For many people, August means summer vacation. And I'm no exception. But events don't stop — or even slow down — while we're away or just tuning out. Some of us have to stay "woke" and active. So, here's what's happening that needs the attention of everyone who is NOT on vacation.

Those of you visiting Wisconsin's beautiful state parks or other recreational areas, and those of us who just want to make sure they are still wonderful for future generations, need to turn some attention to what is happening to our state's waterways and wells. To make that easy for you, Grassroots North Shore is hosting a presentation by Matt Dannenberg (Field Director) and George Olufosoye (Southeast Organizer) of the WI League of Conservation Voters, on Sunday, August 13, from 4-5:30 at the North Shore Presbyterian Church (4048 N Bartlett Ave, Shorewood). And because awareness is good but action is better, we're following up with a series of phone banks to reach voters all across the state.

The days for phone banks have been set (subject to sufficient interest) and you can sign up for one or more dates when you RSVP for the program.

Phone banks begin at 5pm and end at 7:30pm. 

August: 15, 16, 17 (Tuesday through Thursday); 
August 22, 23, 24 (Tuesday through Thursday); 
August 29-30 (Tues, Wed); 
September: 5, 7 (Tuesday and Thursday); 
September 12, 13, 14 (Tuesday through Thursday); 
September 18, 19 (Monday and Tuesday); 
September 25, 26, 27, 28 (Mon through Thurs).

Additional dates will be scheduled in October.

On other environmental fronts, there's the Foxconn (or perhaps the Foxconn con?) deal. With the legislature in special session to grant all kinds of concessions for this deal, we need to become informed and where useful we need to call legislators to let them know that the citizens of Wisconsin will not allow the company to degrade the environment. Here's what's happening:

Environmental organizations are raising objections over a legislative package exempting Foxconn Technology Group from regulations if the company agrees to build a $10 billion electronics plant in Wisconsin.... The measures proposed by the Walker administration exempt the company from state wetlands regulations and an extensive environmental analysis that some other large projects are subject to. [JSOnline, August 1, 2017]

And aside from the environmental concerns, there's the cost to taxpayers to consider. David Haynes's editorial in the Journal Sentinel lays out many of the concerns while acknowledging the potential rewards. Here's a bit of his piece. But you really should read the whole thing.

Foxconn’s investments could be catalytic, launching a brand new industry in southeastern Wisconsin — indeed, an industry that doesn’t exist anywhere in the United States at the moment. Despite the huge tax breaks involved and whatever additional local tax abatements might be needed for infrastructure improvements, the investment might pay off if Foxconn does what it says it will do.

• Will Foxconn do what it says it will do? The company has a track record of broken promises. In 2013, Foxconn promised to open a new high-tech factory in Harrisburg, Pa., employing 500 people. It never happened....
• Will the state meticulously track Foxconn’s activity? Will it demand ironclad claw-back provisions to protect taxpayers? Will it retain outside help to ensure that those provisions are ironclad? The state has no experience with an incentive package of this size and may need outside help to write careful terms for the final agreement. Legislation would be required to enact the incentives.
• Are Foxconn’s job promises real? Foxconn has heavily automated its factories elsewhere, replacing 60,000 workers with robots in the last year alone. It even produces its own industrial robots — known as “Foxbots.” With factory automation improving the bottom line for companies, the long-term viability of these jobs is a legitimate concern for taxpayers footing the bill.

[JSOnline, July 28, 2017]

I know you know what to do: call | write | email. You can find the contact information for your legislators here: Wisconsin State Legislature. But you really should put your representatives on speed dial. It's that kind of year.

EVENTS

Wed Aug 2, 2017

Democracy Convention / Minneapolis, All day Wed Aug 2 - Sun Aug 6 
University of Minnesota, 269 19th Ave. S, Minneapolis 
The Democracy Convention brings together policymakers, community leaders,movement intellectuals, and researchers working to strengthen democracy where it matters most: in the institutions and the daily life that constitute U.S. society. The DemocracyConvention recognizes the importance of each separate democracy struggle, as well as the need to unite them all in a common movement for democracy in the United States. More than a single event, therefore, the Democracy Convention houses nine conferences under one roof. This year, these will include the Community & Economic Democracy, Democratizing the Constitution, Earth Democracy, Education for Democracy, Global Democracy, Media Democracy, Peace & Democracy, Race & Democracy, and Representative Democracy conferences. To register or to find 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 CANCELLED 
Grass Roots South Shore will not meet this month. Meetings will resume in September. Grass Roots South Shore meets on the first Wednesday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.

Fair Maps Town Hall, 6:30pm - 6:30pm 
Waukesha Public Library, 321 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha 
Paul Geenen, OFA_WI State lead, and Khary Penebaker will describe howmanipulative politicians draw maps behind closed doors for their own partisan gains, discuss the need for fair and impartial maps, and tell how to fight partisan gerrymandering and promote independent redistricting. RSVP

Thu Aug 3, 2017

Resilience for Activists, 6pm - 7pm 
CORE/El Centro, 130 W. Bruce St., 2nd Floor, Milwaukee 
This event has reached maximum capacity. The same class offered on August 5may have openings. Come learn how to sustain your energy andfaith while having realistic expectations of yourself and abilities. Learn the strategies to pace yourself so you can maintain momentum. Explore where emotions come from, how long they last, and how we can control them better. Facilitator Julie Henszey is a member of the Citizen Action Healthcare for All Co-Op and a local expert in goal achievement, resilience, and influence. All are welcome, but RSVP priority will be given to Healthcare for All Co-op members. RSVP. Contact: Katie Dunn, 262-227-4212.

Sparkle Ashley Event, 6pm - 8pm 
KISS Ultra Lounge, 7330 N. 76th St., Milwaukee 
Meet Sparkle Ashley, candidate for Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors!Sparkle is a long-time resident of Milwaukee's northwest side, social worker, and Emerge graduate. She is committed to bringing change that we can see to the County Board. The event is not designed as a fundraiser, but any contributions will be accepted and appreciated. To make a donation.

DPMC Issues Committe CANCELLED, 
The Democratic Party's Issues Committee will not hold its meeting this month. The meetings will resume in September.

Fri Aug 4, 2017

Resilience for Activists, 1pm - 2pm 
CORE/El Centro, 130 W. Bruce St., 2nd Floor, Milwaukee 
Come learn how to sustain your energy and faith while having realisticexpectations of yourself and abilities. Learn the strategies to pace yourself so you can maintain momentum. Explore where emotions come from, how long they last, and how we can control them better. Facilitator Julie Henszey is a member of the Citizen Action Healthcarefor All Co-Op and a local expert in goal achievement, resilience, and influence. All are welcome, but RSVP priority will be given to Healthcare for All Co-op members. RSVP. Contact: Katie Dunn, 262-227-4212.

Mon Aug 7, 2017

Drinking Liberally Waukesha, 6:30pm - 9pm 
Clarke Irish Pub, 314 W. Main St., Waukesha 
The guest speaker will be Peggy Rozga, a leader in the Fair Housing movement of1967 and widow of famed civil right leader Father Groppi. She is also an author, poet,playwright, and professor emerita of English at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha. (Interview with Peggy Rozga.) More information. Note: The September meeting will be on September 11 because of the Labor Day holiday.

Tue Aug 8, 2017

Chasing Coral, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 
Eastside Library, 2320 N. Cramer St, Milwaukee 
Learn about the coral reefs around the world that are vanishing as anunprecedented rate. This film is the result of 650+ hours underwater from a team of divers, photographers and scientists, plus submission of footage from volunteers from 30 countries, and support from more than 500 people from various locations around the world. This documentary will make us all aware of the beauty and devastation of a critical eco-system.

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 is the global organization building a grassroots movement in188countries to address global warming and solve the climate crisis.350 Milwaukee meets every month on the second Tuesday. More information.

Wed Aug 9, 2017

Wis Public Education Summer Summit, 8am - 5pm 
Lake Mills High School. 615 Catlin Dr., Lake Mills 
A full day of workshops and strategy breakouts led by Wisconsin public educationadvocates and experts. The third annual Summer Summit begins with a special welcome from Dr. Tony Evers, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and closes with the Wisconsin premiere of the brand-new documentary "Backpack Full of Cash," featuring special guests Sarah Mondale, director and producer, and Vera Aronow, producer of the film. An optional dinner follows for those who wish to continue the conversation and connect with other supporters of public schools. Full details and tickets. Space is limited.

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.

Southwest Dems Canceled Meeting, 6pm - 6pm 
Greendale Public Library, 5647 Broad St., Greendale 
Region 5 Democrats will not hold their monthly meeting in August. Meetings will resume in September. Region 5 covers Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee (Southwest), West Allis, West Milwaukee. For more information email.

Thu Aug 10, 2017

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.

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 thenewspaper, 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 grassrootswauksha.org.

Sat Aug 12, 2017

Ready to Run Training, 9am - 9am 
Location TBA, Waukesha 
Wisconsin Progress will present a Getting Ready to Run training for activists,volunteers, and engaged community members to take the next step into being candidates and elected officials. The location and time will be announced. More information.

Sun Aug 13, 2017

Save Wells and Waterways, 4pm - 5:30pm 
North Shore Presbyterian Church, 4048 N. Bartlett St., Shorewood 
As Wisconsin’s wells and waterways are put under pressure from the relaxation ofstate water protection standards, citizens must work together or face irreparable harm. The first step is knowledge; the next step is action. League of Conservation Voters representatives will speak about the physical and legislative status of wells and waterways, and their protection (or lack of) in Wisconsin. Featured speakers: Matt Dannenberg, Field Director, and George Olufosoye, Southeast Organizer. RSVP.