Grassroots North Shore has a new Rapid Response team working to bring us timely information about events and actions happening locally, in our state, and in the nation. Rapid Response emails will come to you from [email protected]. These communications can't necessarily wait to be covered in our weekly newsletter. So the way to make sure you receive them in your inbox — rather than in your spam or promotions folder — is to add [email protected] to your contacts or address app. We'll do our best to curate these announcements so that you are not bombarded by too many communications from us each week. And I hope you will not chose to unsubscribe because doing so means cutting off ALL emails from Grassroots North Shore, even this newsletter and our announcements of events. See below for some of this week's immediate needs for rapid responses.
Speaking of which, our next event, our Annual Meeting on Sunday April 6, will address these questions:
- What's Next for the State and for the Nation?
- How Do We Harness Our Citizen Power?
In addition to hearing from our dynamic team in Madison — Greta Neubauer, Democratic Leader of the Assembly; Deb Andraca, representing the 23rd Assembly District; and Jodi Habush Sinykin, the newly elected Senator for the 8th Senate District — our featured speaker is Jim Santelle, an expert on constitutional law. He has served as the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin under President Obama and he has also served under Attorneys General Janet Reno and Eric Holder. Currently he is the host of Amicus: A Law Review on Civic Media. Please join us at Plymouth Church (2717 E Hampshire Ave, Milwaukee) from 4:00 - 5:30pm. RSVP so we will know to expect you!
There is some tension among the Democratic Senators about whether to vote for the Continuing Resolution (CR) designed to fund the federal government for the rest of this fiscal year which ends on September 30, 2025. The problem for many Democrats is that to pass in the Senate, Republicans need at least 7 or 8 Democrats to vote for it. The problem for Democrats is that the bill as currently constituted does NOTHING to keep Musk and his Muskovites from continuing to impound funds, fire federal employees, and shut down duly authorized federal agencies — including the entire Department of Education!
Not approving the CR will, of course, shut down the government and MAGAs will certainly blame Democrats for the disruption. Personally, I say bring it on. But not everyone feels that way. You can see Josh Marshall's reasoning at Talking Points Memo for a kind of run-down (spoiler alert: he basically agrees with me, or I with him). If you agree that Dems have little to lose and something to gain if they show some fight, please call Senator Baldwin's office TODAY: 202-224-5653. The CR will come up for a Senate vote in the next 48 hours. Don't Delay: Call Today!
Part of the MAGA project, it now seems, is to do away with any way to combat corruption in our government. Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat with a spine of steel, took to the Senate floor to expose some of the many ways corruption in rampaging throughout D.C. The video is about 29 minutes long but is well worth it, not only to hear what Senator Murphy has to say but to see the ingenious graphic display of the Musk-Trump corruptions so far. Given all the other grave issues we are facing, this one may not seem the most urgent, but it will be difficult to repair the way these actions undermine our faith in government and make it easier to do more of the same kind of damage.
In another form of corruption, we are looking at various attempts to control who can vote. We can see that in Wisconsin in the April 1 election where we are being asked to approve a constitutional amendment to make PhotoID a requirement for registering to vote and to cast a ballot. This move is completely redundant since PhotoID is already law in this state. The sole purpose of proposing it as an amendment to the Wisconsin constitution is to make it much harder to amend or repeal. VOTE NO on the ballot question and discuss this with all your family and friends.
You can see our discussion of this issue on our 2025 Elections page. Here is a discussion of some of the ways election outcomes are being corrupted and possible corrections to voting manipulations. This video (6 minutes) focuses on several ways drawing districting lines to disadvantage voters of color. And it reminds us that our current voting maps have basic political fairness built into them because our current Wisconsin Supreme Court acted to end the GOP gerrymandering last year. But we are not safe. If Musk puppet Schimel is elected, we could be right back to rigged maps!
On the national front, we are witnessing the wholesale destruction of our federal government with the promise of cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security to be part of the fiscal year 2026 budget by the fall. But we are NOT POWERLESS. Jamie Raskin offers a citizen's protest action that just might have some legs. He urges each and every one of us to file a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request to the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): "Today I filed a formal demand for access to my personal data obtained by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musk. I encourage all U.S. citizens to join me in doing the same.
"Elon Musk should have been more careful in what he wished for. DOGE recently dodged lawsuits about its seizure of citizens’ personal data by telling courts that it is a legitimate government agency entitled to extract this information. What Elon Musk apparently did not realize is that this statement triggers DOGE’s obligation to comply with citizen demands to see and—if need be—correct their personal information under the Privacy Act. It also allows every citizen to find out what other agencies or outside parties have been made privy to our information" (Daily Kos, March 11, 2025). Download the document as a pdf or as a Microsoft Word document and mail it to
U.S. Department of Government Efficiency
736 Jackson Place, NW
Washington, D.C. 20503
United States Digital Service
736 Jackson Place, NW
Washington, D.C. 20503
A U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has already issued an injunction requiring DOGE to comply with FOIA requests. Let's just see how efficient that "department" really is.
One last note before we get to everything you need to do TODAY and over the next week to make your voices heard: the recent boycott of big-box businesses had a demonstrable effect, especially on Target and Costco. "Target Loses Web Traffic As Costco Gains On Feb. 28 Economic Blackout Day" Forbes tells us. Citizen actions definitely matter.
These ACTIONS require timely and immediate response. Go to it!
I REPEAT: Call Senator Tammy Baldwin now! (202) 224-5653. A Continuing Resolution (CR) narrowly passed the House yesterday. Now it goes to the Senate, where Democrats will be pressured to vote for it in order to stop the federal government from shutting down. But the House CR is a disaster: It cuts essential programs. It “essentially” gives Musk a license to continue to dismantle and defund government.
Mail a postcard March 15. Grassroots organizers have set a goal of 1 million postcards getting mailed to Donald Trump on March 15 (the Ides of Trump). Remember, Donald Trump fears us — but he cannot stop us. Learn more.
RALLY AGAINST THIS THREAT TO FREE SPEECH AND PEACEFUL PROTEST AND IN SUPPORT OF MAMOUD KAHIL.
US Federal Building, 517 Wisconsin Ave
3pm
Mamoud Khalil was a leader in the protests about Gaza last spring at Columbia University. He is Palestinian, was a graduate student at the time and has legal permanent residency in the U.S. He always acted peacefully and has not been accused of any crimes. Last Saturday night, he was taken at gunpoint by ICE and sent to detention in Louisiana, where they began procedures to deport him. Trump has said that he is "only the first of many."
This action is controversial because Kahil has been accused of supporting Hamas and therefore supporting terrorists. But this is clearly a 1st Amendment issue. The ACLU is representing him and a court has prevented his immediate deportation, but it is very unclear what will ultimately happen, to him and to the many others who disagree with Trump. Turn out to protest what has happened and demand that he be released.
Help Grassroots North Shore reach 10,800 WI Democratic Women. Grassroots North Shore sent postcards to all of these Democratic women in the greater Milwaukee metropolitan area. These women will vote for Crawford & Underly but we need to get them to the polls! The calls are easy. If you can take a list of 50 names and phone numbers, sign up.
TAKE ACTION
Items under this heading are ongoing and while just as important as Rapid Response Actions are a bit less time-sensitive.
As always, knock doors and talk to people. It's time to Get Out the (Early) Vote:
- Get Out the Early Vote in Shorewood!
- Get Out the Early Vote in Whitefish Bay!
- Get Out the Early Vote in Glendale!
- Get Out the Early Vote in Fox Point and Bayside!
- Get Out the Early Vote in Northwest MKE and Brown Deer!
- Get Out the Early Vote in Mequon!
- Get Out the Early Vote in Germantown!
- Get Out the Early Vote in Menomonee Falls!
For a host of issues and a way to connect easily with your Senators and Congressperson, try using the 5 Calls app.
EVENTS
Wednesday, March 12
ACLU Phonebank for the Supreme Court Race, 4:45 - 4:50pm
207 East Buffalo, Milwaukee, or virtually
ACLU of WIsconsin, has opportunities to volunteer to phonebank with the ACLU to inform voters about the upcoming Supreme Court race and the civil rights issues at stake. Join the ACLU weekly phonebank to spread the word to make sure civil rights remain a priority in Wisconsin's highest court. Sign up!!!
The People v Musk + SCOWIS Debate Watch Party, 5:45 - 8:30pm
3100 W Center St, Milwaukee
Join the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County, and Chair Ben Wikler as WE FIGHT back and highlight that the Wisconsin Supreme Court CANNOT be bought! Elon Musk is trying to buy a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He knows whoever wins the April 1st election will be the tie-breaking vote in court decisions, and he’s bankrolling extreme right-wing candidate Brad Schimel to ensure a rubber stamp on the MAGA agenda in Wisconsin. Come and LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, as WE watch the State Supreme Court Debate TOGETHER! Sign up!!!
Rally to Stop Shady Schimel, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Marquette University Law School - Eckstein Hall
1215 W Michigan St, Milwaukee
Rally to stop Medicaid cuts, defend reproductive rights, and keep Musk’s dirty money out of WI. Let shady Schimel know where we stand! Sign up.
Thursday, March 13
Milwaukee Voter Project, 2 hour shifts beginning at 8:30am and ending at 4:30pm
DVM offices: Teutonia,Mill Road, and Chase
The Milwaukee Voter Project is a grassroots group of non-partisan volunteers who are working to ensure that all citizens, especially those in underserved communities, are registered to vote and are aware of upcoming elections. PLEASE NOTE: the only training need from this point until the election on April 1 is to view the Voter Information Training. Sign up. The Milwaukee Voter Project repeats this action every week day.
Second Chance! Let's Win Reproductive Rights, 3:00 - 5:00pm
Alverno College Conference Center
4300 S 43rd St, Milwaukee
We are doing it again! The Reproductive Rights Committee, along with Alverno College Students Speak Repro Group will host a fair-like, intergenerational event of art and activism to empower advocates to fight for reproductive freedoms. Our multi-modal workshop session will cover where we currently are in the fight for repro-access in WI, what work still needs to be done, and tangible action you can participate in to amplify your voices and make the full spectrum of personal choice a reality in our communities. Participation in a joyous art installation will engage and inspired. We are thankful to our co-hosts: Arts4Impact and Art Activist, Niki Johnson.
This event is free and open to the public. Arrive anytime; we suggest a 1-hour visit. Registration is helpful as Ian's Pizza will be served. Spacious parking. A child's craft table is available for a bit of fun while Mom visits the various booths. Contact [email protected] for questions. Register.
The People v. Musk Townhall, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Frame Park Rotary Building, 1150 Baxter St, Waukesha
Join Democratic Party of Wisconsin and the Waukesha County Dems as WE FIGHT back and highlight that the Wisconsin Supreme Court CANNOT be bought! We want to hear from YOU! Elon Musk is trying to buy a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He knows whoever wins the April 1st election will be the tie-breaking vote in court decisions, and he’s bankrolling extreme right-wing candidate Brad Schimel to ensure a rubber stamp on the MAGA agenda in Wisconsin. Come to our town hall and LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! Sign up.
What's Behind the Trad Wife Movement, 6:00 - 7:00pm
Virtual
Do you know about the "trad wife" movement? It’s a growing trend that promotes a return to traditional gender roles, where women are expected to prioritize being homemakers and supporting their husbands. But the "trad wife" movement is not just a cultural trend; it is deeply political with strong ties to Christian nationalism. Join us for a conversation with Tia Levings, author of A Well-Trained Wife, as she takes us through the origins of the trad wife movement and the political agenda behind it. See you there! Sign up. Brought to you by Red Wine & Blue.
State Supreme Court WAVE Virtual Event, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Virtual
The election will shape the ideological balance of the court. Join WAVE for our next Virtual Action Team meeting on Thursday, March 13 at 7 PM to learn how we can mobilize voters ahead of this important election. Together, we’ll make sure every voice is heard. WAVE's Virtual Action Team is our grassroots effort to bring people across the state into gun violence prevention advocacy. In this meeting we'll be working to get out the vote for the April 1 election. Sign up today to receive a Zoom link the day of the meeting.
Friday, March 14
Milwaukee Voter Project, 2 hour shifts beginning at 8:30am and ending at 4:30pm
DVM offices: Teutonia,Mill Road, and Chase
The Milwaukee Voter Project is a grassroots group of non-partisan volunteers who are working to ensure that all citizens, especially those in underserved communities, are registered to vote and are aware of upcoming elections. PLEASE NOTE: the only training need from this point until the election on April 1 is to view the Voter Information Training. Sign up. The Milwaukee Voter Project repeats this action every week day.
Saturday, March 15
Spring Election Canvass with Working Families Party, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 10:00am - 1:00pm
413 N 2nd St, Suite 125/Back room of building, Milwaukee
Help us talk to Democratic and persuadable voters about Judge Susan Crawford and get out the vote for the April 1 election. We will provide training and everything you need to be successful. You will receive more information when you sign up.
Jodi Habush Sinykin Budget Listening Session, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Whitefish Bay Library, 642 N Marlborough Dr, Whitefish Bay
Senator Habush Sinykin will discuss the Wisconsin budget for the next biennium and listen to citizens concerns and inputs. Jodi writes, "Listening to constituents is an important part of my job as a state senator. I am happy to announce that I have started scheduling budget listening sessions in the 8th Senate District. This is an opportunity for you to advocate for your priorities and values during the budget process. I am also excited to share that State Representative Deb Andraca, a member of the Joint Finance Committee, will also be at these listening sessions." Sign up.
North Shore Dems REACH GOTV, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Virtual
Join the North Shore Dems as we get out the vote for Susan Crawford and progressives up and down the ballot in the crucial April! Unable to canvass or not up for braving the bitter cold? No problem! Friend-to-friend organizing is a powerful tool to turn out your circle this Spring. Our experienced volunteer leaders will train you on the Reach app, so you can organize your network to help us win in April! Sign up.
Monday, March 17
JDCA Phone Bank for Susan Crawford, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Virtual
Join JDCA and the WisDems in partnership with GDHQ in making calls in support of Susan Crawford to voters across Wisconsin! We’ll be making calls to talk to voters about what issues are important to them and the importance of electing Susan Crawford to the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race in the upcoming April election. Never made calls before? No problem. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or making calls for the first time, all you need is your computer and a phone. A short training will be provided at the beginning of the phone bank and volunteers can stay on the Zoom in case you need help while we make calls. Sign up.
DPMC Dems Membership Monthly Meeting, 6:00 - 7:00pm
Fiesta Café, 1407 S 1st St, Milwaukee
Join us for the March Monthly Membership Meeting at Fiesta Cafe! Celebrate Women’s History Month with us! Justice Janet Protasiewicz will be our special guest.
Tuesday, March 18
Meet the Spring '25 Candidates, 5:30 - 8:00pm
DPOC Office, 1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
The Democratic Party of Ozaukee County cordially invites you to meet Spring 2025 local candidates on the April 1 ballot. Meet and hear from our endorsed non-partisan School Board, Town Supervisor and Village Trustee candidates while enjoying complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. Get a complimentary ticket!
Immigration Enforcement in Schools: What's Happening and How to Help, 6:00 - 7:30pm
DPOC Office, 1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Immigration policies are affecting students, schools, and communities across the country. Immigrant students and their classmates face increasing challenges from fear of deportation to barriers to learning. These issues don’t just impact immigrant families; they affect the entire education system, shaping the experiences of all students. Join us to hear real stories from the people who are witnessing these struggles firsthand and learn how we can work together to defend the rights of students and build a stronger, more equitable education system. See you there! Sign up
Wednesday, March 19
Write Letters to Wisconsin Voters, 7:00 - 8:00pm CT
Virtual
Join Vote Forward, co-hosts Stand Up America, and Indivisible, and volunteers across the country to write letters to voters in Wisconsin! In the next few years, Wisconsin’s Supreme Court will rule on multiple issues that have profound implications for the people of Wisconsin, including whether the state’s constitution establishes a right to abortion. In recent years the Court has also ruled on multiple cases that impact voting rights and access, including early voting, voter ID, ballot drop boxes, and gerrymandered maps.
The consequences of this year’s election aren’t limited to just one state. Wisconsin is a critical swing state in national elections, so what happens here in 2025 could impact control of the U.S. House in 2026 and even the presidency in 2028. To quote our colleagues at Swing Left “Maintaining or winning control of key state courts like Wisconsin is necessary to the larger, existential fight to preserve our democratic institutions.” Sign up.
Thursday, March 20
Disinfo 101: How to Identify and Fight It, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Virtual
Distinguishing real news from fake can be challenging today with bots spreading disinfo far and wide, deep fakes on our feeds and the amplification of bad information by influencers . We all see the impact that disinformation has on politics in our country. Are you ready to take a stand and fight back against it? Join us to learn what exactly is disinformation, how to recognize it and what we can do to fight its spread. See you there! Sign up. Brought to you by Red Wine & Blue.
Wednesday, March 19
Oz Dems General Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton
Join fellow Democrats as we connect about the upcoming spring election for the State Supreme Court, local, and county elections throughout Ozaukee.
Saturday, March 22
North Shore Dems REACH GOTV, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Virtual
Join the North Shore Dems as we get out the vote for Susan Crawford and progressives up and down the ballot in the crucial April! Unable to canvass or not up for braving the bitter cold? No problem! Friend-to-friend organizing is a powerful tool to turn out your circle this Spring. Our experienced volunteer leaders will train you on the Reach app, so you can organize your network to help us win in April! Sign up.
4th Congressional District Convention, 12:00 - 3:00pm
McGovern Senior Center, 4500 W Custer Ave, Milwaukee
It’s almost time for our 4th Congressional District Convention! I’m looking forward to seeing you all and am anticipating another successful event. Be on the lookout for the official Call to Convention, which will be sent out soon. If you need to renew your membership, please do so via the following link: Renew your membership here.
Sunday, March 23
Democratic Party of Milwaukee County's Annual Gala "Forward Together," 5:30 - 8:30pm
Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago Street, Milwaukee
Please join us this spring for the Milwaukee County Dems Annual Gala: Forward Together! RSVP. Please RSVP names and dietary needs by March 5th to [email protected].
Monday, March 24
JDCA Phone Bank for Susan Crawford, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Virtual
Join JDCA and the WisDems in partnership with GDHQ in making calls in support of Susan Crawford to voters across Wisconsin! We’ll be making calls to talk to voters about what issues are important to them and the importance of electing Susan Crawford to the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race in the upcoming April election. Never made calls before? No problem. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or making calls for the first time, all you need is your computer and a phone. A short training will be provided at the beginning of the phone bank and volunteers can stay on the Zoom in case you need help while we make calls. Sign up.
Tuesday, March 25
Sen. Chris Larson Fundraiser, 5:00 - 6:30pm
1846 W Bruce St, Milwaukee
Join State Senator Chris Larson and Representative Darrin Madison for a discussion of how to amplify Progressive candidates and issues throughout the state. Donate to be a Host for $500 | Sponsor $250 | Friend $100 |Supporter $50. Donate and Sign Up.
Save the Date
Saturday, March 29
Coffee, Tea & Democracy, 10:00am - 1:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Avenue, Grafton
Stop by the Dem office on the last Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 1:00pm for this new event!
Q: What is it?
A: A fun and safe space where ideas will percolate and tea is spilt.
We provide refreshments. You bring yourself, and a friend. See you there!
Monday, March 31
JDCA Phone Bank for Susan Crawford, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Virtual
Join JDCA and the WisDems in partnership with GDHQ in making calls in support of Susan Crawford to voters across Wisconsin! We’ll be making calls to talk to voters about what issues are important to them and the importance of electing Susan Crawford to the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race in the upcoming April election. Never made calls before? No problem. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or making calls for the first time, all you need is your computer and a phone. A short training will be provided at the beginning of the phone bank and volunteers can stay on the Zoom in case you need help while we make calls. Sign up.
other important links
Become a Member of Grassroots North Shore
|
Milwaukee County Democratic Party |
| Ozaukee County Democratic Party | |
Showing 1 reaction
Sign in with