Southwest Michigan DSA is appalled by the recent firing of a YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo worker for exercising their First Amendment rights and speaking out against the rise of fascism in our communities. At a moment when communities across the country are confronting escalating authoritarian threats, the YMCA’s claim of political neutrality is anything butContinue reading “Statement on YMCA Firing”
Author Archives: swmidsa
No ICE in Kzoo
In a country where state violence is routine, this moment is horrific but not new. In 2025, state agents killed an average of three people a day, with Black people three times more likely to be among those killed than their white neighbors. For decades, our immigrant neighbors have been disappeared, abused, and killed byContinue reading “No ICE in Kzoo”
NO MORE GAZA WAR!
Earlier this week, presidential candidate Kamala Harris visited Kalamazoo on a campaign stop. During her speech, SWMI DSA member Sean D. interrupted her in protest of her stance on the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Here’s why he did it: My name is Sean Duross and I am the social media coordinator for the Southwest MichiganContinue reading “NO MORE GAZA WAR!”
SWMI DSA Urge Kalamazoo City to Pass ‘Medicare for All’ Proclamation
KALAMAZOO, MI – The Southwest Michigan Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (SWMI DSA) are urging the Kalamazoo City Commission to support a proclamation in favor of Medicare for All and to work for healthcare justice in Kalamazoo. Medicare for All is a program to make healthcare a right, not a privilege. It’s associatedContinue reading “SWMI DSA Urge Kalamazoo City to Pass ‘Medicare for All’ Proclamation”
“Garden of Hope” Grows Community Partnerships
The eco-socialism working group is supporting Kalamazoo Northside community organization Mothers of Hope in helping to construct a brand new “Garden of Hope” on their premises. The garden’s nine raised beds full of soil and vegetables will support MoH’s established programs, which aim to empower women and families combating substance abuse and other systemic inequalitiesContinue reading ““Garden of Hope” Grows Community Partnerships”
Why I Fight for Medicare for All
Having worked over 30 years in the medical field I have observed much…much pain, much suffering, and much inequality in care. I myself was abused by the system when my son was stricken with a seizure. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Administration, and 5 years of college healthcare teaching under my belt, I couldContinue reading “Why I Fight for Medicare for All”
Challenging Power Structures
Our discussions in the political education working group have me thinking a lot about power structures and how we challenge them, while remaining uninfluenced by their appeal. Oftentimes individuals get caught up in the consolidation of power and become a self-perpetuation of the old order. Say you get promoted for example. Not because of yourContinue reading “Challenging Power Structures”
My Political Journey Towards Socialism
At a time when many of us were quarantined for months on end, and many more were forced to go back into work in an uncertain, unsafe environment to push the economy forward, I was fortunate enough to have a job that allowed me to continue earning income through teleworking. It also gave me anContinue reading “My Political Journey Towards Socialism”
SWMI DSA URGE THE PASSING OF THE MEDICARE FOR ALL ACT OF 2021
KALAMAZOO,MI – Southwest Michigan Democratic Socialists of America (SWMI DSA) are urging local politicians to join us and the majority of working class Americas, in supporting the passing of the Medicare For All Act of 2021. The Medicare for All Act of 2021 is scheduled to be introduced into the US House by Congresswoman PramilaContinue reading “SWMI DSA URGE THE PASSING OF THE MEDICARE FOR ALL ACT OF 2021”
SWMI DSA Statement On The Hiring of Mary Balkema as Homes for All Director
SWMI-DSA endorsed and mobilized support for the Homes for All millage in Kalamazoo County that was passed by voters in 2020. The eight year millage is expected to generate nearly $50 million dollars to be used for affordable housing throughout Kalamazoo County. Homes for All provides a tremendous opportunity to put people over profits while centering equity and justice.
Southwest Michigan DSA 