Our Guest Nadine Rios-Rivas from Rank MI Vote explains about the petition ranked voting that is circulating in the state of Michigan.

She shares how using a ranked voting system can give voters more choice for candidates across all political parties and can foster a new kind conversation around candidates and ideas that can lower the temperature for voters who hold differing opinions.

***Update Sign the Petition Now through January 2026***

For more information about Rank MI Vote go to :

https://rankmivote.org/

https://www.facebook.com/FairVoteReform/videos/ranked-choice-voting-with-legos/1088585486690013/

KUDOS brings people together under one belief system - to help your neighbor. Each year when the leaves begin to fall, groups from within Kalamazoo come together to help their neighbors winterize their homes. There may be different reasons between income troubles, to disability or old age preventing them from being able to tackle the job themselves. KUDOS doesn't need a "good reason" beyond the fact that you need a hand - they are happy to help.

Listen to Dale Anderson and Jennifer Faketty discuss how their local chocolate shop is creating jobs for community members in need of a second chance, whether through a safe work place for recovery, or those with other barriers to employment. All while demonstrating global ethical product sourcing and delighting their customers with unique and organic offerings.

Sister Ginny, as Sister of St. Joseph shares how she and others created Bow in the Clouds preserve. She talks about the beauty of nature and the lessons she has learned while tending the land

Join this episode of Connecting Communities to hear about how wild adventure can be more accessible that you might think. K College has become a resource for students and community members to learn and experience rock climbing, backpacking, and more. They want to create a community, connect people, and design programs that are of interest to the community. It is a perfect time to get involved with this group - so connect with Hannah and Jory in this episode!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kzoooutdoor/?hl=en

Website: https://outdoor.kzoo.edu

EB Precopia shares about her passion for food and how it led to her building her blog and food tours in Kalamazoo.

Mia Breznau is a young climate activist in Kalamazoo. She has been participating and planning service projects, advocating for legislation, and organizing other young people for public demonstrations. In this episode, Mia shares her story and some of the influential mentors and organizations that have guided her journey.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Urban Bird Treaty (https://www.fws.gov/program/urban-bird-treaty)

Ardea Youth Climate Coalition (https://www.instagram.com/ardeayouthcc)

Ardea Youth Climate Coalition applications will be open spring 2026 (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9bx5qs2YSxjVU5buYAomcnoasY6rKen9o7qB5t9Z7P98Xqw/viewform)

Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition (https://www.kalamazoocrisis.org)

Michigan Climate Summit, September 9 (https://www.miclimateaction.org/2025_michigan_climate_summit)

Michigan Student Power Alliance (https://www.mistudentpower.org)

Michigan for the Many Campaign

Starlite Collective is an artist community led by Erica and Val to support and promote artists in Southwest Michigan. The way they have designed the collective to remove all barriers for their artists, from physical to financial ones. They have applied the same thought and inclusive attitude toward their inaugural Starlite Arts and Music Festival, in Kalamazoo on August 15-17, 2025.

Find out more about the festival and purchase tickets at www.starlitecollective.org

Follow them on Instagram to find out what food trucks will be attending the festival!