Well, the Iowa State Fair is behind us, so the 2020 campaign must be starting in earnest. The next debate(s) will take place on Thursday, September 12 (and if necessary, Friday, September 13), at Texas Southern University in Houston. ABC and Univision will broadcast live. GRNS will host some debate watch parties again, so stay tuned for information on the specifics. The criteria for gaining a spot on the debate stage is higher than it was in June and July. Right now according to NPR, only nine candidates have met them. But candidates have until August 28 to do so. Plenty of time to exceed the 10-persons-per-night limit.

An interesting op-ed piece in the NYTimes online this morning focuses on the power that people of color especially can wield when they turn out to vote. Here are some important tidbits from the piece:

That's why Grassroots North Shore is contacting some low propensity voters on the North Shore: to establish a positive relationship that will encourage people to vote in all four elections in 2020. Of course we will also be doing more traditional voter contact ahead of each election, but now is the time to reach those potential voters, to hear their concerns, and to start them on a path to more engaged political action. I urge you to sign up now for some of our deep canvassing opportunities.

• Wednesday, August 21
  
  
• Sunday, August 25
  
  
• Saturday, September 14
  
  
• Wednesday, September 25
  
  
• Saturday, September 28

After a lazy, hazy July, political action around Milwaukee is beginning to pick up again. So the events list is a little bit longer than it has been the last few weeks. Lest it be lost in the shuffle, then, mark you calendars now for our annual picnic and potluck event at Cahill Park (4950 N Woodruff Ave, Whitefish Bay) on Sunday, September 15. GRNS will supply a main dish and drinks. We'll ask you to bring a side or a dessert to share. In a later newsletter, we will provide more information. But in the meantime, you should know that our theme this year is Climate Change. And a timely topic it is! A trickle of stories about GOPers testing the waters for a change in their flat climate-crisis-denial stance looks like it might be happening. See "Climate Could Be an Electoral Time Bomb, Republican Strategists Fear" in the NYTimes on August 2. Or "Republicans form conservation caucus to take on environment, climate change" in The Hill on July 10. Whether the Republicans really want to change is still up in the air. But you can be sure grassroots groups such as ours are doing what we can to help the public understand the urgency of action. You can RSVP for the picnic on our website or our Facebook page.

EVENTS

Tue Aug 13, 2019

WFP Candidate Interview/Warren, 4:30pm - 7pm
Working Families Party supporters will have a chance to hear directly from each of the six candidates vying for its endorsement (Warren, Castro, Sanders, Booker, de Blasio, Harris). Besides the watch parties, interviews will be livestreamed. Watch parties for the Elizabeth Warren interview: Art Bar, 722 E Burleigh St., Milwaukee — RSVP — and Puddlers Hall, 2461 S. St Clair St., Milwaukee — RSVP.

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.

Medical Education in Cuba, 7:30pm - 7:30pm
Central United Methodist Church, 639 N. 25th St., Milwaukee
See a short video on Cuba’s partnership with students in over 80 nations, including 100 U.S.students, studying to become doctors debt free, in return for their promise to return home and work in an underserved community. 2) Meet & join an informal discussion with Olive, one of two WI women currently enrolled as students in Cuba’s acclaimed Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM). All are welcome. Sponsored by Wisconsin Coalition to Normalize Relations with Cuba.

Wed Aug 14, 2019

MKE Democratic Action Potluck/Meeting, 6pm - 8pm
Art Bar, 722 E. Burleigh St., Milwaukee
The MKE Democratic Action group will hold a potluck organizing meeting to talk about the upcoming year and how you can get involved. If you'd like to bring something shareable to eat, that would be great (but not required). Please RSVP.

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 Mequon, 6:30pm - 8pm
Libby Montana, 5616 W Donges Bay Rd, Mequon
Yes, it's early, but Wisconsin will be of pivotal importance in 2020. Anna Surrey, Statewide Organizing Director for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, will offer a first look at the map at our monthly meeting.She will also talk about how you can be involved at the Democratic National Convention. And save the date now. On September, 11 UWM Professor Shale Horowitz, PhD. will address the current state of US/China relations and The Economics of the Trade War. Drinking Liberally Mequon is a destination to meet friends, stay up-to-date on local progressive politics and get inspired to action. We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.

Thu Aug 15, 2019

MPS Equity Policy Presentation, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
MICAH-Milwaukee, 2821 N. 4th St., Suite 213, Milwaukee
The MPS Equity Specialist has created the guidance document for the MPS Equity Policy, in collaboration with MPS leadership and staff. The document will be presented to the Legislation, Rules and Policy Committee (LRP) of the Board at this meeting. MICAH has advocated for this presentation, believing that MPS must have in place clear guidance going forward as it makes decisions about resourcing the restorative practices and anti-racism training resolutions passed by the board on 7/25/19. Please plan to attend this meeting so our board and administration understands that the community is invested in racial equity in our schools. Information will be posted as it is made available about testimony. Hosted by MICAH and Black Educators Caucus MKE.

WFP Candidate Interview/Castro, 6:30pm - 8pm
Working Families Party supporters will have a chance to hear directly from each of the six candidates vying for its endorsement (Warren, Castro, Sanders, Booker, de Blasio, Harris). Besides the watch parties, interviews will be livestreamed. Watch party for the Julian Castro interview: WFP Headquarters, 413 N 2nd St., Milwaukee. RSVP.

Fri Aug 16, 2019

DNC Convention and Your Business, 7:45am - 9am
MMAC, 756 N. Milwaukee St., Suite 400, Milwaukee
Liz Gilbert, President of the Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee, will not only give attendees a better understanding of the mechanics, goals, mission and focus areas of the convention, but also of the employment, engagement and access opportunities available to individuals and their businesses. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn how your company can maximize the DNC experience next year. MMAC members: $10.00, Non-members: $20.00. 7: 45-8:00 AM Registration and Networking; 8:00-9:00 AM Program and Q&A. Register.

Sat Aug 17, 2019

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
Lincoln Memorial Drive & East Michigan Street, Milwaukee
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

WFP Candidate Interview/Sanders, 6pm - 7:30pm
Working Families Party supporters will have a chance to hear directly from each of the six candidates vying for its endorsement (Warren, Castro, Sanders, Booker, de Blasio, Harris). Besides the watch parties, interviews will be livestreamed. Watch parties for the Bernie Sanders interviews: Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee — RSVP — and Art Bar, 722 E Burleigh St., Milwaukee — RSVP.

Mon Aug 19, 2019

Milwaukee Dems Potluck, 5:30pm - 8pm
Gordon Park Pavillion, 1321 E. Locust St., Milwaukee
Main dish compliments of the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County. But bring a side or a dessert to pass. Our summer picnic/potluck is a lot of fun and a good way to meet fellow Dems in the Milwaukee area.

Tue Aug 20, 2019

Pride in Professionals Event, 6pm - 6pm
Company Brewing, 735 E. Center St., Milwaukee
Assembly Democrats will host an event to honor licensed professionals, who are invaluable to the State of Wisconsin. Join in to celebrate these professionals and support the Assembly Dems who fight to protect them.

Wed Aug 21, 2019

Deep Canvassing Event, 5pm - 7:30pm
GRNS office, 5600 W. Brown Deer Rd., Suite 116, Brown Deer
Deep canvassing does not seek to get votes for any particular candidate or party. Instead, its purpose is to listen to specific voters' concerns. The techniques canvassers use and the script require canvassers to work in pairs and to have a real discussion with voters. Help Grassroots North Shore get to know voters in the area. Training will be provided. RSVP.

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, 6pm - 8pm
Red Dot, 6715 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
Come join fellow Wauwatosa progressives for good conversation. DLW meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 6 p.m.

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 Aug 22, 2019

Mental Health Board Meeting, 4:30pm - 4:30pm
TBA
Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Meeting. Public Comment: none. More information.

Sat Aug 24, 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
North Swan Boulevard (92nd) & West North Avenue, Wauwatosa
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Social, 3pm - 6pm MKE for Warren Ice Cream
Moosa's, 2272 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee
An ice cream social supporting Elizabeth Warren for President. Come to discuss Elizabeth’s vision for real, structural change in this countryand learn how you can get involved. All are welcome. RSVP

Mayor Barrett Zoo Picnic, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee
Mayor Tom Barrett will host his annual zoo picnic. Parking and zoo admission is included. All contributions gratefully accepted. For questions, please email Zach or call (414) 271-8050.

Sun Aug 25, 2019

Deep Canvassing Event, 2pm - 4:30pm
GRNS office, 5600 W. Brown Deer Rd., Suite 116, Brown Deer
Deep canvassing does not seek to get votes for any particular candidate or party. Instead, its purpose is to listen to specific voters' concerns. The techniques canvassers use and the script require canvassers to work in pairs and to have a real discussion with voters. Help Grassroots North Shore get to know voters in the area. Training will be provided. RSVP.