It's hard to know where to focus right now. This new year promises so much — and awakens so much anxiety: will 2020 add to the progressive success of 2018, or will it revert to the horror show that was the 2016 election and its aftermath? We simply don't know. Impeachment, Iran and the Middle East chaos IMPOTUS has unleashed, an exciting but also worrisome presidential nominating contest among Democrats (not to mention climate crises, income and wealth inequality, racism and anti-semitic violence, and a myriad of other vital concerns) — these are only some of the most prominent imponderables: what a former defense secretary would call the known unknowns. And of course there are also the unknown unknowns to worry about.

So there's plenty to keep us all tossing and turning at night. What's the cure for all this angst? Working to make our world a better place! And Grassroots North Shore is doing its part to set up opportunities for you. To begin, we have a Debate Watch Party for the January 14 Democratic debate at Martha Pincus's house. Get yourself up to speed on what our top five candidates are saying, and share your thoughts with fellow North Shore progressives. (For more information and to sign up, see our website.) Wisconsin's turn to weigh in (on April 7) will be here before you know it!

Plus, February will bring THREE more debates: on February 7, February 19, and February 25. We'll have specific information about Debate Watch Parties for each of them in future newsletters.

Our next election, on February 18, is a primary for nonpartisan offices, like mayors, county executives, and other local officials. Because the weather in this area tends to be frightful this time of year, we're asking people to write postcards to prospective voters instead of canvassing in the cold. So one thing you could do is give us an hour or two of your time to help out. We'll supply everything you need — cards, names and addresses, stamps, and sample scripts. And we have a number of days and times in January set up for Postcard Parties. We'll be adding more in February. So sign up:

• Monday, Jan 13, from 1-3 pm at our office (5600 W Brown Deer Rd, Suite 116)
  
  
• Wednesday, Jan 15, from 1-3 pm at our office (5600 W Brown Deer Rd, Suite 116)
  
  
• Tuesday, Jan 21, from 9:30-11 am at our office (5600 W Brown Deer Rd, Suite 116)
  
  
• Thursday, Jan 23, from 5-7 pm at our office (5600 W Brown Deer Rd, Suite 116)
  
  
• Monday, Jan 27, from 5-7 pm at our office (5600 W Brown Deer Rd, Suite 116)
  
  
• Wednesday, Jan 29, from 1-3 pm at our office (5600 W Brown Deer Rd, Suite 116)

And as is our wont, Grassroots North Shore is holding its Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 26, at the North Shore Presbyterian Church (4044 N. Bartlett Ave., Shorewood). This year the meeting is doubly important: GRNS members will elect their leadership for the coming year AND we will hear from the two progressive candidates, Ed Fallone and Jill Karofsky, vying for a spot on the ballot for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. We've asked the candidates to respond to a questionnaire and have put their answers online. You'll find Fallone's and Karofsky's responses useful as you decide how you're going to vote in the February 18 primary. But you should also hear them in person at our annual gathering. As usual, volunteers at Grassroots North Shore will supply lots of yummy food. So RSVP to let them know you're coming.

Finally, if you live in Milwaukee County, you will probably be aware that there is an electoral contest for Milwaukee County Executive on the February 18 ballot. Grassroots North Shore will not be holding its own forum with all the candidates this winter. Instead, we are urging you to attend one of the many others in the area. In the events listing below, you will find two. One, put on by the League of Progressive Seniors, is on Friday, January 10, at the Mitchell Street Public Library (906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Milwaukee) from 11:30 am - 1 pm. Please let Jackie Boynton know if you plan to attend. The second, staged by our sister organization Grassroots South Shore, is on Wednesday, January 15, from 6-8:30 pm at Hawthorne Coffee Roasters (4177 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee).

What with the Democratic National Convention here in July and a consequential election in November 2020 is shaping up to be a wild and a wildly busy year. So Happy New Year! Make fomenting change one of your New Year's Resolutions — and let's get to work!

EVENTS

Wed Jan 8, 2020

Grass Roots South Shore, 6pm - 8pm
Cancelled
Grass Roots South Shore will not meet as usual on the second Wednesday of the month. Instead they will co-host a forum for Milwaukee County Executive Candidates on January 15. Come out and see what they have to say! 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 Jan 9, 2020

Drinking Liberally West Allis, 6:30 pm - 9 pm 
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 Jan 10, 2020

County Executive Forum, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Mitchell Street Public Library, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Milwaukee
The League of Progressive Seniors will present a lunch forum featuring candidates for Milwaukee County Executive. State Rep. David Crowley, Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy, State Sen. Chris Larson, County Board Chair Theo Lipscomb, consultant Purnima Nath, and Child Support Services head Jim Sullivan will be present. Program begins at noon. RSVP. More information.

Stand for Livable Climate, 12pm - 1pm
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. More information.

Sat Jan 11, 2020

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Cesar Chavez (16th) Street and Greenfield Avenue, Milwaukee
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Building Unity/Potluck, 2pm - 4pm
Milwaukee Friends Meeting, 3224 N. Gordon Pl., Milwaukee
Join Building Unity Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Chapter of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom for a Milwaukee Building Unity gathering to discuss plans for building a united movement for peace, justice, sustainability, and real democracy in 2020. People from Madison will also attend. More information.

Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, 8 pm - 10 pm 
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 City Comptroller candidate Alex Brower. Advance tickets ($8).

Tue Jan 14, 2020

Demonstration at Trump Rally, 5pm - 8pm
UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, 400 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee
Demonstration outside Donald Trump's rally: a chance to voice our displeasure with his performance as president. More information will be forthcoming and times may change. RSVP.

Blue Wave Shorewood Organizing Event, 6pm - 8pm
The Oaks of Shorewood Family Room 3900 Estabrook Parkway, Shorewood. Please ring 708 to gain access.
We will be planning for the February 8th Day of Action. For more information, contact Paul Geenen.

Drinking Liberally Grafton/Mequon, 6:30pm - 8pm
Water Street Brewery, 1251 Gateway Dr. Grafton
Impeachment: The Current State of Play and a Group Discussion: What are the current political battles and what guidance does the law give us? We are honored to welcome back James L. Santelle, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (U.S. Department of Justice). Last July Mr. Santelle's drill-down into the Mueller Report was one of the year's highlights. This time he will again present the legal issues and moderate our group's discussion. We will also offer An Opportunity to Take Action: Fair Maps. Every month I end this announcement with our Mission Statement: "A destination to meet friends, stay up-to-date on local progressive politics and get inspired to action." Having your vote count is neither liberal nor conservative, it's American. We are asking the Ozaukee County Board to place a non-binding advisory referendum question on the April 2020 ballot in favor of fair, nonpartisan electoral maps. Your attendance at the Ozaukee County Board Meeting, the morning after our meeting, will make an impact.

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
First Unitarian Society, 1342 N. Astor St., Milwaukee
Note change of location for the January meeting. 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. Guest speaker Dr. George Stone will talk about The State of Planet Earth, 2020. More information.

Democratic Debate, 7pm - 7pm
Location: all CNN outlets
The seventh debate of Democratic presidential candidates will be carried on CNN outlets.

GRNS Debate Watch Party, 7pm - 10pm
Martha Pincus's House, 7045 N Belmont Ln, Fox Point
We're gathering together to watch the 7th Democratic Presidential Debate at the home of Martha Pincus. Join with others to watch and have a good progressive time! RSVP.

DPMC Debate Watch Party, 7pm - 10pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Join other MKE Dems to watch the debate and cheer for your favored candidate.

Wed Jan 15, 2020

Branch 5 Judicial Forum, 12pm - 1:15pm
Riverfront Pizzeria, 509 E. Erie St., Milwaukee
The Wisconsin Justice Initiative will host an informal "salon" luncheon. Milwaukee County Branch 5 judicial candidates Brett Blomme, Paul Dedinsky, and Zach Whitney will be the speakers. Dedinsky, the incumbent, was appointed to the seat in December 2018 by former Gov. Scott Walker; Blomme is the president and CEO of the Cream City Foundation; and Whitney is a shareholder at Kohner, Mann & Kailas. The cost of the salon is $14, which covers the buffet lunch of an entre, pizza, and salad. There will be vegetarian options. RSVP.

County Executive Candidate Forum, 6pm - 8:30pm
Hawthorne Coffee Roasters, 4177 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee
You are invited to a forum with candidates for Milwaukee County Executive, including State Senator Chris Larson, Milwaukee County Board Chair Theo Lipscomb, State Rep. David Crowley, and Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy. Hear from each of the candidates and meet them personally as well. The primary election is on February 18. Hosted by Grass Roots South Shore, Citizen Action SE WI Organizing Coop, Milwaukee County Democratic Party, and and the Southwest Democratic Party. More info.

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. For more information contact [email protected].

Thu Jan 16, 2020

Jim Sullivan Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
The Ruby Tap, 1341 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa
Kick-off event of Jim Sullivan's campaign for Milwaukee County Executive. Donate online. Contact the campaign.

Milwaukee's Green New Deal, 6pm - 8pm
Wauwatosa Public Library, 7635 W North Ave, Wauwatosa
Citizen Action presents a forum on clean energy and energy efficiency for Milwaukee's buildings and houses: How will it impact our future? Panelists: Erick Shambarger, Environmental Sustainability Director, Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO) City of Milwaukee; Kathleen Ellis, Energy Manager, Milwaukee Area Technical College; and Julie Kerksick, Senior Policy Advocate, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute.

Fri Jan 17, 2020

Stand for Livable Climate, 12pm - 1pm
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. More information.

Sat Jan 18, 2020

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
Hawley Road and Bluemound Road, 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).

Mon Jan 20, 2020

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.