As you complete a flight segment on any major US airline, the crew thank you for choosing that company. The usual pitch is something like "we know you have many choices...." It's not just true for airlines: it's also true for whatever money you can spare to support progressive causes and organizations. At Grassroots North Shore, we are well aware that the number of organizations proffering a digital tin cup is large and growing. So we are delighted and honored when the recipients of our weekly newsletter and attendees at our educational programs and our volunteers during each election season donate to us.

But the truth is, we simply cannot do what we do, with you and for you, without a bit of money. I won't bore you with a complete financial report but I can tell you we're a very lean organization. With a steering committee of 15 dedicated volunteers and an advisory committee of another eight to ten people, we reach over 2500 people each week with our newsletter. We organize speakers and educational programs 10-12 times throughout the year. We recruit volunteers for the whole range of campaign activities for primary elections AND general elections. And did I mention we have no paid staff? 

We do it out of a passion for progressive causes and a love of our communities, our state and our country. Here's the bottom line: if everyone who is reading this email buys a $25 or $50 ticket to come laugh with Will Durst (Thursday, September 21, from 7-9pm (Bayshore Lutheran Church, 1200 E Hampton, Whitefish Bay), we will reach our fundraising goal for the year. We will also feed you your just desserts!

OR, if you cannot attend, just  what you can and forward your ticket to Eilene Stevens who will give it to someone who could otherwise not afford to come.

EVENTS

Tue Sep 12, 2017

Fair Elections Town Hall, 5:45pm - 7:30pm 
Washington Park Library, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd. Milwaukee 
Come learn from community leaders! Shauntay Nelson from Wisconsin Voices, Sachin Chheda of the Fair Elections Project, and former state senators Tim Cullen (D-Janesville) and Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) will speak. Learn what you need to know about unfair voting maps, why the U.S. Supreme Court will hear the most important case of the decade against Wisconsin’s unfair voting maps, and what we can do to get fair voting maps! RSVP.

Drinking Liberally MKE, 6:30pm - 8:30pm 
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 Milwaukee Meeting, 7pm - 8:30pm 
Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl., Milwaukee 
350.ORG is the global organization building a grassroots movement in 188 countries to address global warming and solve the climate crisis. 350 Milwaukee meets every month on the second Tuesday. More information.

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.

Foxconn and Wisconsin, 7pm - 8:30pm 
Germantown Community Library, N112 W16957 Mequon Rd., Germantown 
Join Citizen Action's Dr. Robert Kraig and OFA for an important town hall meeting on what has been happening on Foxconn, its impact on Washington County and the state of Wisconsin, what Citizen Action and allies are doing across the state, and what you can do about it right now. RSVP. Contact: Kevin Kane, 414-550-8280.

Southwest Region Dems Meeting, 7pm - 9pm 
West Allis Public Library, 7421 W. National Ave., West Allis 
Region 5 Democrats will hold their monthly meeting at the West Allis Public Library. Region 5 covers Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee (Southwest), West Allis, West Milwaukee. For more information email.

Thu Sep 14, 2017

The State of Politics, 11:30am - 1pm 
Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts, 2419 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee 
Join WisPolitics at UW-Milwaukee for lunch and a panel discussion on the state of politics and policy in DC and Wisconsin and how it will affect 2018 elections. Participants include: Betsy Ankney, campaign manager for Sen. Ron Johnson; Paul Maslin, Democratic pollster; Mark Graul, Republican strategist; Joe Zepecki, advisor to candidate Mary Burke. Check in begins at 11: 30 am, Program at 11. Cost: $15 for program and lunch if paid in advance; payment at the door is $20. Registration required (purpose of payment is “Sept. 14 Milw” ). Sponsored by: Wisconsin Academy for Global Education and Training, ELEVEN25 at Pabst, UW-Milwaukee, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Police Association, and The Firm Consulting.

On the Issues: Foreign Affairs, 12:15pm - 1:15pm 
Marquette University, Eckstein Hall, 1215 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee 
What will the Trump administration mean for international law and human rights, previously negotiated agreements with other nations, and U.S.foreign policy? Vanderbilt’s Professor Ingrid Wuerth is a leading scholar of foreign affairs and public international law. Marquette’s Professor Ryan Scoville teaches and writes on U.S. foreign relations law and international law. Robbie Gramer covers the State Department for Foreign Policy magazine. Together, the three experts will explore a variety of questions related to international law, current U.S. foreign policy, and the Trump administration’s priorities. RSVP required.

Hearing: DOJ Report on MPD, 1:30pm - 1:30pm 
City Hall, Room 301-B, 200 E. Wells St., Milwaukee 
The Common Council Steering and Rules Committee will consider the report of the U.S. Department of Justice concerning the Milwaukee Police Department. Representatives of the department and of the Fire and Police Commission will be invited to appear.

Wis Supreme Court Candidate Forum, 6pm - 8:30pm 
Milwaukee Area Technical College, 700 W. State St., Room S120, Milwaukee 
Join the Citizen Action Organizing Cooperative for a candidate forum featuring the two announced progressive candidates for the 2018 State Supreme Court Election in Spring. The candidates will appear separately and answer questions from Citizen Action members and leaders. Doors open at 5:45. Tim Burns at 6:15pm; Rebecca Dallet at 7:15pm. RSVP. Contact: Matt Brusky.

Drinking Liberally West Allis, 6:30pm - 9pm 
Studz Pub Sports Bar & Grill, 6833 W. National Ave., West Allis 
Drinking Liberally West Allis meets on the second Thursday of the month. Free discussions and fellowship. Good food and specials available.

Sat Sep 16, 2017

Fighting Bob Fest, 10am - 2pm 
Tripoli Shrine Center, 3000 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee 
Our Wisconsin Revolution, in partnership with the Progressive Magazine, will host Fighting Bob Fest 2017. The event will feature former state senator Nina Turner and Jim Hightower (of Our Revolution), Representative David Bowen, Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic, Citizen Action's, Robert Kraig and a plethora of other fun and exciting speakers and organizations. This will be an opportunity to hear from great speakers and organizations, and to enjoy lunch with other progressives, activists, and organizers from the Milwaukee area. Citizen Action panels will address water safety issues and the Great Lakes, and how to work toward ensuring racial justice. This is a free event (lunch will be available for purchase). RSVP.

GRSS at Bay View Bash, 10am - 5pm 
Kinnickinnic Avenue between Potter and Clement, Milwaukee 
Bay View Bash is a large street festival on South KK Avenue with live music, food, and many interesting vendors. Grass Roots South Shore will operate an information booth for the Democratic Party and sell all types of Democratic Party items.

NAACP Monthly Meeting, 11am - 1pm 
2745 N. Dr Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee 
Monthly membership meeting of NAACP Milwaukee Branch. The meeting is held in the basement conference room.

Mayor Barrett Zoo Picnic, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 
Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee 
Mayor Tom Barrett's 2017 Annual Picnic at the Zoo. All contributions gratefully accepted. Parking and Zoo admission is Included. For questions, please email Zach.

Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, 8pm - 10pm 
Comedy Sportz Theater, 420 S. 1st St., Milwaukee 
Laughing Liberally Milwaukee presents a night of progressive political comedy. In addition to some of the finest progressive comedians Milwaukee has to offer, each Laughing Liberally Milwaukee will feature a special interview with a local political figure, journalist or activist. This month's guest is Astar Herndon, the Wisconsin State Director at 9 To 5, which works to achieve economic justice for working women. Advance tickets ($8).

Sun Sep 17, 2017

GRNS Annual Picnic, 4:30pm - 7pm 
Cahill Park, 1001 E. Fairmount Ave., Whitefish Bay 
Food and fun at the potluck with the best progressives on the North Shore. Plus you'll have a chance to meet and hear from Josh Kaul (running for Attorney General), Earnell Lucas (running for Milwaukee County Sheriff) and others. The potluck event features Keith Schmitz's famous pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches. If your last name begins with A-N, please bring a side dish or salad (no more than 8 servings). If your last name begins with O-Z, please bring a plated dessert. Doors will open at 4:30; food will be served at 5:15; and presentation will begin at 5:45. RSVP.

Mon Sep 18, 2017

League of Women Voters Lunch and Learn, 12pm - 1pm 
Sojourner Family Peace Center, 619 W Walnut St, Milwaukee

Economic Justice Team Meeting, 6pm - 8pm 
Citizen Action, 221 S. 2nd St., suite 300, Milwaukee 
Milwaukee Organizing Cooperative members will meet to discuss how next to advance Economic Justice! Bring your ideas for where to take this fight next. RSVP. Contact: Anna Dvorak.

Milwaukee Dems Meeting, 6pm - 6pm 
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee 
Milwaukee County Democrats meet monthly to discuss party business, hear speakers on current topics, pass resolutions, and network with otherprogressives. All interested Democrats are invited.

Tue Sep 19, 2017

Public “Conversation on Race”, 6:30pm - 9pm 
Brown Deer United Methodist Church, 5736 W Brown Deer Rd, Milwaukee 
The public “Conversation on Race” is part of an ongoing series of public discussions on race being sponsored by the church for people who are ready to gather in a safe space to discuss how we might approach racial issues both personally and systemically. More information.

Wed Sep 20, 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.

Drinking Liberally Wauwatosa, 6pm - 8pm 
Cranky Al's, 6901 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa 
Come join fellow Wauwatosa progressives for good conversation and good beer at one of Tosa's most gemütlich establishments, Cranky Al's. DLW meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 6 pm.

Thu Sep 21, 2017

Green Drinks Milwaukee, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 
Lakefront Brewery, 1872 N. Commerce St., Milwaukee 
Good drinks, good conversation and a chance to network with other environmentally minded people. RSVP. More information.

GRNS Benefit with Will Durst, 7pm - 9pm 
Bay Shore Lutheran Church, 1200 E. Hampton Rd., Whitefish Bay 
A Night of Political Comedy to benefit the work of Grassroots North Shore, featuring nationally known political comic, Milwuakee native, and UWM alum Will Durst. This event is the major fundraiser for the year. Ticket Prices: General Admission: $25 per person in advance ($35 at the door); Friend of Grassroots North Shore: $50; Patron of Grassroots North Shore: $100; Sponsor of Grassroots North Shore: $250; Grassroots North Shore Host: $500; Angel: $1,000. More information and purchase tickets.

Fri Sep 22, 2017

Wave open house, 4:30pm - 7:30pm 
WAVE office, 4100 W. River Ln., Brown Deer 
Drop in any time between 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Appetizers, live music, and fellowship. We can't wait to let you know about our plans for the legislative session. Please mark your calendars! RSVP.

NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner, 5:30pm - 9pm 
Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee 
Speakers at the dinner will include NAACP Milwaukee President Fred Royal and Jane Elliot, creator of the “Blue Eyes, Brown Eyes” social experiment and award-winning documentaries. More information and tickets.

Will Durst Political Comedy, 8pm - 9:30pm 
Comedy Sportz Theater, 420 S. 1st St., Milwaukee 
Will Durst, Milwaukee native turned political comedian, will bring his one-man show titled "Durst Case Scenario," a hysterical exploration of the changes in America during the Time of Trump. More information and tickets.

Sat Sep 23, 2017

Community Brainstorming, 8am - 11am 
St. Matthew CME Church, 2944 N. 9th St., Milwaukee 
Community Brainstorming Conference Breakfast Forum Breakfast: 8 am, Program: 9 am All Are Invited, Come and Participate. Details.

"Backpack Full of Cash" Film, 10am - 1pm 
Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association, 5130 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee 
Narrated by Matt Damon, this feature-length documentary explores the growing privatization of public schools and the resulting impact on America’s most vulnerable children. Filmed in Philadelphia, New Orleans, Nashville and other cities, BACKPACK FULL OF CASH takes viewers through the tumultuous 2013-14 school year, exposing the world of corporate-driven education “reform” where public education -- starved of resources -- hangs in the balance. Free. More information.

Will Durst Political Comedy, 8pm - 9:30pm 
Comedy Sportz Theater, 420 S. 1st St., Milwaukee 
Will Durst, Milwaukee native turned political comedian, will bring his one-man show titled "Durst Case Scenario," a hysterical exploration of the changes in America during the Time of Trump. More information and tickets.