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
Registration
Choose between a 1.5 mile or 5 Mile walk!
- 5 mile starts at United Way for Southeastern Michigan @ 10:00 AM
- 1.5 Mile starts at Ypsi High School - Shadford Football Field @ 11:30 AM
- $0 - WALK IN UNITY - Does not include Unity Walk T-shirt
- $25 - WALK FOR A CAUSE - Includes Unity Walk T-shirt
- $50 - WALK WITH PURPOSE - Includes Unity Walk T-shirt
- $100 - WALK FOR JUSTICE - Includes Unity Walk T-shirt
Register through the QR code below!
Download the individual registration brochure HERE.
Interested in fundraising and walking as a community service opportunity, and scoring positive exposure for your company/organization/group?
Set your group’s fundraising goal and recruit employees, colleagues, friends and family!
*If you set-up a group fundraising page, it is also your registration.
*Our Staff will check-in with you a few times prior to the event, to confirm walkers and t-shirts sizes.
Register with the QR code below:
If you're not able to participate for the walk, please join us at Brown Chapel AME Church at 12:00 PM!
FREE food, music, speakers, and activities - bring friends and family!
RVSP with the QR code below:
Sponsorship
Your sponsorship is critical in continuing the annual Unity Walk for years to come and to support the DRC's Restorative Justice Program that keeps kids and adults out of the criminal legal system and provides the healing and support services they need to move forward in their lives.
Download the Sponsorship brochure HERE.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
$5000 – COMMUNITY PEACE BUILDER
Your support can help sustain our Restorative Justice Program to keep youth and adults out of the criminal legal system. Includes 10 t-shirts, 10 registrations.
$2500— JUSTICE CHAMPION
Your contribution can sustain an entire Restorative Justice program at a school for one semester. Includes 5 t-shirts, 5 registrations
$1000 – CHANGEMAKER
Your contribution can support and pay a stipend for a returning citizen in our restorative justice facilitator training. Includes 3 t-shirts, 3 registrations
$500 – AMBASSADOR
Your contribution can help support the restorative justice circle process for a family. Includes 2 t-shirts, 2 registrations
$250 – ADVOCATE
Your support can help develop more outreach to youth, schools, and the community about restorative practices. Includes 1 t-shirt, 1 registration
*All sponsorships include: email, website, social and program mention.
*Our Staff will also check-in with you a few times prior to the event, to confirm walkers and t-shirts sizes for your sponsorship group.
Become an event sponsor through the QR code below:
10:00 AM - 5 Mile Walk - Starts at: United Way of Southeast Michigan, 2305 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
11:30 AM - 1.5 Mile Walk - Starts at: Ypsilanti Community High School - Shadford Football Field, 1801 Packard St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 *Driving school parking lot next to Estabrook Elementary and in front of the YCUA Water Tower.
- The routes will be marked with directional signage, include water and restroom stops, as well as police escort along the entire route.
- We encourage everyone to arrange for your own transportation. However, a small shuttle bus will be available @ 2:00 & 2:30 PM. Max occupant: 25 people per ride.
AFTER WALK CELEBRATION - FREE food, music, speakers, and activities!
12:00 PM - Both routes end at: Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, 1043 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197.
Food provided by: Good Eats, Jamaican Spice, and Kona Ice trucks!
12:45 PM - Program w/speakers, music, art activities, and more!
Thank you to Riverside Art Center for providing an all ages art activity!
3:00 PM - End of Celebration.
Interested in volunteering as a community service opportunity, and scoring positive exposure for your company?
We need volunteers to make this a safe, fun and smooth event and we welcome your employees or friends to join us!
Sign up HERE for volunteer opportunities!
*For more info, contact Kevin Werner, wernerk@thedrcmi.org
Route Map - 5 Mile
Route Map - 1.5 Mile
Parking Lot in front of Ypsilanti High School - Shadford Field. Registration station will be set-up in front of the restrooms.
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors!
Thank you to our past Sponsors & Supporters!
