What we collectively don't know or misunderstand about how our personal participation in our representative democracy works simply astonishes me. I was chatting with a couple of people helping with the fundraising event we held last week and learned that people living in River Hills think their village needs saving. From what? From the construction of a luxury apartment building, apparently. This is double hearsay but one of the people I was talking with told me that one resident said she objected to the project because she didn't think it fair that someone who was going to pay only $2000 in property taxes would have the same vote as others, including herself, who were paying 10 times that amount. I have to say I was shocked to hear that anyone thinks votes are or ought to be apportioned by wealth! A community is not a corporation with shareholders allotted votes by the number of shares they own, for pete's sake!

But in truth, our system of self-governance has some pretty strange features. Michelle Goldberg, in her debut op-ed in the New York Times looks as some of the many ways we seem to be living under a "tyranny of the minority." As she points out, this problem is structural, built into the very design of our constitution. And it will take a heap of heavy lifting to make structural changes that could make a difference.

So, getting rid of partisan AND racial gerrymandering will go only so far to bring greater balance and fairness to our elections and to our elective bodies. Still, I hope you will find the time to attend the rally Grassroots North Shore is co-sponsoring with an illustrious coalition of groups working on good governance issues. The first step toward greater balance and fairness has to be getting rid of partisan control of electoral maps. Working to overturn Citizens United and the Electoral College won't be effective until we get past the first structural hurdle. Please join me and our leadership on Sunday, Oct. 1, from 5-7pm (we're serving dinner!) at Plymouth Church (2717 E. Hampshire St., Milwaukee) for a send-off rally for the upstanding Wisconsin citizens who have brought this landmark lawsuit. A great turnout not only tells the plaintiffs that their fellow citizens support their efforts; it also tells the media and the wider public that this issue is important for everyone. RSVP.

Tue Sep 26, 2017

Fair Maps Town Hall, 6:30pm - 8pm 
Ovation Sarah Chudnow Community, 10995 N. Market St. Mequon 
Sachin Chheda, Director of the Fair Elections Project, will discuss what you need to know about unfair election maps, why the case against them that will be heard by the US Supreme Court on October 3 is so important, and what voters can do to ensure that our future voting maps are fair for everyone. Free and open to the public. Refreshments provided by the Ovation Sarah Chudnow Community. Co-sponsored by the Fair Elections Project, OFA WI, and Citizen Action Milwaukee Co-op.

Wed Sep 27, 2017

Voces Citizens' Hearing, 8am 
Voces de la Frontera, 1027 S. 5th St., Milwaukee 
Buses will leave from Voces de la Frontera Milwaukee at 8am for a rally at the State Capitol in Madison at 10:30. Say no to police acting like ICE! Join in to speak out against the destructive impact AB190 would have on our communities and Wisconsin’s economy, particularly the dairy industry. Instead of turning police into ICE, Scott Walker should return driver’s cards to immigrants. Contact: 414-828-2692. More information.

Citizen's Hearing: Got Milk? Not Without Immigrants, Stop AB190!, 10:30am - 12:30pm 
Wisconsin State Capitol, 2 E Main St, Madison

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.

Housing Segregation Panel, 6pm - 8pm 
Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 W. Center St., Milwaukee 
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will host a panel discussion — “Housing and Segregation in Milwaukee, Then and Now.” The city has ranked among the top five segregated areas in the nation. The panel discussion will include some of the original open housing marchers and individuals active in housing issues today. The discussion will include insight into the marches themselves and what can be done to close the ownership gap, including solutions that are working elsewhere. Free event. Doors open at 5:30. Register.

Immigration Law 101, 6pm - 7:30pm 
MLK Library, 310 W. Locust Ave., Milwaukee

Immigration Law 101 class for advocates and allies. Immigration lawyer Laurie Anderson-Stepanek will go over the myths and misconceptions about immigration and focus on DACA, wiith information and discussion on strategies to better assist immigrants affected by the current political administration. Hosted by SURJ MKE. More information.

Palzewicz Fundraiser, 6pm - 8pm 
Tom Bougey's Bar & Grill, 16760 W. Greenfield Ave., Brookfield 
Join Tom Palzewicz at a reception to support his campaign for Congress in the 5th District, taking on Jim Sensenbrenner. He is a successful small businessman running as a Democrat on issues of equality and fairness. Host: $1,000 | Patron: $500 | Friend: $250 | Sponsor $100 | Suggested Contribution: $50. Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated. Contribute. To RVSP or for questions, please contact [email protected] or call 262-204-7213.

Drinking Liberally Glendale, 7pm - 7pm 
Bar Louie, 5750 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale 
Drinking Liberally Glendale meets on the last Wednesday of the month. Come drink a beverage or two of your choice and talk about Liberal stuff. More information.

John Nichols Author Event, 7pm 
Boswell Book Company, 2559 N. Downer Ave. Milwaukee 
The amazing John Nichols will talk about his latest book, "Horsemen of the Trumpocalypse: A Field Guide to the Most Dangerous People in America," which examines the Trump rogue's gallery of alt-right hatemongers, crony capitalists, immigrant bashers, and climate-change deniers who now run the American government.

Thu Sep 28, 2017

Mental Health Board Meeting, 4:30pm 
Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee 
Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Meeting. Public Comment session. More information.

Waukesha Writers Club, 6:30pm - 8pm 
336 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha 
The "Letter to the Editor" section is one of the most widely read parts of the newspaper, offering a chance to reach a broad audience. Letters to our legislators are also an effective way to let them know what we expect of them. Working together gives us the opportunity to discuss the current issues, improve writing skills, develop persuasive techniques that target intended readers, and help each other with ideas and suggestions. Sponsored by Grassroots Waukesha ([email protected]).

Fri Sep 29, 2017

Anti-Trump Sketch Comedy, 7:30pm 
Urban Harvest Brewing Company, 1024 S. 5th St., Milwaukee 
The Accountants of Homeland Security have a 20-year record of producing sharp, timely political comedy. For one night only, The Accountants Of Homeland Security come to Milwaukee to perform their full progressive political sketch comedy revue, The Final Final Countdown, in which they take satirical shots at the racist, sexist, homophobic, climate change denying actions of President Trump and his Alt Right supporters. More information and tickets ($10).

Sat Sep 30, 2017

Black Women's Empowerment March, 9:30am - 2pm 
2615 N. Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr., Milwaukee 
Local march in solidarity with the March for Black Women in Washington, DC, part of a movement to create a just and equitable future for communities of color. Hosted by UBLAC Milwaukee. More information.

Community Policing and Safety Forum, 10am - 12pm 
Milwaukee Urban League office, 435 W North Ave., Milwaukee 
Come out to participate in a critical discussion on our shared public safety responsibilities. Experts from the Office of Violence Prevention will discuss the City of Milwaukee's Blueprint for Peace, which focuses on making Milwaukee a resilient city where the lives of all residents are valued, promoted and protected. The Blueprint's goals include 1) stopping violence. 2) promoting health and restorative justice, 3) supporting children, youth and families, 4) promoting economic opportunity, 5) fostering safe and strong neighborhoods, and 6) strengthening capacity and coordination of violence prevention efforts. Hosted by the Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals Politics and Policy Committee. More information.

Sun Oct 1, 2017

Bender Park Cleanup Event, 12pm - 2pm 
Bender Park Pavilion, 4503 E. Ryan Road, Oak Creek 
The Clean Power Coalition will host an afternoon of volunteer work at Bender Park to clean trash off the beach and root out invasive species. You can also learn what the Clean Power Coalition is doing to stop pollution from coal. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Dress for the weather and bring work gloves and closed-toe shoes. RSVP.

Tammy Baldwin Fundraiser (and the Senator will be there!), 2pm - 3:30pm 
2311 W. Glenbrook Lane, Mequon 
Be there to welcome Sen. Tammy Baldwin at a fundraiser with the goal of raising at least $10,000 for her campaign. Sponsor $1,000 | Co-host $500 | Partner $250 | Friend $100 | Supporter (suggested $50). Hosts: Jane Lukic, Deborah Patel, Mary McCormick and Tim Hawks RSVP. Questions.

Fair Maps Send-off Rally, 5pm - 7pm 
Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Hampshire Ave., Milwaukee 
Join the "Whitford" plaintiffs for a send-off rally. Let them know that we support their case for fair elections maps! Plaintiffs in Wisconsin's landmark gerrymandering lawsuit are heading to Washington, DC, to argue their case before the U.S. Supreme Court on October 3. Rally from 5pm to 6pm, reception with good eats to follow from 6pm to 7pm. Please RSVP.

Mon Oct 2, 2017

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

Tue Oct 3, 2017

"Democracy in Chains" Author Event, 6:30pm - 8pm 
Central Library, Centennial Hall, 814 W. Wiscosin Ave., Milwaukee 
Author Nancy MacLean will talk about her book "Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right's Stealth Plan for America," a plot designed over six decades to alter every branch of government to disempower the majority. Sponsored by Milwaukee Public Library and Boswell Book Co. Register.

Wed Oct 4, 2017

Unlearning Racism: Tools for Change, 1pm - 5pm 
1915 N Dr Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee 
YWCA offers in-depth 6-session class (Wednesdays: 9/20, 10/4, 10/18, 11/1, 11/15, 11/29). Join the YWCA of Southeast Wisconsin for an opportunity to learn about the history and impact of racism and what you can do about it. Facilitated dialogue, activities, documentaries, and listening pairs will move you forward in addressing racism where and when you can. This is one of the most comprehensive local training programs on this topic. More information.

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, 6pm - 6pm 
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 Oct 5, 2017

Mike McCabe Rally, 6pm - 9pm 
African American Women's Center, 3020 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee 
Rally with Mike McCabe, candidate for Wisconsin governor running as a Democrat.

DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 6:30pm - 8pm 
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.

Tue Oct 10, 2017

Conversations on Race, 6:30pm - 9pm 
Brown Deer United Methodist, 5736 W. Brown Deer Rd., Brown Deer 
Conversations on Race is for people who are ready to discuss how we are approaching racial issues both personally and systemically. It is a time to learn about the fears, angers, prejudices, systemic privileges and spiritual power that we each hold. With the events in Charlottesville we will continue our discussion of White Supremacy and the impact everyday in American culture and life led by Lisa Jones and Joe Masterson. This event is open to the public and is handicap accessible.

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.