This week's newsletter is a couple of days later than usual. Life does sometimes get in the way. But there are of course a wide variety of worthy events happening in the next couple weeks, so I hope you'll scan the list and find a few to engage with.

For your weekly schadenfreude, you might want to read about a speech on liberty and democracy former President George W. Bush gave today as a part of the Bush Institute’s Human Freedom Initiative. (I almost miss him. Don't you?) Without mentioning his name, Bush barreled into sPOTUS for his bigotry, for his blatant lies and participation in conspiracy theories, and his undermining of trust in vital American institutions like the free press and our independent judiciary. You can read about it at The Hill. Enjoy.

Thu Oct 19

"I Am Not Your Negro" Film, 5pm - 6:40pm 
UWM Union Cinema, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee 
In 1979, James Baldwin wrote a letter to his literary agent describing his next project, Remember This House. The book was to be a revolutionary, personal account of the lives and successive assassinations of three of his close friends - Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. At the time of Baldwin’s death in 1987, he left behind only thirty completed pages of his manuscript. Now, in his incendiary new documentary, master filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished. Free event. More information. Second showing at 7:00pm. Trailer. Co-sponsored by The Milwaukee LGBT Film/Video Festival, UWM Sociocultural Programming, and The Festival of Films in French.

Green Drinks Milwaukee, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 
Good drinks, good conversation and a chance to network with other environmentally minded people. More information.

Our Revolution Meeting, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 
African American Women's Center, 3020 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee 
Join Our Revolution for its October meeting, with guest speaker Reggie Jackson, Head Griot (docent) of America's Black Holocaust Museum, dynamic speaker, and authority on Milwaukee's segregation, race relations, and the history of racism. 5:30: Doors open, with snacks, refreshments, and networking. 6:00: Presentation by guest speaker, followed by a Q&A. Update on OWR's effort at the State level and organizing and collaboration in Milwaukee. Announcements and more networking. RSVP. (Request child care if needed.)

Black & Brown Get Down, 6pm - 8:30pm 
Arts @ Large, 908 S. 5th St., Milwaukee 
Help Youth Empowered in the Struggle and VOCES De La Frontera reach its end-of-the-year fundraising goal! Join in for some delicious food, entertainment, raffle prizes, and cool items for sale! All proceeds will go toward YES and current campaigns! More information

Blue Bash / Fiesta Azul, 7pm - 11pm 
J&B's Blue Ribbon, 5230 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee
Join the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County for our annual celebration of Democratic values, with food, drink, costumes, and merriment! Featuring a special solo performance by Christopher Porterfield of Field Report, http://www.fieldreportmusic.com, and a special live performance by Allen Coté's Lyric Advisory Board. General Admission: $25 Sponsors: $500 ~ $250 ~ $100 ~ $50. Limited quantity of tickets are available at each price level Buy your ticket now to guarantee a spot at this special event.

Waukesha County Democratic Party Meeting, 7pm - 9pm 
336 Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha 
The Waukesha County Democratic Party meets the 3rd Thursday of every month.

“The 13th” Documentary Public Screening Event on the US Prison System and Racial Inequality, 7pm - 10pm 
Cardinal Stritch University, University-Schroeder Auditorium, North Yates Road, Milwaukee

Sat Oct 21

Reviving Hope for Racial Equity, 9am - 2:30pm 
Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Hampshire St., Milwaukee 
The day will begin with an inspirational worship service featuring interfaith leaders. Workshops will include telling stories about race, learning songs about justice, deepening understanding of race, and the connection between public art and justice. There will also be youth-specific workshops on racial equity. Lunch will be served. Cost:$10 for adults, free for volunteers and youth. More information and registration, or call 414-964-1513.

Fight the Opioid Crisis, 10am - 12pm 
Lincoln Park Blatz Pavilion, 1301 W. Hampton Ave., Glendale 
Milwaukee County, like much of the nation, is in the midst of an Opioid crisis. Clearly, something must be done. The City-County Heroin, Opioid, and Cocaine Task Force is holding two special Saturday meetings this month to seek input from the community on solutions to this deadly epidemic. Citizen Action of Wisconsin is mobilizing people to testify at these hearings, and would love for you to help! Citizen Action believes SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) is the most promising, evidence-based prevention program available. It's up to us to make it a priority for Milwaukee County. RSVP and more information. Contact: Justin Bielinski, 414-208-9283.

NAACP Monthly Meeting, 11am - 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.

Community Issues Discussion, 1pm - 3pm 
Washington Park Library, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd., Milwaukee 
Join Citizen Action of Wisconsin to discuss the issues that matter to your community. Do you know someone who has been affected by mass incarceration, mental health issues or poverty? Share your thoughts, ideas and concerns as to how we can help make change in the community. People who are directly affected by any of these issues, and their families, are encouraged to join in this conversation. Light refreshments will be provided. Contact: Davette Baker, 414-236-7229

Tammy Baldwin Fundraiser / Elizabeth Warren, 4pm - 5:30pm 
Good City Brewing, 2108 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee 
Join special guest Senator Elizabeth Warren at a fundraiser to benefit Senator Tammy Baldwin's re-election campaign. Register online. To RSVP or for questions contact Mike Woicekowski, or 608-663-6300.

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 Lisa Graves. Lisa is Executive Director at the Center for Media and Democracy, a nationally recognized watchdog group that leads in-depth investigations into the corruption that undermines our democracy, environment, and economic prosperity. Advance tickets ($8).

Sun Oct 22

Sunday Demonstration, 12pm - 1pm 
Cutler Park, Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha 
What are you most concerned about? Social justice, democracy, the environment?Join us for a silent demonstration. We meet at Cutler Park in Waukesha on the sidewalk along Wisconsin Avenue near the Public Library. Bring a sign or use one of ours. Sponsored by GrassrootsWaukesha.

Cultivating Global Leadership, 1pm - 3pm 
Whitefish Bay Library, 5420 N. Marlborough Dr., Whitefish Bay 
The United Nations Association – Greater Milwaukee invites you to a presentationon “Cultivating Global Leadership in Schools & the Community.” The keynote speaker will be Michelle Wade, MPS Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, with special guest John F. Lange, Ambassador, US Foreign Service, Ret. The program will examine a new United Nations Schools of International Learning curriculum with a focus on world affairs and current events that is used in some Milwaukee Public Schools. Whitefish Bay High School students will share how Model United Nations developed their leadership skills and representatives of local non-profits working on related UN issues will be present. More information: Debbie Metke.

Cathy Myers Town Hall, 3:30pm - 6pm 
Red Oak Restaurant, 4410 200th Ave., Bristol 
Please join Cathy Myers, candidate for Congress in the 1st District, for a public town hall meeting to discuss her recent announcement in support of the impeachment of Donald Trump. More information. Contact: Dennis Hughes, (262) 455-1542.

Tue Oct 24

Milwaukee Area Project, 8:15am - 12:30pm 
Marquette University, Eckstein Hall, 1215 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee 
Marquette Law School’s new Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education will hold a half-day conference exploring aspects of the future of the metropolitan Milwaukee area. This particular conference will hear from Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow, each of whom will offer a vision for the area’s future. Former Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, current CEO/president of the Minneapolis Foundation, will deliver the day’s keynote address, offering his perspective on the keys to regional success. RSVP (required).

Protect Senior Centers, 9am - 11am 
Wilson Park Senior Center, 2601 W. Howard Ave., Milwaukee 
The proposed Milwaukee County Budget is likely to contain funding cuts forMilwaukee senior centers while providing for a $25 million international airport terminal for Foxconn. The staff of the Department on Aging has already seen major cutbacks. Research has shown that one of the biggest issues for seniors is loneliness, especially among lower income seniors. Please attend and help to prevent these cuts by the County Board.

United Nations Day, 9am - 11am 
City Hall, Rotunda. 200 E. Wells St., Milwaukee 
A celebration of United Nations Day, featuring an address by Mayor Tom Barrett on “How Cities and Their Citizens Can Promote Sustainability." Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the United Nations Association – Greater Milwaukee Chapter and the Mayor’s Committee on the United Nations. More information: Debbie Metke, 414.881.0904.

Foreign Policy Study Group, 6pm - 8pm 
Celebrity's Hall, 1325 S. 25th St., Milwaukee 
Citizen Action is pleased to announce the forthcoming study/discussion group on 'War, Peace, US Foreign Policy and the Left'. This session ist he first of two and is open to Co-op members. If you are interested in attending please contact Al Nichols (below); you will be sent a reading list and presentation notes in advance of the event. Seating is limited, first-come, first-served. RSVP. Contact: Al Nichols.

Sup. Lipscomb Town Hall Meeting, 6pm - 7pm 
Villard Square Library, 5190 N. 35th St., Milwaukee 
Join County Board Chairman Theo Lipscomb for a 1st District Town Hall Meeting where you can offer your feedback or simply learn more about our 2018 budget.

13th, the movie, 7pm - 9pm 
100 E Broadway, Waukesha (First Congregational Church) 
'13th' is based on the 13th Amendment which outlawed slavery ‘except for punishment of criminals.’ This Emmy award winning documentary shows the progression from the passage of the 13th Amendment to the current situation of mass incarceration in this country. Discussion will follow viewing. Sponsored By SOPHIA.

Wed Oct 25

Community Justice Council, 9:30am - 11am 
Clinton Rose Senior Center, 3045 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee 
Milwaukee Community Justice Council Meeting of the Whole. 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.

Progressive Democrats Meeting, 6pm - 8pm 
DPMC Office, 2999 S. Delaware Ave., Milwaukee 
The Progressive Democrats of America in Milwaukee County invite all who areinterested to attend its meeting and learn about the group. The keynote speaker will be Robert Hansen, chair of the Milwaukee County Democratic Party. PDA is a grassroots Political Action Committee dedicated to reforming U.S. politics and promoting an ambitious progressive agenda through an "inside-outside" electoral and direct action strategy. It is dedicated to moving the Democratic Party into more progressive politics. For more information contact Jim Carpenter, (414) 347-0353.

Sup. Lipscomb Town Hall Meeting, 6pm - 7pm 
North Shore Library, 6800 N. Port Washington Rd., Glendale 
Join County Board Chairman Theo Lipscomb for a 1st District Town Hall Meeting where you can offer your feedback or simply learn more about our 2018 budget.

Drinking Liberally Glendale, 7pm - 7pm 
Bar Louie, 5750 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale 
Drinking Liberally Glendale meets on the last Wednesday of the month. Come drink a beverage or two of your choice and talk about Liberal stuff. More information.

Thu Oct 26

Mental Health Board Meeting, 8am - 8am 
Zoofari Conference Center, 9715 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee 
Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Meeting. More information.

Prison Education Panel Discussion, 4pm - 6pm 
MATC, Room S120, 700 W. State St., Milwaukee 
Panel discussion: “Is Doing Time a Waste of Time and Money?” Panelists: Daniel Karpowitz, Author of “College in Prison: Reading in an Age of Mass Incarceration;” Bard Prison Initiative Darren Wheelock, Associate Professor of Social & Cultural Sciences; Marquette University Attorney Larry R. Coté, Jr.; Kim Donald, 9 to 5 Wisconsin. More information. Hosted by MilwaukeeTurners.

MICAH Public Meeting, 6pm - 6pm 
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 2433 W. Roosevelt Dr., Milwaukee 
MICAH is a multi-racial, interfaith organization committed to the justice issues ofgreatest impact on our communities. The meeting's theme is “Revitalizing MICAH, our Community, and our City.” Congregations will recommit themselves to do justice through MICAH. Issue task forces will announce action plans to increase job opportunities for formerly incarcerated persons, to greatly reduce joblessness in the 53206 zip code, and to strengthen quality education for youth. More information.

Sup. Lipscomb Town Hall Meeting, 6pm - 7pm 
Brown Deer Village Hall, 4800 W. Green Brook Dr., Brown Deer 
Join County Board Chairman Theo Lipscomb for a 1st District Town Hall Meeting where you can offer your feedback or simply learn more about our 2018 budget.

Waukesha Writers Club, 6:30pm - 8pm 
336 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha, WI 
The "Letter to the Editor" section is one of the most widely read parts of the newspaper, 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 ([email protected]).

"College in Prison" Author Event, 7pm - 7pm 
Boswell Book Co., 2559 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee 
Daniel Karpowitz will talk about his book "College in Prison: Reading in an Age ofMass Incarceration." American colleges and universities have made various efforts to provide prisoners with access to education. However, few of these outreach programs presume that incarcerated men and women can rise to the challenge of a truly rigorous college curriculum. The Bard Prison Initiative, however, is different. As this compelling new book reveals, BPI has fostered a remarkable transformation in the lives of thousands of prisoners. Karpowitz is a director and teacher in the Bard Prison Initiative.

Sat Oct 28

Community Brainstorming, 8am - 11am 
St. Matthew CME Church, 2944 N. 9th St., Milwaukee 
Community Brainstorming Conference Breakfast Forum Breakfast: 8 am, Program:9 am The Opioid Crisis: Wake Up, Milwaukee! Why is opioid addiction emerging at such a rapid pace? Why do people become addicted to these types of drugs? How is our community being affected? What can we do to combat this epidemic? Panelists: Zelda Okia MD, Forensic Pathology, author of "The Zombie Effect"; Annette Stokes MD, Family Medicine, President, Cream City Medical Organization; Shea Halula BA, MS, Professional Addiction Specialist, Director, Starting Point, Inc.; Rachael Cooper, Professional, Behavioral Health, AIDS Resource Center. Moderator: Millie Coby; Chair: Hon. Russell Stamper Sr. All Are Invited, Come and Participat .

Fight the Opioid Crisis, 10am - 12pm 
Lincoln Park Blatz Pavilion, 1301 W. Hampton Ave., Glendale 
Milwaukee County, like much of the nation, is in the midst of an Opioid crisis. Clearly, something must be done. The City-County Heroin, Opioid, and Cocaine Task Force is holding two special Saturday meetings this month to seek input from the community on solutions to this deadly epidemic. Citizen Action of Wisconsin is mobilizing people to testify at these hearings, and would love for you to help! Citizen Action believes SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) is the most promising, evidence-based prevention program available. It's up to us to make it a priority for Milwaukee County. RSVP and more information. Contact: Justin Bielinski, 414-208-9283.

Bridge-Building Conversations, 11:00am – 4:30pm 
GRNS Office, 5600 W. Brown Deer Rd., Brown Deer 
If you want Democrats to win in 2018 please join Grassroots North Shore for Bridge-Building Outreach Training. Learn how to talk to citizens and more importantly how to listen to them. The conversations with potential voters about their issues and concerns will focus on three assembly districts: AD 23 (Jim Ott, incumbent); AD 24 (Dan Knodl, incumbent), and AD 60 (Robert Brooks, incumbent). 11am: Orientation to Bridge-Building Conversations and practice with scripts. 12pm - 12:45pm: Pizza provided for lunch. 12:45pm: Depart for specified locations to speak to voters. 1pm - 4pm: Conversations with voters. 4pm - 4:30pm: Feedback on what worked and did not work. RSVP.

Fair Elections Town Hall, 2pm – 4pm 
Tippecanoe Church, 125 W. Saveland Ave., Milwaukee 
Wisconsin’s voting maps are unfair. We need to work together to change this! Citizen Action Organizing Cooperative will host Shauntay Nelson from Wisconsin Voices and Sachin Chheda of the Fair Elections Project to speak about unfair voting maps, why the U.S. Supreme Court is now considering the most important case of the decade against Wisconsin’s unfair voting maps, and what we can do to get fair government representation. Doors open at 1:45. RSVP. Contact: Anna Dvorak, 414-469-0118.

Mon Oct 30

How to Run for Office, 6pm - 7:30pm 
MALC, Yatchak Hall, 633 S. Hawley Rd., Milwaukee 
Come learn more about what it takes to run for office! Join Citizen Action WI, theMilwaukee Area Labor Council, and Wisconsin Education Association Region 7 for an evening of conversation with progressive champions and hear how they made the decision to make a difference. Meet labor and community activists. Connect with resources to run for any level of office, from School Board to State Senate. RSVP. Contact: Matt Brusky, 414-315-4127.

County Budget Public Hearing, 6:30pm - 6:30pm 
Marcus Center, Bradley Pavilion, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee 
The Milwaukee County Board will hold its Annual Public Hearing on the county's budget. Come and be heard on this crucial issue. Doors open at 6 pm. Free parking in the Marcus structure.

Getting Tough: Welfare and Incarceration, 7pm - 7pm 
Boswell Book Co., 2559 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee 
Julilly Kohler-Hausmann, assistant professor of history at Cornell University, will discuss her book "Getting Tough: Welfare and Imprisonment in 1970s America." In the 1970s politicians began "getting tough" on drugs, crime, and welfare. These campaigns helped expand the nation's penal system, discredit welfare programs, and cast blame for the era's social upheaval on racialized deviants that the state was not accountable to serve or represent. Getting Tough sheds light on how this unprecedented growth of the penal system and the evisceration of the nation's welfare programs developed hand in hand.