JOIN US FOR NEW SESSIONS!
YWCA Kalamazoo invites you to join us in unity as we continue our Community Solidarity Sessions. These meetings bring together people and organizations from across the Kalamazoo community for discussion, strategizing, and support as we face challenging and uncertain times. We will also be offering topic-based group meetings to unite those with a shared identity or passion.
100 Days of Solidarity: A Call to Action
“When we talk about the impact of funding cuts, we are talking about people. We’re talking about community.” – Susan Rosas, YWCA Kalamazoo
This powerful video brings together voices from across Kalamazoo to highlight the devastating local impact of federal policy and funding cuts—threatening essential services like housing assistance, survivor care, food access, and immigrant support. The message is clear: policy decisions made in Washington are felt immediately in Kalamazoo’s neighborhoods.
Hear directly from those on the front lines and learn how you can support our community through action, advocacy, and solidarity.
Download today’s session presentation, and visit solidaritydata.org to get involved.
Registration Now Open — Reserve Your Spot Today
Presented by YWCA Kalamazoo
For today’s event, please download the full Session Presentation PDF to follow along and refer to throughout the day. This document will guide our discussion as we navigate the most pressing legislative and policy developments impacting our communities in 2025.
What to Expect:
This session offers a comprehensive review of recent federal and state-level legislation, executive orders, and policy proposals, with a focus on how they affect marginalized populations. We will examine both harmful developments and promising opportunities across the following issue areas:
LGBTQIA+ Rights – Updates include proposed federal bans on gender-affirming care and anti-trans sports legislation, as well as state-level curriculum restrictions and healthcare limitations.
Immigration – Discussion of executive orders targeting sanctuary cities and nonprofits, along with state bills criminalizing aid to undocumented individuals.
Racism & Civil Rights – Analysis of federal actions rolling back equity protections and the proposed SAVE Act requiring proof of citizenship to vote.
Violence & Policing – Reversal of Title IX protections and federal orders expanding aggressive policing tactics and targeting DEI initiatives.
Reproductive Justice – Federal and state-level threats to care access and maternal health, including the impact of budget cuts and proposed regulatory changes.
Institutional Impacts – How nonprofits, schools, and healthcare institutions are being affected by new restrictions on funding, programming, and public engagement.
Why It Matters:
From executive orders that reshape civil rights protections to state legislation that redefines access to healthcare, this session is about understanding what’s at stake—and what we can do.
What You Can Do Today:
Contact your legislators regarding key bills like H.R. 22 (SAVE Act) and Michigan’s Momnibus package (S.B. 29–38).
Share your data and personal stories at solidaritydata.org to help advocate for equitable policy.
Get involved in state and federal budget conversations now in progress.
Standing in Solidarity with the Kalamazoo Community
This event is part of YWCA Kalamazoo’s continued commitment to equity, advocacy, and community empowerment.
For questions or to get involved, contact our Public Policy Team:
Adrienne Zaya, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy – azaya@ywcakalamazoo.org
DJ Perry, Public Policy Manager (Maternal Child Health) – sperry@ywcakalamazoo.org
Emily Brittain, Public Policy Manager (Caring for Victims of Abuse) – ebrittain@ywcakalamazoo.org
