Grassroots North Shore has two important events coming up that I want to make sure you know about. We're again hosting debate watch parties on Wednesday, November 20, in three locations:

• In Shorewood, people are gathering at Camp Bar, 4044 N Oakland Ave, from 7:30-10pm. Sign up.
  
  
• In Whitefish Bay, we are meeting at Eric Taylor's house, 6330 N Lake Dr, from 7:30-10pm. Sign up.
  
  
• In Ozaukee County, meet at Ferrante's Restaurant, 10404 N Port Washington Rd., from 7:30-10pm. Sign up.

And for this year's annual fundraising event, Celinda Lake, renowned Democratic strategist and pollster, will be our keynote speaker at our Tipping Point Wisconsin event on Sunday, December 8. We'll have more details about this event soon. But it's going to be a fascinating evening. Wisconsin may well determine the outcome of the November 3 elections! Mark your calendars now — you won't want to miss this event. And while I'm on the subject, I want to say a few words about why we raise funds — and why we don't. Grassroots North Shore, as you know, is an all-volunteer organization. So we don't pay any staff AND we don't contribute funds to any candidates! We use the funds we raise

1. to pay the rent for our office and to equip it with printers, supplies and a few old computers;
   
   
2. to keep you informed, through our events and our weekly newsletter;
   
   
3. to support our internet habits!

A donation page is coming soon. Meanwhile, you can reserve your spot.

Wisconsin continues to find itself discussed on the NY Times website, and not in a good way. In an article published on Nov. 11 (New Normal in Key State for 2020 Race: Political Deadlock), Mitch Smith writes, "Acrimonious deadlocks have become the new normal in Wisconsin, one of three Midwestern states where Democrats ended full Republican control last year by flipping governorships. Gov. Tony Evers’s defeat of Scott Walker, whose success at pushing Wisconsin sharply to the right prompted a brief presidential bid, has given Democrats a new foothold this year in a region where they had been mostly sidelined. Yet with attention turning to the presidential election, in which Wisconsin voters are seen as playing a decisive role, divided power has given way to frustrated impasse, with little chance for either party to hold up state policymaking as the showcase it once was here."

In other words, we may be in for four years of deadlock with a GOP controlled legislature and a Democratic governor. The ONLY way to change this future is to defeat the gerrymander that holds Wisconsin hostage to a GOP legislature no matter how the state votes. In several state elections using the current maps, votes for Democratic candidates for the Assembly far outnumbered votes for GOP candidates. In the most recent election, Republicans earned about 45% of the statewide vote and still "won" almost 2/3 of the seats in the Assembly. Since 2011, the proportion of seats held by each party remained roughly the same. So any other issues you care about — climate change, healthcare, education, gun violence, criminal justice reform, racism, and so on — are will remain unaddressed until our state representatives are once again responsive to the voters.

The good news is that 48 counties have already passed resolutions calling on the state to implement a nonpartisan process, modeled on Iowa's, to draw fair electoral maps after the next census in 2020. Together with seven other counties, Milwaukee County has agreed to put a resolution of the April 7 ballot so voters can weigh in. And the bills that have been introduced to address this issue are being co-sponsored by FIVE Republicans — four more than we've ever had before. Even conservatives in this state support nonpartisan redistricting! A Marquette poll last January put the outcome this way: "Seventy-two percent of voters say they prefer redistricting of legislative and congressional districts to be done by a nonpartisan commission, while 18 percent prefer redistricting be done by the legislature and governor. Majorities in each partisan group favor a nonpartisan commission for redistricting, with 63 percent of Republicans including leaners, 83 percent of Democrats including leaners, and 76 percent of independents favoring a nonpartisan commission.)

To learn more about what you can do to help end gerrymandering in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign has a wonderful web page devoted to Five Things You Can Do. The efforts are national, state and local. Choose your own adventure!

EVENTS

Tue Nov 12, 2019

Defend DACA March, 10:30am - 2:30pm
Voces de la Frontera office, 1027 S. 5th St., Milwaukee
Join Voces de la Frontera in Milwaukee for a national day of action and a march to save DACA! The future of DACA and DREAMERS rests with the Supreme Court, which will start hearings on Nov.12 .Gather at the Voces office and march to the Federal Courthouse. Shuttle buses will return marchers. More info.

CLOSEmsdf Coalition Meeting, 5:30pm - 7pm
All Of Us Or None Wisconsin, 1220 W. Atkinson Ave., Milwaukee
Get involved with the efforts to decarcerate Milwaukee. The #CLOSEmsdf Campaign is now over 50 organizations strong. More info.

Drinking Liberally Grafton/Mequon, 6:30pm - 8pm
Water Street Brewery, 1251 Gateway Dr. Grafton
February 14, 2018, a gunman opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people and injuring 17 others. The shooting catalyzed the country in a movement to end gun violence. Following the shooting 200,000 demonstrators flocked to the National Mall and an additional 800,000 participated in local events throughout the US. Drinking Liberally Grafton is proud to join the movement. Student and Regional Director of March For Our Lives, Linnea Stanton will be our guest presenter along with local students. We hope you will join us in our New Home at Water Street Brewery.

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 Nov 13, 2019

DNC Convention Luncheon Event, 11:45am - 1:30pm
Newsroom Pub, 137 E. Wells St., Milwaukee
Liz Gilbert, president of the Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention, will be the featured speaker at a Newsmaker Luncheon, hosted jointly by the Milwaukee Press Club and WisPolitics.com. She will take questions from a panel of journalists and from the audience at the luncheon. Milwaukee Press Club members $20 Nonmembers $25 Students $15. Registration.

Warren Happy Hour Event, 5:30pm - 7pm
The Garage, 1709 N. Arlington Pl., Milwaukee
A happy hour supporting Elizabeth Warren for President, gathering to talk about Elizabeth’s vision for real, structural change in this country and how to get involved. All are welcome. RSVP.

Grass Roots South Shore, 6pm - 8pm
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr., Cudahy
Grass Roots South Shore meets on the second Wednesday of each month. For more information call James Balk, 414-218-5944.

Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 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 Nov 14, 2019

Liberate Milwaukee Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
America's Black Holocaust Museum, 401 W North Ave, Milwaukee
Please RSVP and join the African American Roundtable and others for a time of celebration, reflection, and forward-thinking as we create an opportunity for our community to financially support coalition-building/organizing, police transformation, and violence prevention work.

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.

Fri Nov 15, 2019

Stand for Livable Climate, 12pm - 1:30pm
Wisconsin Avenue & Water Street, Milwaukee
Stand for a livable climate near the Chase and Wells Fargo Banks, the world's largest funders of fossil fuel industries. Hosted by 350 Milwaukee. More information.

Jill Karofsky Campaign Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
home of Megan Holbrook and Eric Vogel, 2405 E Wyoming Pl, Milwaukee
Fundraiser for Jill Karofsky, candidate in the primary for Wisconsin Supreme Court justice, hosted by Megan Holbrook. Sponsorship levels at: $1000, $500, $250, and $100. A suggested donation for attending is $50.

Sat Nov 16, 2019

Buttigieg Organizing Meeting, 10am - 11am
Shorewood Village Center, 3930 N. Murray Ave., Shorewood
Volunteering and organizing workshop for supporters of Pete Buttigieg for President to learn about organizing tactics, discuss taking initiative, and meet fellow supporters. RSVP.

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
Martin Luther King Drive & Locust Street, Milwaukee
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

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 guests are Karen Kirsch and Rafael Smith from Citizen Action Of Wisconsin, who will discuss the fight for health care for all. Advance tickets ($8).

Sun Nov 17, 2019

UnAmerican Struggle Film, 7pm - 7pm
Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Hampshire St., Milwaukee
UnAmerican Struggle is a documentary looking over the broader context of the recent outburst of discrimination across the country. Presented by Solar Wind Media Group. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. This month's special charity is Lutheran Social Services of Milwaukee: Refugee & Resettlement program. Join us.

Mon Nov 18, 2019

Milwaukee Dems Meeting, 6pm - 6pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee
Election of party officers will will take place during this meeting. You must arrive by 6:15 to register to vote. For complete election rules see our website. 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 Nov 19, 2019

2020 Election Preview, 11:30am - 1pm
Spectrum, 1320 N. Martin Luther King Dr, Milwaukee
Join WisPolitics.com when former state legislative leaders, Democrat Chuck Chvala and Republican Scott Jensen, will detail what’s at stake for Republicans and Democrats in 2020. Cost: $19 (lunch and soft drinks included). Registration (required) and more information.

David Crowley Kickoff Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7pm
Company Brewing, 735 E. Center St., Milwaukee
Join State Representative David Crowley at the kickoff of his campaign to be the next Milwaukee County Executive. Host: $1000, Co-Host: $500, Sponsor: $250, Friend: $100, Suggested Contribution: $25. RSVP and more information.

Asylum Seekers at Our Southern Border, 7pm - 8:30pm
United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay, 819 E Silver Spring Dr, Whitefish Bay
Look beyond the headlines at a panel discussion about "Asylum Seekers at Our Southern Border,” presented by a committee of United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay. The three-person panel includes Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Voces de la Frontera; Joe Rivas, an attorney, and Professor of Immigration at Marquette University; and Dan Dick, Assistant to the Bishop. Topics include “Giving a face to the asylum seekers – Who are they? Who qualifies for asylum and what are the steps in applying for asylum? What is going on in Wisconsin and throughout the US in faith-based communities to support asylum seekers? Audience questions are part of the evening’s schedule.

Wed Nov 20, 2019

Wisconsin Justice Initiative Salon Luncheon with Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly, 9am - 5pm
Riverfront Pizzeria, 508 E. Erie St., Milwaukee
Did you know there's a primary election on February 18 for Wisconsin Supreme Court? At WJI's November luncheon, incumbent Justice Kelly will talk about his qualifications and his history on the court and take questions from the audience. Kelly is one of three announced candidates. The others are Marquette University Law School Professor Ed Fallone and Dane County Circuit Judge Jill Karofsky (each spoke at recent WJI luncheons). Buffet lunch includes an entree, salad, pizza, and garlic bread. Register.

Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 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
Camp Bar, 6600 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION. 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. More information.

Debate Watch Parties, 7:30pm - 10pm
Multiple locations
Mequon: Ferrante's Restaurant, 10404 N Port Washington Rd. Sponsored by Grassroots North Shore. RSVP.
Shorewood: Camp Bar, 4044 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood. Co-sponsored by Grassroots North Shore and the Warren Campaign. RSVP.
Whitefish Bay: Eric Taylor's home, 6330 N Lake Dr, Whitefish Bay. Sponsored by Grassroots North Shore. RSVP.
Milwaukee: Milwaukee for Warren, Puddler's Hall, 2461 S. St. Clair St., Milwaukee.
Milwaukee: Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee. Sponsored by the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County.

Dem Primary Debate, 8pm - 10pm
On TV and online
The fifth debate will be broadcast on MSNBC and streamed live on MSNBC.com and WashingtonPost.com.

Thu Nov 21, 2019

Fair Elections Postcard Party, 12pm - 3:00pm
Grassroots North Shore office, 5600 W Brown Deer Rd, Brown Deer
This event is focused on Ozaukee County. So if you live there, consider lending us an hour or two of your time. The Fair Elections Project is providing postcards and Grassroots North Shore is providing stamps for a mailing to go out between Thanksgiving and Dec. 4, 2019. This is a fun and easy way to volunteer and contribute to a vastly better Wisconsin. RSVP to Kath Michel at (262) 424-3560 and leave a message. Or visit the Grassroots North Shore Actions page for more information.

Fri Nov 22, 2019

Stand for Livable Climate, 12pm - 1:30pm
Wisconsin Avenue & Water Street, Milwaukee
Stand for a livable climate near the Chase and Wells Fargo Banks, the world's largest funders of fossil fuel industries. Hosted by 350 Milwaukee. More information.

Sat Nov 23, 2019

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.

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