ICE tactics spur growth
MADISON—The rapidly growing Silver Badgers, founded in spring 2025 by a group of West Madison senior citizens, expect 1,000 cheering rally supporters to join them March 28 at 2 p.m. for No Kings Day 3 at Tree Lane and Gammon Road.
Silver Badgers welcome people of all ages and abilities. The number of supporters from Madison and surrounding towns has soared from four in May, 2025 to 750 at October’s No Kings Day 2 rally.
In February, the core group began rallying every week during the cold weather. And in recent weeks they circulated their first set of audio Public Service Announcements to top local radio stations.
“The fate of older Americans and younger Americans began to look glum with the federal government’s immigration tactics in Minneapolis- St. Paul and increasing threats to reduce SNAP, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security,” said Phyllis Stokes, a founder of the group.
Silver Badgers’ location has ample parking at nearby Memorial High School and a nearby office park for those who can’t comfortably travel to downtown rallies. The result has been increasing numbers of people who might otherwise not have an opportunity to rally.
“The Silver Badgers are inspirational for those of us who join them,” said Ginny White, a volunteer, who lives about five blocks from the rally site. “When I see those who use wheelchairs and walkers waving their signs and cheering when cars honk in support, it gives me more energy to do what I have to do to get to the rallies.”
Organizers, who are available for interviews at the protest site and before the event, include:
Phyllis Stokes, a retired Planned Parenthood employee
Mary Ann Berger, a former teacher, and public-school advocate
John Rasmus, Episcopal priest
Rose Rasmus, a retired special education teacher
Contact Phyllis Stokes at k61g63t64@yahoo.com to arrange interviews or join the Silver Badgers at Tree Lane and Gammon Road.
