PROkzoo011117

Progressive Kalamazoo met at the First Congregational Church in downtown Kalamazoo, Mich., on Jan. 11. Jen Judd greeted about 170 volunteers who listened to speakers including State Rep. Jon Hoadley, D 60th. Hoadley presented a primer on effective progressive advocacy, Meg Bauer, Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center's Director of Community Engagement offered her organization's range of support. Jackie Faust spoke about the appropriation of Native American imagery in public schools, including by the Paw Paw High School Redskins. Dusty Farmer, Oshtemo Township Clerk, encouraged civic engagement in election protection and serving on public boards. Several issue groups, including Environment, Education, Gender, Healthcare/Income Inequality, Anti-racism and Immigration planned action for 2017. (Photography by Bradley S. Pines for PROkzoo)