Breaking News: The great John Nichols will be the LIVE speaker for Grassroots North Shore's virtual annual fundraiser on Sunday, October 4 at 4:15. For those of you who have never heard of John Nichols or attended one of his spirited and uplifting speeches, watch this video for a little taste of what he will bring to us. It's a little long but you don't need to watch the whole thing to get the flavor of his style. He's a native of Wisconsin and is best known as the National Affairs correspondent for The Nation and the associate editor of our own The Capital Times. He'll be a real inspiration to us in these dark days.

The annual fundraiser supports all of our operations. As you know, we're an all-volunteer group working with our supporters to offer numerous activities — in this year of covid-19 for example, in lieu of traditional door-knocking we've sent out more than 10,000 postcards to voters on the North Shore, in Ozaukee county, and in Milwaukee with more to come — and informational events (which we're learning to do effectively online!). So in addition to staffing the phone banks we schedule, writing and mailing the postcards, and coming to the events we sponsor, we need your help to keep doing what we can to support ideas and candidates who will improve the future for Wisconsin citizens. We'd appreciate your donations — whatever you can afford — either through ActBlue online or by check in the mail. You can send donations to our office: Grassroots North Shore, 5600 W. Brown Deer Road, Brown Deer, WI 53223. A Zoom link will be emailed to everyone who RSVPs.

The news of Justice Ginsberg's death last Friday struck most of us as a grievous blow — to women's rights, to voting rights, and to democracy. But we must not despair. My husband and I received our absentee ballots in the mail Saturday and filled them out today. We're going to put them in a drop box this afternoon. It feels purposeful and uplifting to be able to vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris right now. And I know my ballot will matter: it's my voice in the civic affairs of my state and nation. I hope you have already requested an absentee ballot yourself. If not, don't delay: go to myvote.wi.gov to check your registration, to apply for an absentee ballot, or just to track the progress of your ballot through the process. An absentee ballot is like an insurance policy: even if you receive one you can still vote in person, either during the early voting period or on election day. If you do vote by absentee ballot, though, we highly recommend using your community's drop box to return it. You can find a list of locations for drop boxes on our Elections 2020 page.

Of course there are other safe and secure ways to vote. You can vote early in person, usually at your village or city hall, on weekdays beginning on October 20 and ending at 5pm on Friday, October 30. You can consult our Elections 2020 page on our website for information on early voting opportunities in our communities and contact information to check on days and times of early voting in your community. (If you live in Milwaukee proper, you can vote early through November 1. See the Milwaukee Election Commission page on early voting for exact information on where and when you can vote.)

One last thing: if you live in Milwaukee County, you are eligible to be a poll worker (aka Election Inspector) in the city as long as you are 18 and eligible (but not necessarily registered) to vote. And the city still needs as many as 750 more poll workers in order to open a sufficient number of polling places. Those who are in high risk groups for covid-19 should, of course, not sign up. But anyone who is not in a high risk group, including younger people and perhaps those who have already recovered from a bout of the illness, should consider it. Having more polling places translates into shorter lines and less risk for everyone — both those working at the polls and those who vote that day. You can read about it here and sign up here.

Ok. Just one more thing before the Events list. Yard signs. We will be getting Biden-Harris signs, I promise. And we currently have Neal Plotkin signs, Deb Andraca signs, and Emily Siegrist signs — candidates we have endorsed for the 8th Senate District, the 23rd Assembly District, and the 24th Assembly District, respectively. The simplest way to make sure you'll get yours is to sign up for the signs on our Yard Signs page. We have various places and ways to get them to you and various candidates whose signs we are able to distribute. So get your name on our lists. You'll receive specific instructions by return email as soon as you RSVP.

EVENTS

Wed Sep 23, 2020

Women Voters in Wisconsin, 12pm - 1pm
Online
Join WisPolitics.com for a free, live virtual lunchtime discussion examining the generational differences between women voters in Wisconsin. Senate Minority Leader Janet Bewley (D-Mason) and former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch will be the featured guests as we explore the experiences, motivations and issues of importance to women voters in Wisconsin and how they vary with age. A panel of women voters will join Sen. Bewley and former Lt. Gov. Kleefisch on the program. A link will be sent on the morning of September 23. This event is sponsored by AARP Wisconsin. Registration and more information.

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.

Drinking Liberally Port Washington, 6:30pm - 8pm
Schooner Pub, 114 N Franklin St, Port Washington
TBA

Info: Drinking Liberally Glendale, 6:30pm - 9pm
Bavarian Bierhaus, 700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale
Check the Drinking Liberally website for meeting plans here.

Palzewicz Wis Women Town Hall, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Online
This event will feature a panel of women moderators from counties represented in the 5th Congressional District and is open to all women in the 5th Congressional District, including press. Congressional candidate Tom Palzewicz will answer questions about issues that matter to us! Register to attend by September 22 @ 7:00 PM. RSVP.

Teens vs Milwaukee Budget, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Zoom
Before the recommended budget is released prior to October 1, ACLU of Wisconsin Youth Organizer Hope Owens-Wilson will discuss the city budgeting process, why it is not too late to affect the budget, and how some cities have used the input from teens to creatively tackle their budgets. Registration.

Thu Sep 24, 2020

Stand For Justice, 12pm - 1:30pm
South 27th Street & West Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee
"Stand for Justice" Let's ALL exercise our right to support Black Lives Matter in ways both large and small. Come "Stand" with us rain or shine every Wednesday and Saturday. Bring your own sign and chair if you like. This small protest is perfect for folks like me who are unable to attend long protests and rallies. Remember: EVERYTHING WE DO MATTERS. Organized by Karen Hartwell, Kathleen Kat Hickman-Turner, and Rachel Adair.

Info: Mental Health Board Meeting, 4:30pm - 4:30pm
TBA
This meeting is posted as a Telemeeting (see Agenda for details). Public Comment: GENERAL/CRISIS REDESIGN. More information.

Thursday PhoneBanks 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! Register Here.

Blue Wave 2020 Ozaukee Democrats Virtual Fundraiser, 7pm - 8pm
Zoom
Join your fellow Ozaukee Democratic neighbors and special guest speaker Governor Tony Evers, as well as other Democratic leaders, as we build resources to elect more Democrats. Net proceeds will fund the election of more Democrats up and down the ticket in Ozaukee County and the ongoing growth of the Democratic Party of Ozaukee County. This is our last big fundraising push before the election, so please feel free to share this event on your personal Facebook pages and email lists. Visit the ActBlue event page for more information. Zoom link to be provided later. Questions? Email: [email protected].

Fri Sep 25, 2020

Affordable Housing Challenges, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Zoom
Long before COVID-19 began to wreak havoc on the health and livelihoods of southeast Wisconsin residents, many households struggled to cover their housing costs. The problem is particularly acute in Milwaukee and Racine, where average household incomes lag the rest of the region. This event will explore the depth of the problem and potential solutions. Registration (required).

Voces Virtual Gala 2020, 6pm - 7:15pm
Online
This Onward to Victory Virtual Gala 2020 will be a night of celebration to recognize accomplishments, honor grassroots leaders, and focus on mobilization of the 2020 Latinx vote for victory on November 3rd! Your tickets, support, and donations are critical for Voces in supporting their work and securing the November elections. Please purchase tickets by September 11 to reserve your place. Ticket prices and RSVP.

Sat Sep 26, 2020

Suspended: Community Brainstorming, 8am - 11am
Suspended
Community Brainstorming Conference will suspend its monthly breakfast forums until further notice. More info.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
N. Lake Drive & Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay
Stand for Peace is resuming their presence with careful precautions (more information http://unamilwaukee.weebly.com/stand-for-peace.html). Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Tue Sep 29, 2020

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

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.

Waukesha Dems Monthly Meeting with Alex Lasry, 7pm
Zoom
We are so lucky to be joined by Milwaukee Bucks Vice President - Alex Lasry. Alex will be talking about how the Bucks went from fighting for a championship to fighting for social justice. As well as how the Bucks are being a community leader by opening up the arena for voting. Zoom link. Call in number: Meeting ID: 921 8305 5410; One tap mobile: +13126266799,,92183055410# US (Chicago) or +16468769923,,92183055410# US (New York).

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 PhoneBanks 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!

Fri Oct 2, 2020

Voces de la Frontera, 9am - 5pm
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. Let me know who is best to contact!

Volunteer Recruitment Week Begins , 9am - 9pm
Online
Volunteer recruitment week.

Sat Oct 3, 2020

Democracy on Fire - with Center for Popular Democracy, 9am - 5pm
Virtual
THE SKILLS ARE ALIVE VIRTUAL EDUCATIONAL SKILL BUILDING SATURDAY. 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.

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.

Sun Oct 4, 2020

GRNS Virtual Fundraiser with 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.