 Mich. Union, A2, 48109; 662-4414.

Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice is a coalition of religious congregations promoting peace and social justice. Projects include arms control, hunger, Third World affairs, local economic and racial justice, and farm preservation. 730 Tappan, A2, 48104; 663-1870.

Jewish Cultural Society is a secular humanist organization with a strong commitment to the continuity and survival of the Jewish Heritage. Holiday celebrations, Life Cycle Events, Sunday School, and Adult Programs are designed by members to be flexible and to satisfy a wide range of orientaions toward Jewish tradition. 2935 Birch Hollow Rd., A2, 48108; 665-5761.

Latin American/Native American Medical Association encourages admission and academic success as U-M's Medical School and fosters a sense of community for Native American and Latino medical students. c/o U-M Medical School Office for Student and Minority Affairs, 5109C Med Sci I, A2, 48109-0611; 764-8185.

Latin American Solidarity Committee supports the right of Latin American people to self-determination and is working to end U.S. intervention throughout Latin America. Meetings are every Thurs.at 8pm in the Mich. Union. 4120 Mich. Union, A2, 48109; 936-3713.

League of Women Voters promotes voter education and awareness. Meets the 2nd Tues. of each month at the Women's City Club, 1830 Washtenaw. P.O. Box 7353, A2, 48107; 665-5808.

Legal Services of Southeastern Michigan provides legal services in the areas of housing, consumer rights, welfare, health care, and family law to seniors and people with low incomes in Washtenaw County. 420 N. Fourth Ave., A2, 48104; 665-6181.

Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Students Association fights homophobia and promotes the interests of lesbians, gay males and bisexuals al EMU. 107 Goodison Hall, YPS, 48197.

Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Programs Office promotes civil rights and provides advocacy, education, counseling, consulting, and more for the university and area community. 3116 Mich. Union, A2, 48109; 763-4186.

Lesbian and Gay Youth Support Groups offer peer support and counselng for teens. Weekly meetings. Confidentiality assured. c/o Ozone House, 608 N. Main, A2, 48104; 662-2222.

Michigan Campaign for Human Dignity/Ann Arbor Grassroots is a statewide coalition working to defeat the anti-gay ballot initiative. For meeting times call John at Gay Liberation Front, 3116 Mich. Union, A2. 48109; 763-4186.

Michigan Citizens Against Toxic Substances promotes toxic waste reduction alternatives. M-CATS is working to stop Environmental Quality Corp.'s proposed toxic landfill/deep injection well. Meetings 4th Tues. each month. P.O. Box 224, Milan, 48160; 439-3867.

Michigan Student Assembly is the U-M's student government. 3909 Mich. Union, A2, 48109; 763-3241.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People works for racial equality and justice. 312 Harriet St., YPS, 48197; 480-9654.

National Organization for Women organizes local events and meetings for equality and has task forces working on reproductive choice, economic issues, women in prison, lesbian rights and the ERA. 1917 Washtenaw, A2, 48104; 995-5494.

Native American Student Association promotes Native American issues on campus, offers support for students and information for those interested in Native American culture. 2304 Mich. Union, A2, 48109; 764-5418.

Network for Cultural Democracy defends multiculturalism on the U-M campus. 4063 E. Huron River Dr., A2. 48104; 973-9273.

Ozone House offers free phone and walk-in counseling for young people, as well as support groups, community education programs, and extensive training for volunteers. Ozone House also arranges housing for homeless and runaway youth, as well as foster care and independent living programs. 608 N. Main, A2, 48104; 662-2222.

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Ann Arbor offers support and group meetings for parents, friends, and other family members of gay males and lesbians. Meetings are the third Sun. of every month, 2 pm, Unitarian Church, 1917 Washtenaw. P.O. Box 7471, A2, 48107-7471; 741-0659.

Peace Neighborhood Center is a community service organization which provides an after-school program to help kids with homework and dinner. Programs include: Special Friends (like Big-Brother/Sister); Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Program; food, clothing and shelter for the needy; Job Options for Youth; substance abuse education & prevention; and evening group counseling. 1111 N. Maple. A2, 48103; 662-3564.

People's Food Co-ops are altemative grocery stores stocking nutritious, organic and whole-grain food. Member discounts; non-member shoppers and volunteer workers are always welcome. 216 N. Fourth Ave, A2, 48104; 994-9174. 740 Packard, A2, 48104; 761-8173.

Performance Network stages new and experimental theatrical works of both local and outside production companies. Always looking for volunteers (will train) to work in all facets of theater production. 409 W. Washington, A2, 48103; 6630696.

Physicians tor Social Responsibility/Washtenaw County Chapter focuses lobbying and educational efforts on issues related to the health/environmental consequences of war and militarism and other environmental issues. c/o Charles Holmes, 1035 Wall St. #8, A2 48105; 994-9513.

Public Interest Research Group in Michigan lobbies tor environmental and consumer protection laws and conducts independent research. Paid positions available. 338-1/2 S. State, A2, 48104; 662-6597.

Rackham Student Government is the U-M's graduate student government. 2006 Rackham, A2, 48109; 763-5271 .

Recycle Ann Arbor provides curbside recycling of newspaper, office paper, cardboard, brown paper bags, glass, cans, some plastic, used oil and oil filters. They also operate a drop-off station at 2050 S. Industrial - hours: Wed.-Fri. noon-7 pm, Sat. 9 am-5 pm, and Sun. noon-5 pm. For information on recycling and energy conservation, call 971 -7400. Processing factility and offices: 2950 Ellsworth, A2, 48108; 971-7400.

Religious Coalition on Latin America works to promote peaceful and just resolutions to the various conflicts in Latin America, through education and action. c/o Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice; 663-1870.

Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center works to dispel myths about sexual assault, dating, domestic violence, sexual harassment and staking. Educational programming, ie. acquaintance rape awareness and prevention workshops and training programs is provided for U-M community. They also offer crisis intervention services, including a counseling line, and push for improved campus safety. There are volunteer opportunities for students. 580 Union Dr., Room L107, A2, 48109; 763-5865 (9 am-5 pm), 936-3333 (24 hr).

Socially Active Latino Student Association is a support network lor Latino students. It advances the concerns and interests of the Latino student community at U-M and elsewhere. 4120 Mich. Union, A2, 48109.

Solidarity is a democratic socialist organization. Members are active locally and nationally in coalitions which support the democratic rights of people of color, workers, women, and the gay/lesbian community. 410 S. Division #4, A2, 48104; 662-1041.

Student Advocacy Center provides free, non-legal advocacy services for children in regular and special education pubic schools and their families to resolve school-related problems. New Center Bldg. #212, 1100 N. Mail St., A2, 48104; 995-0477.

Superior Land Conservancy workshop preserve and protect the natural environment in rural Superior Township. 8615 Cherry Hill Rd., YPS, 48198; 482-5957.

Trailblazers of Washtenaw, Inc. is a psycho-social rehabilitation clubhouse for adults recovering from mental illness. Their emphasis is on social skills and work. 218 N. Division, A2, 48104; 665-7665.

Trotter House is a campus center which sponsors multicultural programs and provides office and meeting space for minority organizations. It is available for student and public use for evening programs. 1443 Washtenaw, A2, 48104; 998-7037.

Veterans For Peace works to educate the public about the costs of war. It also works to end the arms race, to restrain government intervention in other nations' affairs, and to end war as an instrument of foreign policy. P.O. Box 3881, Portland ME, 04104; 487-9058 (local phone).

Washtenaw Citizens for Animal Rights promotes awareness of animal rights and works for more legal protection lor animals. It offers free spay/neuter services for pets from low-income households. Meetings are the 2nd Tues. of each month, 7:30 pm, Guild House, 802 Monroe. P.O. Box 2614, A2, 48106; 426-0637.

Washtenaw County Assault Crisis Center provides crisis intervention services for rape survivors, including individual and group counseling, court accompaniment and police accompaniment. 1866 Packard, YPS, 48197; 483-RAPE(24-hour crisis line), 483-7942 (business).

WCBN-FM is the U-M student-run radio station providing alternative news, entertainment, and pubic affairs programming for the Ann Arbor area. 530 Student Activities Bldg., A2, 48109; 763-3501.

Wildflour Community Bakery is Ann Arbor's only source of organic, whole-grain breads and goodies. It also offers Rolling in Dough, an educational program for kids on how to make healthy food. 208 N. Fourth Ave., A2, 48104; 994-0601.

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom uses education, protest and letter campaigns to work for equality and to oppose war, exploitation and oppression. 1209 Roosevelt, YPS, 48197; 483-0058.

Women's Initiative for Self-Employment promotes self-employment for low-income women and men in the Washtenaw County area. Offers 12-week business education classes twice a year. 2008 Hogback, A2, 48105; 677-1444.

Youth Housing Coalition Is a crisis agency providing safe housing to young people In homes of volunteers as an alternative to the streets, and offers counseling for youth. c/o Ozone House, 608 N. Main, A2. 48104; 662-2222.

Ypsilanti Food Co-op provides nutritious and organic grocery shopping. Alternative to the big biz giants. 312 N.River, YPS, 48198; 483-1520.

Ypsilanti Peace Fellowship isYpsilanti's "off-campus" peace coalition. c/o 1209 Roosevelt, YPS, 48197; 483-0058.

Ypsilanti Environmental Services operates commercial recycling, educational projects (including a re-use program), and a drop-off station in Depot Town. 103 S. River, YPS, 48198:480-1030.

If you want your organization to be included in a future "Get Involved Guide," please send information to AGENDA, 220 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.