Broncos: THE TIME IS NOW.

Take One Small Step to fight polarization in our community and come together!

As a follow up to StoryCorps founder Dave Isay’s presentation in late March, Kalamazoo has become a recording site for the one small step One Small Step initiative. Based on contact theory, which states that a meaningful interaction between people with opposing views can reduce the number of perceived differences, this initiative pairs diverse individuals for a 50 minute conversation about their lives, not politics. 

The conversations help remind Americans from across the political spectrum that we all have a patriotic duty to listen to people with whom we disagree and to have the courage to see the humanity in others.

We Talk and the Fetzer Institute invite you to join the nearly 5,000 people across the country who see the value of taking one small step and sign up today!

For more information and to register click here. 

We Talk brings U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell and Fred Upton to WMU

Reps. Fred Upton and Debbie Dingell at WMU Heritage Hall

(Rodney Coleman-Robinson)

The first ever summer We Talk program brought esteemed Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) and Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) to Kalamazoo for a conversation on collegiality in politics with President Montgomery. The congressional leaders spoke of their experiences working together across the aisle as members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, and how they formed a close friendship despite political differences. The lively conversation touched on some of the most pressing and divisive issues facing our country, and showed that civil disagreement is possible when we have respect for each other as people. The relationship between Reps. Upton and Dingell is a testament to the importance of civil discourse and bipartisan collaboration not only in Washington, but across the nation.

Check out this article from MLive to hear more from the inspirational conversation!

City of Kalamazoo to host Youth Summit at WMed Downtown Campus

Interested in attending the summit? Register here! 

The city is also seeking youth to serve in paid positions on the leadership team for the event.

Text Kalamazoo Neighborhood Activator, Jae Slaby, at 269-303-5857 to apply. 

Primary Election Complete, Now on to November!

On Tuesday, August 2, voters across Michigan went to the polls to narrow the field of candidates down for the November general election. Congratulations to our WMU delegation (Sen. Sean McCann, Rep. Julie Rogers, Rep. Christine Morse & Rep. Matt Hall) as they now shift their attention to the general election.

Key races in Michigan, including the Governor, all state legislative offices and U.S. Congressional Representatives, will be decided this fall. As you consider who you may be supporting, be sure to take into account where they stand on supporting and funding higher education. While we have strong support from our WMU delegation, there is growing pressure from some candidates to reduce our funding which would dramatically impact our ability to support our students and staff on campus.

For more information on the voting process in Michigan (registration, absentee ballot request, voting location, etc.) please visit: www.mi.gov/vote.