I can't stress this enough: Democrats need to win back some power in the state if we want to have any chance to change our state's direction. As we head into the 2018 electoral cycle, Wisconsin stands at a crucial turning point. As you know, the Republicans currently control both houses of the legislature and the governor's office. In 2011 they deliberately rigged the electoral maps to ensure that they remained firmly in power for at least a decade. If as a result of the 2018 election the legislature remains in GOP hands and Walker wins re-election, Republicans will once again be able rig our electoral maps in their favor after 2020 census. Only if Democrats win the race for governor OR can capture the state senate or the state assembly, will those maps have to reflect the input of both parties. Even if the Supreme Court affirms the lower court ruling that our current maps are unconstitutional, the maps drawn after the 2020 census could still be rigged in a partisan way. That's because the decision in current case can deal only with the results of the last process. It cannot mandate a different process to ensure a different result the next time around.

Because the current maps are so rigged to keep Republicans in power in the Assembly, our best chance to unrig the maps going forward is to elect a Democratic Governor. In an effort to ensure that the many candidates who are likely to be vying for the Democratic nomination have ample opportunities to lay out their priorities and to hear from progressive voters, Grassroots North Shore will provide as many forums for candidates as we possibly can. We are starting that process with State Senator Kathleen Vinehout tomorrow evening — Wednesday, September 30 — from 6:30 - 8 pm at the Bay Shore Lutheran Church (1200 E Hampton Rd, Whitefish Bay). Senator Vinehout has not yet officially declared her candidacy but she formed an exploratory committee last month and shows every sign of intending to declare soon. Please make time to hear what she has to say, and more importantly, to let her know what issues you think are crucial to winning next year. RSVP to let us know that you'll be there.

The movement to require states to draw fair election maps is going national, partly as a result of the Wisconsin case in which the trial court ruled the current maps unconstitutional. That case — Gill v. Whitford — is scheduled to be argued at the US Supreme Court on Tuesday, October 3. Between now and then, there are several educational events in our area that can help you understand what's at stake and will give you action items you can take to help move Wisconsin forward. One way to take action is to lobby our current legislature. On Tuesday, September 12, the legislature resumes its work. So we are asking people to call legislators and the chairs of the committees where legislation is pending to ask for their support for Senate Bill 13 and Assembly Bill 44. If passed into law, these bills would require that the Legislative Reference Bureau draw electoral maps in a nonpartisan way. You can find the information about who to call and what you might want to say on our website.

Also on September 12, Grassroots North Shore is co-sponsoring a town hall on Fair Elections at the Washington Park Library, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd. Shauntay Nelson from Wisconsin Voices and former state senators Tim Cullen (D-Janesville) and Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) will be speaking. The doors open at 5:45; the program runs from 6-7pm. If you don't know much about the issues surrounding redistricting and how partisan maps sabotage our democracy, this event will fill you in.

On Sunday, October 1, Grassroots North Shore, together with the Fair Elections Project and a coalition of other organizations in Wisconsin, is hosting a send-off rally for the plaintiffs in Gill v. Whitford. Most of the 12 plaintiffs will be heading to Washington to attend the Supreme Court argument on Tuesday, October 3, and many of them will speak at this kick-off event. Widely seen as a momentous case, the decision has the potential to remake the legislative landscape not only in Wisconsin but across the nation. More information on times and location will be coming soon. So mark your calendars now. (I promise you won't miss any Packer action: they play on Thursday night that week!)

There are two other important events on the Grassroots North Shore horizon: on Sunday, September 17 from 4:30 - 7pm we are holding our annual potluck picnic. It's always fun to mingle with the greatest group of North Shore progressives while consuming pulled pork or pulled chicken sandwiches and sharing the wonderful homemade side dishes, salads and desserts you all bring to the affair. (If your last name begins with A-N, please bring a side dish or salad large enough to share – but no more than 8 servings please. If your last name begins with O-Z, please bring a plated dessert to share.) We'll be hearing from Josh Kaul, Democratic candidate for Attorney General, and Earnell Lucas, Democratic candidate for Milwaukee County Sheriff. Just RSVP so we are sure to have enough food, plates, utensils, and soft drinks for everyone. (BYOB if you want something stronger to drink!)

And on Thursday, September 21, the nationally renowned comedian and Milwaukee native Will Durst will make sure we Laugh 'Til It Dursts. This event is our one and only fundraiser for the year. As you know, Grassroots North Shore is an all-volunteer organization. But even though we have no paid staff, we do have some modest expenses. Rent and utilities for our office and the online tools we use to keep in touch with you are chief among them. So please be generous. Donations begin at the low, low price of $25 (in advance, at the door the price goes up to $30). Beyond that, you could become:

• a Friend of Grassroots North Shore for $50.00
• a Patron of Grassroots North Shore for $100.00
• a Sponsor of Grassroots North Shore for $250.00
• a Grassroots North Shore Host for $500.00
• or best yet, an Angel for $1,000.00

It may surprise you to know that we can accept your money even if you can't join us for a belly laugh or two. But we hope you can be there for a great evening of some much-needed fun.

Wed Aug 30, 2017

On the Issues: Milwaukee Tax System, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm 
Marquette University, Eckstein Hall, 1215 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee 
Milwaukee has few options for generating the revenue needed to pay for core services, forcing the city to lean increasingly on property owners. The Public Policy Forum calls the city’s tax structure “broken” and says it has outlived its effectiveness. A new report by the PPF looks at how other cities are generating revenue to pay the bills, and whether any of those approaches might work in Milwaukee. PPF President Rob Henken will be the speaker. RSVP required.

Refuel the Resistance, 5pm - 8pm 
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee 
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Healthcare and Budget Action Plan, 6 pm - 7:30 pm 
Waukesha Public Library, 321 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha 
Join Citizen Action of Wisconsin and SOPHIA of Waukesha to discuss specific actions you can take to protect Healthcare, Education, and other issues you care about during this fall’s budget negotiations. We must keep the pressure on Rep. Sensenbrenner to listen to the people and not be a rubber-stamp for President Trump's extreme agenda. RSVP. Contact: Justin Bielinski, 414-208-9283.

Kathleen Vinehout Conversation, 6:30 pm - 8 pm 
Bay Shore Lutheran Church, 1200 E. Hampton Rd., Whitefish Bay 
Grassroots North Shore will host an event with Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, who will discuss the state budget and other topics of importance to Wisconsin. Kathleen Vinehout is one of the state’s leading progressive voices. Don't miss this chance to hear her views and to participate in a far-reaching question and answer session. Sen. Vinehout is currently considering running for governor of Wisconsin. RSVP.

Thu Aug 31, 2017

ACLU Event on Racial Profiling, 6 pm - 8 pm 
Riverwest Public House Co-op, 815 E. Locust St, Milwaukee 
An evening of information and justice-seeking as we hear about the ACLU's lawsuit against the Milwaukee Police over racial profiling/stop and frisk. Panelists include David Crowley, Wisconsin State Representative for District 17, and plaintiff in the case Karyn Rotker, Race, Poverty, and Civil Liberties Attorney with the ACLU of Wisconsin. The panel moderator is Jarrett English, Youth Organizer with the ACLU of Wisconsin There will be time for Q&A, networking, and becoming a member of ACLU Milwaukee Chapter.

Sun Sep 3, 2017

UBLAC Mass Meeting, 2pm - 4pm 
Brown Deer United Methodist Church, 5736 W Brown Deer Rd, Milwaukee 
UBLAC (Uplifting Black Liberation and Black Communities) welcomes you to attend its next Mass Meeting. This will be a space to continue to develop and foster relationships, connections, ideas, movement, and resources. More information.

Mon Sep 4, 2017

Healthcare and Union Rights Rally, 9 am 
12th and State Street, Milwaukee 
Join Citizen Action at a big health care and union rights rally at Aurora Sinai, continuing to the site of the Bucks arena, where the workers won a landmark $15 and union agreement and then to Zeidler Union Square to walk as a Co-op in the Labor Council parade. Or just join the group at 11 am at Zeidler Park. Citizen Action will also have an information booth at Laborfest at the Summerfest grounds. RSVP. Contact: Terri Williams, 414-218-5384.

Laborfest, 11am - 5pm 
Zeidler Square, 301 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee 
Laborfest 2017 is Monday, September 4, beginning with the parade at the Wisconsin Workers Memorial in Zeidler Square at 11 am and ending at the Summerfest Grounds at 5 pm! For more information, contact Milwaukee Area Labor Council at 414-771-7070. This year’s theme: Standing Together, Standing Strong: Join the Fight for Workers’ Rights. Free and open to the public! Come celebrate Labor Day with those who created it: organized workers.

Clarke Irish Pub, 314 W. Main St., Waukesha 
More information.

Wed Sep 6, 2017

All day Summit on Poverty, Wed Sep 6, 2017 - Thu Sep 7, 2017 
Italian Conference Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee 
The Social Development Commission (SDC), in partnership with the Medical Society of Milwaukee County and its coalition of partner agencies, will present the SDC Summit on Poverty 2017, Dismantling Systems of Poverty. The SDC Summit on Poverty is a key collaboration of service providers and subject matter experts such as policy makers, advocates, faith-based and community-based organizations. Reducing poverty in Milwaukee County will require a long-term effort that can only be successful if it addresses the barriers that prevent individuals and families from moving toward economic stability. It is the responsibility of our entire community to help lift our most vulnerable members out of poverty. Each day's session will run from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. More information and registration.

On the Issues: Milwaukee Tax System, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm 
Marquette University, Eckstein Hall, 1215 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee 
Dan Egan, a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, author of The Death and Life of the Great Lakes, will talk about the importance of the Great Lakes and the man-made threats they face. RSVP required.

Refuel the Resistance, 5pm - 8pm 
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee 
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Grass Roots South Shore Meeting, 6 pm - 8 pm 
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr., Cudahy 
Grass Roots South Shore will hold its monthly meeting. Grass Roots South Shore meets on the first Wednesday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.

Thu Sep 7, 2017

RID Leadership Meeting, 5pm - 6:15pm 
Video call: Join video call, Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee 
Leadership Team meets bi-monthly (odd months) from 5 - 6:15pm. on the first THURSDAY. This is prior to the General Membership Meeting. Any member may attend the Leadership meeting. There we discuss business and future activities. Input is greatly welcomed! Thanks! Leadership Team Please consider the following committees: RID Committees: Programming Team (events, workshops, programs, dialogues, book discussions); Communications Team (newsletter, and maintain website/facebook content); Membership Team (member, new member, and partnerships); Website Resources and Research Team (research of articles, media lists, resources, organizations, etc.); Fund Development Team (fundraising to support our programs) Advocacy/Action Team (support action teams, issue campaigns, and coalitions). Action Teams: Ban the Box; Alternative to Incarceration; Youth Incarceration.

DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 6:30pm - 8pm 
The Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee 
The Democratic Party's Issues Committee will hold its monthly meeting. All Democrats are welcome to participate. Enter from the parking lot.

RID Membership Meeting with Program, 6:30 pm - 8 pm 
Video call: Join video call, Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee 
General Membership Meeting - includes Program and/or Speaker with Q&A. We will meet bi-monthly (odd months) 6:30 - 8 pm on the first THURSDAY. Leadership Team will meet prior to the General Membership Meeting from 5 - 6:15 pm. Any member may attend the Leadership meeting. There we discuss business and future activities. Input is greatly welcomed!. Thanks! Leadership Team Please consider the following committees: RID Committees: Programming Team (events, workshops, programs, dialogues, book discussions); Communications Team (newsletter, and maintain website/facebook content); Membership Team (member, new member, and partnerships); Website Resources and Research Team (research of articles, media lists, resources, organizations, etc.); Fund Development Team (fundraising to support our programs) Advocacy/Action Team (support action teams, issue campaigns, and coalitions). Action Teams: Ban the Box; Alternative to Incarceration; Youth Incarceration.

at Sep 9, 2017

Myths Surrounding Addiction, 1pm - 3:30pm 
Martin Luther King Community Ctr., 1531 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee 
Panel discussion moderated by Keyon Jackson-Malone (WNOV), followed by public participation. Sponsors include New Concept Development Center, Project Return, The King Center, and Table Of The Saints. There is no cost for the afternoon, including lunch. More information.

Sun Sep 10, 2017

1st CD Fundraising Dinner, 5pm - 5pm 
Bristol Oaks Golf Club, 16801 75th St., Bristol 
The 1st Congressional District Democrats invite you to a fundraising dinner with Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Subcommittee on the CIA. VIP reception at 5:00 pm, general reception at 5:30, dinner at 6:00. Table Sponsor: $2,500 | Reserved table: $750 | VIP reception: $500 | Seat at VIP table: $250 | Dinner ticket: $100. RSVP by September 1. More information.

Mon Sep 11, 2017

Drinking Liberally Waukesha, 6:30 pm - 9 pm 
Clarke Irish Pub, 314 W. Main St., Waukesha 
More information.

Tue Sep 12, 2017

Drinking Liberally MKE, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 
Riverwest Public House Co-op, 815 E. Locust St., Milwaukee 
Now, more than ever, Drinking Liberally is a space to gather, support each other, and form the progressive community we're going to need to get through the next four years. Come share a pint with your fellow progressives! Drinking Liberally MKE meets on the second Tuesday of every month, hosted by Matt Filipowicz.

350.ORG Monthly Meeting, 7pm - 8:30pm 
1500 E. Park Pl, Milwaukee (Urban Ecology Center) 
350.ORG is the global organization building a grassroots movement in 188 countries to address global warming and solve climate the crisis. 350.ORG meets every second Tuesday of the month.

Wed Sep 13, 2017

Refuel the Resistance, 5pm - 8pm 
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee 
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Southwest Region Dems Meeting, 6 pm - 68 pm 
Greendale Public Library, 5647 Broad St., Greendale 
Region 5 Democrats will hold their monthly meeting at the Greendale Public Library (enter through rear at 5600 Parking St.). Region 5 covers Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee (Southwest), West Allis, West Milwaukee. More information.

Foxconn Update, 7pm - 9pm 
N112w16957 Mequon Road, Germantown (Germantown Library) 
Dr. Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizens Action of Wisconsin, will discuss the economic and environmental impact associated with the Foxconn display panel plant proposed for the Racine/Kenosha area. He will bring us up to date on where the "Foxconn deal" stands now.