Advocates gather at Restore and Rise Action Summit

On May 15, advocates from across the state gathered at Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan’s Restore & Rise Action Summit in East Lansing to hear what’s at stake in the fight for reproductive freedom, learn new skills, and build community. 

After a delicious breakfast, attendees heard updates on the fight from Paula Thornton Greear, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, followed by a powerful keynote address discussing the intersections of disability justice from Dessa Cosma, Founding Director at Detroit Disability Power. 

Advocates had the opportunity to attend a wide variety of breakout sessions throughout the day, including engaging panels, informative classes, and energizing movement. Topics ranged from campus organizing, voting as harm reduction, and rapid response to ICE, to resistance through trans joy, ethical storytelling, and healing yoga. 

Thank you to all of our volunteers and community partners for helping make this event a success, and to everyone who attended to learn, connect, and hold space for fellow advocates in this fight. 

At a time when our rights and freedoms are under constant attack, gatherings like Restore & Rise remind us that none of us are in this work alone. Real change happens when people connect to share knowledge, build relationships, and take action. The fight for reproductive freedom continues, and when we rise together, we can create lasting change. 

Photos by Jordan Morrow Photography