About Bridging US 23
Bridging US 23 was founded on the belief that when people unite for the greater good, positive change is inevitable.
Developed in collaboration by The Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) with The Association for Youth Empowerment (AYE), Bridging US 23 is dedicated to transforming the way the people of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and the surrounding communities relate to one another.
Our ultimate goal is to connect communities, inspire compassion and take action to call forth the beloved community.
History
The Unity Walk was born out of a Bridging US 23 restorative circle in 2017, when community members spearheaded the Walk as an annual fundraiser for the DRC.
The Unity Walk builds on the foundation of taking action and bringing public visibility to the inequities between the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor communities.
Your Dollars Support the DRC's Restorative Justice Program
The Dispute Resolution Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community dispute resolution program founded in 1983. The DRC partnered with the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office through the Restorative Justice Program in 2021.
Restorative Justice is an alternative to the traditional criminal legal system and offers a survivor centered and healing model to address wrongdoing, harm or crime.
The restorative justice approach is deeply rooted in North American Indigenous cultural and sacred practices to address harm or wrongdoing between all involved - also known as Peacemaking.
Restorative or healing circles aim to create safe space for all involved to:
- Address the harm(s)
- Enable the survivor to be heard
- Provide an opportunity for the person who committed the harm(s) to make amends
- Assist the survivor and the one who caused the harm to create a plan for re-entering their communities, and
- Foster understanding, connection, and reconciliation.
Thank you to our Event Partners!
Event Information
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's 8th annual Unity Walk! We appreciated the community coming together to celebrate our rich culture in Washtenaw County.
We are excited to see you next year.
You can enjoy this video and photos of the event below.
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors!
Thank you to our past Sponsors & Supporters!
