Important things to do this week: Watch the first presidential debate, perhaps, but for sure sign up for our Sweet Sixteen afternoon party and FUNdraiserat 4:30 on Sunday, Oct. 4, with our guest and good friend John Nichols. He's bound to lift our spirits and get us well and truly pumped up ahead of the election. In the spirit of the Wisconsin we used to know, John is a true progressive through and through. He believes in the power of collective action, both in marching for justice and in voting for change. The event itself is open to the public. But we encourage you to support Grassroots North Shore with whatever donation you can afford.

In this year of multiple elections, and of Covid-19, we have still been hard at work, teaming up with Souls to the Polls to recruit Election Inspectors (aka poll workers), with Civitech and Indivisible groups in northern Illinois to register voters, and with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin to make direct voter contact. We have now sent voter information postcards and follow-up phone calls to more than 10,000 voters in Ozaukee County, the North Shore, and the city. We've helped sponsor a candidate forum with the Ozaukee Dems and held another candidate forum for four candidates running for Assembly and state Senate. And now we're experimenting with innovative pantomime canvassing — with poster boards — to maintain appropriate social distancing while refusing to give up door-knocking altogether. Volunteers have stepped up to make all these activities possible. But without funds, the vibrant and creative talents our supporters provide can't continue. And that's why we need your financial support as well.

Partnering with others is one way we multiply the energy and talent in the Grassroots North Shore Community. So let Jim Brown with Supermarket Legends know if you want to help Milwaukee optimize its early voting period (from October 20 through November 1). The plan is to do signage and visibility near early voting sites (there are 18 of them) without any direct contact with people. Near some of the sites where signs might be most effective, cars with EARLY VOTE HERE NOW signs will be placed on top of cars and trucks. Volunteers who are comfortable with it can stand nearby and wave bright orange signs with arrows pointing to the voting locations without risking anyone's health. Supermarket Legends will supply the signs and everything else you need.

Grassroots North Shore is still looking for people to make follow-up phone calls to voters who received postcards from us, both on the North Shore and in the city. Our purpose is to encourage early voting, both by vote-at-home balloting (aka vote-by-mail) and by early in-person voting. Our phone calls provide important information about the processes people can use and also give voters the phone number of the Voter Protection Team in case they run into snags. You can sign up to help us complete the calls to North Shore voters and to younger voters in Milwaukee. Like Supermarket Legends, we know that early voting effectively reduces lines and chaos on Election day. And people can register or correct problems with their registration during the early in-person voting period. The sealed ballot envelope can be witnessed and turned in as the voter completes the process.

YARD SIGNS! We have them and they're yours just for the asking! Go to our Yard Signs website page and sign up for all that apply: Biden/Harris, of course, but also Neal Plotkin (8th state Senate District), Deb Andraca (23rd Assembly District), and Emily Siegrist (24th Assembly District). Yard signs help with name recognition for the candidates and let your neighbors and passersby know that you are proud of and enthusiastically support our candidates. After you sign up, you'll receive an email with some instructions and/or contact from those organizing the distribution of signs.

Finally, I'm sure you've already heard about the New York Times bombshell reporting on DJT's 20 years of tax returns. The lead story was published Sunday evening. Today there's a second story showing the fortune and the fortunes DJT made out of The Apprentice, what he squandered the money on, but how he catapulted himself into the White House on the strength of the phony business acumen that was the central fiction of the TV show. Will this be the exposé that brings "The Donald" down? Who knows. But it appears that rushing to name a new Supreme Court justice is not helping him win over any voters. It turns out that a majority of Americans think winner of presidential election should select Supreme Court nominee, according to a Washington Post-ABC News Poll.

EVENTS

Tue Sep 29, 2020

Newsmaker: Howard Fuller, 12pm - 1pm
Online
Dr. Howard Fuller, a nationally acclaimed advocate for school choice and former Milwaukee Public Schools superintendent, will be the featured guest at a virtual Newsmaker event presented by the Milwaukee Press Club and Wispolitics.com. More information and RSVP.

Neal Plotkin Fundraiser, 6pm - 7pm
Zoom
Please join Neal Plotkin for a virtual fundraiser with Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes to support Neal's campaign for Wisconsin's 8th Senate District! Mandela has endorsed him and is hosting this event. Host $1000 Sponsor $500 Friend $250 Supporter $100 Attendee $50 RSVP.

Presidential Debate, 8pm
Television and Online
Watch the debate in the comfort of your own home! But if you are an Ozaukee County Democrat, you can watch with your compatriots and play their special "Debate Watch Bingo." Thinking you want to cheer on Joe Biden during the upcoming Sept. 29 debate, but wondering how you can stomach listening to Trump? Try joining your fellow Ozaukee Democrats on Facebook while playing Debate Watch BINGO! It will be a fun way to be an informed voter AND connect with fellow Dems. Cozy up in your OZ Dems T-shirt, BYOB and enjoy this FREE event! We hope to "see" you this Tuesday. See the DPOC private Facebook group for more details and links.

ACLU: Smart Justice, 6:30pm - 8pm
Zoom
Wisconsin is seriously overloaded with prisoners, people on supervision, and prisoners awaiting trial. This is an untenable situation, which even early supporters of truth in sentencing laws have started to acknowledge. The ACLU’s Campaign for Smart Justice is committed to transforming Wisconsin's criminal legal system and building a new vision of safety and justice. The Campaign is dedicated to cutting the nation’s incarcerated population in half and combating racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Learn more and how you can help ACLU take action. More information and Registration.

Hidden History of Segregation, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Online
Diversity advocate Reggie Jackson will speak on "The Hidden History of Segregation and How Suburban Families Can Fuel the Future." This talk uncovers the little known political, economic, and social forces that created and maintain residential segregation locally and nationally. Explore the history of our community while learning strategies for families seeking to help kids "become what's next" in a diverse society. More information and registration./

Wed Sep 30, 2020

ACLU: Early Voting Q&A, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Zoom
Join the ACLU of Wisconsin in another "Vote With Us" Facebook Live Q&A. to share options available for early voting and answer your questions about what it means to vote with the criminal legal system in mind. Register in advance, or join the conversation on Facebook Live.

Suspended: Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Bounce Milwaukee is closed, including delivery and carryout, until the COVID-19 spread in our area is under control. More information.

Palzewicz / Pocan Town Hall, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Online
Join Tom Palzewicz, candidate for Wisconsin’s 5th Congressional District, and Mark Pocan, U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 2nd Congressional District, for a discussion about the next two years of our country. Tune in to learn about how the congressmen intend to grapple with important issues in Washington D.C. after the election. Sign up.

Fair Maps Forum, 7pm - 8pm
Online
Please join the Wisconsin League of Women Voters for a statewide forum: "A Bipartisan Case to End Gerrymandering: Every Vote Must Count." The forum will include an interactive conversation between former senators Tim Cullen (D-Janesville) and Dale Schultz (R- Richland Center) and will be moderated by LWV Dane County member and former Wisconsin Public Radio journalist Joy Cardin. The panelists will respond to questions from the virtual audience. Link.

Thu Oct 1, 2020

Postponed: DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 4:30pm - 4:30pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee
The Democratic Party's Issues Committee holds its meeting on the first Thursday of each month. All Democrats are welcome to participate.

Thursday Phone Banks for Neal Plotkin!, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Your Home
Join us for a virtual phone bank to help elect Neal Plotkin win this November! Every call made is critical in making sure we flip the 8th Senate District Blue!

Palzewicz on Older Americans, 6pm - 6:30pm
Online
Tom Palzewicz, candidate for Wisconsin’s 5th Congressional District, will speak on older Americans and retirement. Tune in to find out howyour next congressman will solve these issues in Washington D.C. Signup.

Fri Oct 2, 2020

Voces de la Frontera, All day
Madison, WI
Rally to demand legislators take action on police reform and accountability measures. Tentative speakers include Christine Neumann Ortiz, Liz Brown (justice Wisconsin), Attorney Ben Crump and B’Ivoryy Lamarr, Acevedo Family, Blake Family, Rev. Sharpton, and two state reps from each party.

Top Election Issues Webinar, 12pm - 1pm
Online
Join WisPolitics.com for a virtual lunchtime discussion on top election issues with experts from UW-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs. The event will begin with a moderated discussion with the panel and then shift to questions from the audience. On the morning of Oct. 2, you will be sent a link to view the event. More information and Registration.

"I Vote Because" Virtual Rally, 6pm - 7pm
Zoom
Join the Dems in Downtown Milwaukee for an “I vote because” get out the vote event. This event will focus on providing information about turning out the vote and absentee ballots as well as answering questions about the upcoming election. There will be a special guest speaker. You will be sent a zoom link and further info once you have signed up! RSVP.

Sat Oct 3, 2020

Democracy on Fire-with Center for Popular Democracy, 9am - 5pm
Virtual
THE SKILLS ARE ALIVE VIRTUAL EDUCATIONAL SKILL BUILDING. Democracy on Fire-with Center for Popular Democracy; Bird;Dogging-with Center for Popular Democracy; Open Records-with Sheila Plotkin; Signage-with Nate Timm; Live Streaming-with Dan Folkman; Movement Through Music with Tom Castle. NO CHARGE. MORE INFO & PRE-REGISTER. A PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS PRESENTATION CO-SPONSORED BY Building Unity Wisconsin Grassroots Network.

Emily Siegrist/Francesca Hong Lit Drop, 10am - 12pm
Latitude Cafe, W156N9636 Pilgrim Rd., Germantown
Volunteer for a lit drop in Germantown to support Assembly candidates Emily Siegrist (District 24) and Francesca Hong (District 76), starting from the Latitude Cafe. RSVP.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Hawley Road & Bluemound Road, Milwaukee
Stand for Peace is resuming their presence with careful precautions (more information). Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Sun Oct 4, 2020

Emily Siegrist/Palzewicz Lit Drop, 12pm - 2pm
Latitude Cafe, W156N9636 Pilgrim Rd., Germantown
Volunteer for a lit drop in Germantown to support Assembly candidate Emily Siegrist (District 24) and candidate for Congress Tom Palzewicz (District 5), starting from the Latitude Cafe. RSVP.

Palzewicz Candidate Forum, 3pm - 4pm
YouTube
Join Tom Palzewicz, candidate for the 5th Congressional District, for a virtual town hall with other Wisconsin Democratic candidates. They will discuss COVID-19 & Healthcare, Economy, Systemic Racism, Climate Crisis and Gun Safety. Link.

GRNS Virtual Fundraiser/John Nichols, 4:15pm - 6:15pm
Online
Grassroots North Shore celebrates its 16th anniversary with a fundraiser featuring John Nichols, along with several other special guests. Please consider your support for Grassroots North Shore as your investment in a progressive future. More information and registration.

Mon Oct 5, 2020

Virtual Drinking Liberally Waukesha, 6:30pm - 6:30pm
TBA
Drinking Liberally Waukesha may be held virtually with Zoom. Check for updates.

Tue Oct 6, 2020

Tuesday Phone Banks for Neal Plotkin!, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Your Home
Join us for a virtual phone bank to help elect Neal Plotkin win this November! Every call made is critical in making sure we flip the 8th Senate District Blue! Sign up.

Wed Oct 7, 2020

Suspended: Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Bounce Milwaukee is closed, including delivery and carryout, until the COVID-19 spread in our area is under control. More information.

Info: Laughing Liberally MKE, 8:30pm - 9:30pm
Online On the first and third Wednesday of every month, host Matthew Filipowicz and a different Laughing Liberally MKE comedian will discuss and joke about a news story, and talk a bit about the craft of comedy. The podcasts will be available on the website. More information.

Thu Oct 8, 2020

Thursday Phone Banks for Neal Plotkin!, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Your Home
Join us for a virtual phone bank to help elect Neal Plotkin win this November! Every call made is critical in making sure we flip the 8th Senate District Blue! Sign up.

Info: Drinking Liberally West Allis, 6:30pm - 9pm
TBA
For information on whether the event will take place, check here.

Sat Oct 10, 2020

UN Assn of MKE, 10am - 12pm
Suspended
This meeting is suspended for the time being. More information.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
TBA
Stand for Peace is resuming their presence with careful precautions (more information). Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Mon Oct 12, 2020

Grass Roots South Shore Meeting, 6pm - 8pm
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr., Cudahy
Grass Roots South Shore holds its monthly meeting on the second Monday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.