The statewide election for Supreme Court Justice was a blow to Democrats and progressives who thought the election of Dems to all five constitutional offices last November meant WI had turned a corner. But what we should learn from our defeat is rather uplifting. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin reported that there were 40,000 more votes for Lisa Neubauer this year than for Rebecca Dallet last year. And that means that we did well at turning out our base. A picture of the turnout in Milwaukee County shows that our North Shore communities also performed strongly as far as turnout went. Grassroots North Shore sent more than 1100 postcards reminding our supporters to vote for Lisa Neubauer and we supported both canvassing and phone calls in Brown Deer and Whitefish Bay. Our efforts clearly paid off.

But turnout doesn't tell all we need to know about how the election went. It appears that the split between Neubauer and Hagedorn mattered a lot. Although turnout was higher in this election than in last year's, voters in Milwaukee County voted more heavily for Hagedorn in 2019 than they had for Screnock in 2018. And that difference in percent of the vote "effectively doomed [Neubauer's] statewide chances." Apparently, the ads attacking Hagedorn's homophobia were taken as attacks on his Christian faith. And that brought religious voters out in droves. Let that be a lesson to us!

Our loss should renew our determination to win elsewhere, on other issues we care deeply about. Yet the truth is we will never win on more humane issues like reducing rates of incarceration or restoring access to drivers licenses for immigrants and low income populations unless we capture more of the legislature. A valuable first step in doing that is showing up in large numbers at the Joint Finance Committee hearings in Oak Creek on April 10 and in Green Bay on April 24 to support Governor Evers' inclusion of funds for Fair Maps. The links will take you to our RSVP pages. We can help with ideas for testimony if you want to speak at one or both hearings. But you can also serve by simply standing to support those who are testifying on the subject of Fair Maps. You can also take these steps:

• Watch a video that explains how partisan gerrymandering has played out in Wisconsin.
• Email comments to the Joint Finance Committee.
• Call your member of the State Assembly and State Senate and lobby for Fair Maps. You can look up their names and contact information online. You can find some ideas for talking about the issue of Fair Maps and the budget bill on our website.

In other noteworthy events held by Grassroots North Shore supporters, Shirley Horowitz and Martha Pincus are holding a house party from 4-5:30pm on Sunday, April 14, to benefit Voces de la Frontera and the organization's effort to restore drivers licenses to those who cannot now obtain them. You can find more information in our events list below.

Meanwhile, save the date for the next Grassroots North Shore forum on why Milwaukee has the most segregated housing in the country. Reggie Jackson, Head Griot of the Black Holocaust Museum, will talk about who perpetuates this segregation and what we can do to change it. The forum will take place on Sunday, May 5, at Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Hampshire St., Milwaukee. The event is free and open to the public. GRNS volunteers will serve light refreshments so please RSVP so they know how many to plan for.

Tue Apr 9, 2019

On Chief Justice Roberts: Author Event, 12:15pm - 1:15pm
Marquette University, Eckstein Hall, 1215 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee
Joan Biskupic, CNN Legal Analyst, author of The Chief: The Life andTurbulent Times of Chief Justice John Roberts, will talk about Chief Justice Roberts and developments involving the nation’s highest court. RSVP required.

Conversations on Race: Joint Finance Committee Training, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Brown Deer United Methodist Church, 5736 W Brown Deer Rd, Brown Deer
Currently, Wisconsin is spending more money on incarceration than all of public education. There is an opportunity to advocate for education at the upcoming meeting of the Joint Finance Committee on April 10. At the next, Conversation on Race, Lisa Jones will lead training on how to testify at a public hearing. If you'd like to know more about public education and why testifying matters see this website.

Drinking Liberally MKE, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Art Bar, 722 E. Burleigh St., Milwaukee
Now, more than ever, Drinking Liberally is a space to gather, support each other, and form the progressive community we need. 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 Apr 10, 2019

Joint Finance Committee Budget Hearing, 10am - 5pm
Oak Creek Community Center, 8580 S. Howell Ave., Oak Creek
The Joint Finance Committee of the Legislature will hold a public hearing to hear comments on the proposed budget. Those who would like to speak should arrive and register as early as 8:30am if possible to have a better chance of being called on to speak.

Unlearning Racism: Tools for Action - Milwaukee Course, 1pm - 5pm
YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, 1915 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, Milwaukee
Eliminating racism is an ongoing process that involves a willingness to learn about, and begin, undoing, the adverse impact of racism on individuals, organizations, and communities. This six-part workshop series examines the history and impact of racism and what participants can do about it.

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.

Thu Apr 11, 2019

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.

Thu Apr 11, 2019 - Fri Apr 12, 2019

Inclusivity Conference, All day Fri and Sat
Hyatt Regency, 333 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee
What will it take to make Wisconsin inclusive to all? The Toward One Wisconsin Inclusivity Conference will seek answers to this question, bringing together individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds to examine the most persistent barriers to inclusion, highlight what is working now and what is promising on the horizon. Over 100 panels and presenters will highlight collaborative and innovative approaches, best practices, cutting-edge research, and success stories that focus on several tracks: workforce, community, leadership, and health. Registration will close on March 6 and early registration is advised. Scholarships are available. More information and registration.

Sat Apr 13, 2019

NAACP Monthly Meeting, 11:30am - 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.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
51st Street & Silver Spring Drive
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Building Unity Gathering, 2pm - 4pm
First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, 1342 N. Astor St., Milwaukee
A wide variety of Wisconsin justice leaders will explore ways that we can build unity throughout Wisconsin.

Founders Day Gala, 5pm - 5pm
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, 333 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee
Governor Tony Evers will be the special guest speaker and additional guests will include presidential candidate Julian Castro. Join us for an evening of merriment, dinner, cocktails & guest speakers who each share our Wisconsin values. Doors Open: 5pm. VIP Reception Begins: 5:15pm. Dinner Begins: 6pm. More information and purchase tickets.

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 Carl Fields from EXPO: Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing. Advance tickets ($8).

Sun Apr 14, 2019

House Party for Voces de la Frontera, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
7045 N. Belmont, Fox Point
Join Martha Pincus and Shirley Horowitz for a house party in partnership with Voces de la Fontera to learn about their campaign to restore access to driver licenses for immigrants and low-income U.S. citizens. Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Executive Director of Voces de la Frontera. will speak about the importance of their Driver Licenses for All campaign and show a brief video highlighting the experience of a local immigrant family who lack access to driver licenses. Even if you cannot attend, please contribute online.

Gwen Moore Birthday Fundraiser, 4:30pm - 6pm
Wisconsin Club, 900 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
Please join in a celebration of Congresswoman Gwen Moore's birthday. Suggested levels of support: $2,800 Chair | $1,000 | Host $500 | Sponsor $250 | Supporter $100 | Individual Guest (single ticket) / $150 Couple (2 tickets). For more information, please contact Chris Trull by email or phone: 337-377-5857 / 414-690-3576.

Mon Apr 15, 2019

DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
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.

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 other progressives. All interested Democrats are invited.

Tue Apr 16, 2019

Nikiya Dodd Fundraiser, 5pm - 7pm
ELMNT Lounge, 618 N. Water St., Milwaukee
Reception to support Nikiya Dodd's re-election to the 5th Aldermanic District. Host: $500 | Sponsor: $250 | Friend: $100 | Suggested contribution: $50 All contributions gratefully accepted. Donate online and RSVP and more information.

CLOSEmsdf Meeting, 6pm - 6pm
2821 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., Suite 108, Milwaukee
Get involved with the efforts to decarcerate Milwaukee, #CLOSEmsdf, and #buildCOMMUNITIES. The #CLOSEmsdf Campaign is now over 50 organizations strong. More information.

Wed Apr 17, 2019

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, 6:30pm - 9pm
Walter's, 6930 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
Come join fellow Wauwatosa progressives for good conversation. More info.

Southwest Region Dems Meeting, 7pm - 7pm
Studz Pub Sports Bar & Grill, 6833 W. National Ave., West Allis
Southwest Dems will hold their monthly meeting. Region 5 covers Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee (Southwest), West Allis, West Milwaukee. For more information contact [email protected].

Thu Apr 18, 2019

Does Democracy Protect Human Rights?, 4pm - 6pm
Marquette Law School, Eckstein Hall, 1215 W. Michigan Ave., Milwaukee
Garry Wills, Pulitzer Prize winning author and historian, will speak on "Does Democracy Protect Human Rights? Constitution vs. Plebiscite." More information and RSVP (required).

Sat Apr 20, 2019

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Humboldt Boulevard & Locust Street
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.