Re Gerrymandering: We're making some progress with the state legislature. I just learned that Monday a fifth Republican has signed on to co-sponsor the two bills (AB303 and SB288) that would, if signed into law, create a non-partisan process for drawing new electoral district lines following the 2020 census. Rep. Mursau (R-Crivitz) says that he signed on because he had sent out a questionnaire to his constituents and 77% of those who returned it supported non-partisan redistricting!
Right now, the bills are bottled up in committees. More GOP support for them means we're getting some traction. Several counties and municipalities are planning to include non-binding resolutions on this issue on ballots, either for the April 7 election or the November 3 election. Milwaukee County is one of those. The County's Intergovernmental Relation Committee is holding a hearing on the matter this afternoon. Assuming it passes out of committee, the full board will hold a hearing on the issue soon. Stay tuned.
So the local progress is heart-warming. However, on Monday the US Supreme Court ruled that Michigan need not redraw its congressional district maps because of partisan gerrymandering as the trial court had mandated. SCOTUS was just building on its June decision that "federal courts can’t rein in politicians who draw political maps to entrench a partisan advantage" (Roll Call, 10/22, 2019). The Michigan ruling was, of course, expected, but the Washington Post had a really eye-opening article yesterday, An overlooked consequence of the Supreme Court’s gerrymandering rulings: Stricter abortion laws, that shows how GOP gerrymandering has led to many anti-abortion laws in states where the GOP retains control through partisan gerrymandering.
Wisconsin's case against gerrymandering has also been nullified by the same US Supreme Court ruling. And that's why it is going to be so crucial to win the Wisconsin Supreme Court election coming up on April 7, 2020, AND the next WI Supreme Court election in 2022. If progressives can win both contests, we will have a chance to litigate the gerrymandering case in state courts. And that's why I am going to urge you (again!) to participate in the work that needs to be done now and throughout the 2020 elections (all four of them). Please sign up to canvass on Saturday, November 2, and/or Sunday, November 3. Also helpful: signing up to call potential canvassers on Tuesday, October 29, from 11am - 1pm from our office (5600 W Brown Deer Rd, Suite 116).
Finally, I'd like to apologize for being a day late with this newsletter. There is so much activity happening at Grassroots North Shore right now that I just didn't have the time to get to everything yesterday. The high level of activity will be ongoing throughout next year. So, if you haven't yet gotten engaged with us or don't know what you want to do, just sign up to volunteer and a member of our leadership team will contact you to discuss what sorts of activities are most suitable for you. There are LOTS of things to do — from phonebanking and canvassing to writing postcards or supporting the work of the office. We're sure to find something useful for you to do. And we will need all the help we can get!
EVENTS
Wed Oct 23, 2019
VAN Training South Side, 5pm - 7:30pm Dem
Bay View Library, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee
Come learn from your Regional Organizers Davette and Jackie about ALL THINGS VAN. This will be a training for beginners and advanced users. They will go over basics (how to log in and search) as well as making lists and doing targeting, plus a discussion of mini van! RSVP.
GRNS Phone Bank, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
GRNS office, 5600 W. Brown Deer Rd., Brown Deer
Help Grassroots North Shore find people to canvass out of itsr Brown Deer office on November 2, the biggest action weekend of the year. 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 notRe Gerrymandering: We're making some progress with the state legislature. I just learned that Monday a fifth Republican has signed on to co-sponsor the two bills (AB303 and SB288) that would, if signed into law, create a non-partisan process for drawing new electoral district lines following the 2020 census. Rep. Mursau (R-Crivitz) says that he signed on because he had sent out a questionnaire to his constituents and 77% of those who returned it supported non-partisan redistricting!
Right now, the bills are bottled up in committees. More GOP support for them means we're getting some traction. Several counties and municipalities are planning to include non-binding resolutions on this issue on ballots, either for the April 7 election or the November 3 election. Milwaukee County is one of those. The County's Intergovernmental Relation Committee is holding a hearing on the matter this afternoon. Assuming it passes out of committee, the full board will hold a hearing on the issue soon. Stay tuned.
So the local progress is heart-warming. However, on Monday the US Supreme Court ruled that Michigan need not redraw its congressional district maps because of partisan gerrymandering as the trial court had mandated. SCOTUS was just building on its June decision that "federal courts can’t rein in politicians who draw political maps to entrench a partisan advantage" (Roll Call, 10/22, 2019). The Michigan ruling was, of course, expected, but the Washington Post had a really eye-opening article yesterday, An overlooked consequence of the Supreme Court’s gerrymandering rulings: Stricter abortion laws, that shows how GOP gerrymandering has led to many anti-abortion laws in states where the GOP retains control through partisan gerrymandering.
Wisconsin's case against gerrymandering has also been nullified by the same US Supreme Court ruling. And that's why it is going to be so crucial to win the Wisconsin Supreme Court election coming up on April 7, 2020, AND the next WI Supreme Court election in 2022. If progressives can win both contests, we will have a chance to litigate the gerrymandering case in state courts. And that's why I am going to urge you (again!) to participate in the work that needs to be done now and throughout the 2020 elections (all four of them). Please sign up to canvass on Saturday, November 2, and/or Sunday, November 3. Also helpful: signing up to call potential canvassers on Tuesday, October 29, from 11am - 1pm from our office (5600 W Brown Deer Rd, Suite 116).
Finally, I'd like to apologize for being a day late with this newsletter. There is so much activity happening at Grassroots North Shore right now that I just didn't have the time to get to everything yesterday. The high level of activity will be ongoing throughout next year. So, if you haven't yet gotten engaged with us or don't know what you want to do, just sign up to volunteer and a member of our leadership team will contact you to discuss what sorts of activities are most suitable for you. There are LOTS of things to do — from phonebanking and canvassing to writing postcards or supporting the work of the office. We're sure to find something useful for you to do. And we will need all the help we can get!
es with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.
Drinking Liberally Glendale, 6:30pm - 9pm
Bavarian Bierhaus, 700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale
Note ANOTHER new location: Drinking Liberally Glendale meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. A monthly meetup to eat, drink, and talk politics with like-minded people. More information.
Drinking Liberally Port Washington, 6:30pm - 8pm
Schooner Pub, 114 N Franklin St, Port Washington
TBA
Thu Oct 24, 2019
Mental Health Board Meeting, 9am - 9am
Zoofari Center, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Meeting. Public Comment: none. More information.
Gun Violence / Day of Action, 9:45am - 3pm
Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison
The majority of Wisconsin lawmakers have ignored the evidence, ignored their constituents, and ignored the devastation gun violence thrusts into the lives of Wisconsinites. It's time to pack the Capitol full of citizens who are united in their determination to prevent gun violence.9:45am - 10am – Check-in at Bethel Lutheran Church; 10am - 12:45pm – Orientation on gun violence in Wisconsin, training on citizen-lobbying best practices, and lunch; 1:00pm - 3: 00pm – Meetings with your elected officials or their staff members at the Capitol. $15 fee includes your lunch and all training materials. RSVP.
Fundraiser, 5pm - 7pm John Chisholm
Taylor's, 795 N. Jefferson St., Milwaukee
Reception to support John Chisholm, Milwaukee County District Attorney. Host: $1,000 | Sponsor: $500 | Friend: $250 | Supporter: $100. Suggested Minimum Contribution: $50. To Host, RSVP, or for any questions, please email the campaign or call 414-828-1225.
MICAH Public Meeting, 6pm - 8pm
Bayshore Lutheran Church, 1200 E. Hampton Ave., Whitefish Bay
Come and join MICAH for its annual meeting update to the public on the work MICAH is doing to work for justice in Milwaukee area. This is open to the public and is handicap accessible. More info.
Phonebank & Text Training, 6pm - 8pm
Milwaukee County Democratic Party, 2999 S. Delaware Ave., Milwaukee
Join us as we discuss tricks of the trade when it comes to phone banking and text banking to help with recruitment for your teams' activities. We promise you will leave with a few more people for your upcoming events! RSVP North Side. RSVP South Side.
Shared Values Gathering, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Wauwatosa Public Library, 7635 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
Speakers scheduled for the Wauwatosa Shared Values Unity Gathering: - Khary Penebaker; DNC & convention Update with Chris Walton, DPMC chair; Tom Palzewicz, Congressional candidate in District 5; Ed Fallone, Supreme Court candidate; Rebecca Kiefer and Daniel Gabler:, Milwaukee County Circuit Court branch 29 candidates; Sandy Zellmer, Voting info and some general info; State Assembly Rep. Robyn Vining; Mike Arney, Climate Lobby. RSVP Sandy Zellmer or call 414-315-0291.
Fri Oct 25, 2019
Voces de la Frontera Gala, 5pm - 5pm
Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 W Canal St, Milwaukee
Voces de la Frontera's Migration is Beautiful Masquerade Gala. 5:00 pm cocktails | 6:30 pm dinner and program. Our gala is our largest fundraiser of the year. This year's gala will raise critical funds to support our statewide mobilization of Latinx and multiracial youth vote for 2020, the census count, and the constant struggle to defend families facing escalated attacks from the Trump administration. While we look towards the future, we'll also celebrate our past successes and grassroots leaders, and honor members of our movement who are no longer with us. Our keynote speaker, Lieutenant Governor Mandela, was elected on November 8, 2018, and is the first African-American to serve as a Lieutenant Governor in Wisconsin. He is also the second African-American to ever hold statewide office. He is a champion for civil and labor rights, whose roots are in community organizing. Lt. Governor Barnes and Governor Tony Evers stand with immigrant communities in the struggle to restore driver licenses and in-state tuition for Wisconsin immigrant families. We are excited that Lt. Gov. Barnes is joining us this year, and we hope that you'll join us too.
Sat Oct 26, 2019
Community Brainstorming, 8am - 11am
African American Women’s Center, 3020 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee
PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN LOCATION Community Brainstorming Conference Breakfast Forum! Breakfast: 8 am, Program: 9 am. The Relationship Between the City of Milwaukee's 2020 Budget and the Milwaukee Police Department Panelists: - Markasa Tucker, African American Roundtable, Director, Co-Founder of LiberateMKE - Rick Banks, Political Director/Organizer, Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC) - Invited: Tom Barrett, Mayor, City Of Milwaukee - Invited: Regina Howard, Office of Management, Analysis and Planning, Milwaukee Police Department Moderator/Chairperson: Hon. Russell Stamper Sr. All Are Invited, Come and Participate.
Emily Siegrist Canvass, 9am - 12pm
Grassroots North Shore, 5600 W. Brown Deer Rd., #116, Brown Deer
A special canvass in Brown Deer, hosted by Village President Wanda Montgomery, to let residents know that Emily is running again for Assembly District 24 (vs. Dan Knodl). RSVP.
Canvassing Training, 10:30am - 3pm
East Branch Library, 2320 N. Cramer St., Milwaukee
Come learn the ins and outs of canvassing and how to be effective on doors. You are going to learn how to tell your story of self and practice it. Help get prepared for 1 Year to WIN Canvassing! North Side RSVP. South Side RSVP.
Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Brady Street & Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Voceros Event, 2pm - 3:30pm
Voces de la Frontera Office, 1027 S. 5th St., Milwaukee
Join Voces de la Frontera Action and be a part of making history in Wisconsin, building the largest, most diverse voter base in the history of our state. Wisconsin will be the most important state in this 2020 election and the separation of immigrant families is on the line. Food will be provided. More information.
Sun Oct 27, 2019
Women Lead Meet & Greet, 4pm - 6pm
The home of Megan Holbrook and Eric Vogel, 2405 E Wyoming Pl, Milwaukee
It's not too early to start thinking about spring elections! Primary season is upon us, and as we all know, it takes hard work and a lot of money to run a solid campaign. We've got five fantastic candidates that deserve support and we want you to meet them: Marina Dimitrijevic for Milwaukee Common Council; Jill Karofsky for Wisconsin Supreme Court; Rebecca Kiefer for Milwaukee County Circuit Court; Aycha Sawa for City of Milwaukee Comptroller; JoCasta Zamarripa for Milwaukee Common Council. RSVP.
Mon Oct 28, 2019
On the Issues: The Suburbs, 4:30pm - 6pm
Marquette University, Eckstein Hall, 1215 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee
This event will feature a moderated discussion with CityLab senioreditor Amanda Kolson Hurley, author of the new book Radical Suburbs: Experimental Living on the Fringes of the American City. The book looks at the surprising history of suburbia, and what the past could tell us about the future. Marquette Law School’s Lubar Research Fellow John Johnson will talk about suburban Milwaukee demographics and trends. The event will conclude with a conversation featuring four suburban mayors: Kathy Ehley of Wauwatosa, Dan Devine of West Allis, Dan Bukiewicz of Oak Creek, and John Wirth of Mequon. RSVP required.
Tue Oct 29, 2019
County Budget Town Hall, 6pm - 7pm
Villard Square Library, 5190 N. 35th St., Milwaukee
Join County Chairman Theo Lipscomb for a town hall meeting to learn about the 2020 Milwaukee County budget and give feedback. More information about the proposed budget.
Wed Oct 30, 2019
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 Oct 31, 2019
Leadership for Community, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
All People’s Church 2600 N. 2nd St., Milwaukee
An interactive, community-building leadership development series on the basic concepts, attitudes and disciplines needed to build strong, effective organizations capable of making real change. This program is for members of MICAH, people interested in MICAH, people who are new to organizing, people with experience looking for a refresher and new energy, and people who are curious about organizing. There is no cost, but please sign up only if you anticipate being able to participate in at least three of the four sessions: October 10, 17, 31, November 7 (MICAH public meeting on October 24). Registration.
Sat Nov 2, 2019
GRNS Canvass, 10am - 4pm
Grassroots North Shore Office, 5600 W. Brown Deer Rd., Suite 116
Please sign up for this important work of canvassing to find out what's on voters' minds as we head into the election year and to help clean up current information on voters. It's the One Year to Win weekend of action and Grassroots North Shore is participating with canvasses in Glendale and Brown Deer. RSVP for 10am shift or RSVP for 1pm shift.
Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
Sherman Boulevard & North Avenue, Milwaukee
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.
Sun Nov 3, 2019
GRNS Canvass, 10am - 4pm
Shirley Horowitz's house, 4845 N. Newhall St., Whitefish Bay
Please sign up for this important work of canvassing to find out what's on voters' minds as we head into the election year and to help clean up current information on voters. It's the One Year to Win weekend of action and Grassroots North Shore is participating with canvasses in Glendale and Brown Deer. Two shifts are available at 10am and 1pm. Sign up for one of them! RSVP.
Mon Nov 4, 2019
Prosecutorial Discretion Lecture, 4:30pm - 4:30pm
Marquette University, Eckstein Hall, 1215 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee
Professor Darryl K. Brown, University of Virginia School of Law, will speak about prosecutors' policies that range from charging the most serious provable offense to charging more leniently or not at all. He will evaluate some approaches that prosecutors’ offices employ to avoid the problems of both extremes. RSVP required.
LaTonya Johnson Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7pm
SkyBox Sports Bar, 2213 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee
Campaign event to support State Sen. LaTonya Johnson, with Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Mayor Tom Barrett, and District Attorney John Chisholm. Sponsorship Levels: Host: $1,000 | Co-Host: $500 | Sponsor: $250 | Friend: $100. (Host Committee in Formation). for more information, email Joyce or 414-220-9577. RSVP.
Plotkin for Senate Kick-Off, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Libby Montana, 5616 W Donges Bay Rd, Mequon
To defeat Alberta Darling we need to have the resources to combat the hundreds of thousands of special interest dollars she will raise. I expect that we will get outspent, but that doesn't mean we back down. I believe that we have all the elements of winning campaign, we just need to work hard and get our message of change out to the voters. I hope to see you there to get this campaign started!
Drinking Liberally Waukesha, 6:30pm - 9pm
Clarke Irish Pub, 314 W. Main St., Waukesha
Drinking Liberally Waukesha meets the first Monday of each month. More information.
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