As the days grow shorter and the country grows darker, it's tempting to cocoon: just stay home with the heat and lights on, or enjoy a meal with friends and ignore as best we can the horrors of ICE, of troops on the streets of our cities, of the destruction of our democracy symbolized by the destruction of the White House. But we MUST NOT GIVE IN OR GIVE UP. So I begin the newsletter today with an uplifting speech Cleve Jones, a key organizer for the global queer community, gave at the San Fransisco No Kings rally. It will renew your spirit for the long fight ahead of us. And if you missed the Milwaukee rally, you can see the wonderful skit it included on YouTube.
The best antidote for despair, I find, is meaningful activity. So I am giving the newsletter over to some of the many things you can do to make life a little more bearable, both for you and for the many Americans who will need help in the coming days and weeks.
To find out what comes next — after the huge No Kings events — you should tune in to Indivisible's regular Thursday afternoon online calls: What's the Plan? Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin, the co-founders of Indivisible, use the hour to discuss what's happening and — more important — what's the plan! The calls take place from 2:00 - 3:00pm CT.
Then sign up for the Grassroots North Shore online presentation What's Happening to the US Economy? Does it still work? with a distinguished panel: Dr. William Holahan, emeritus professor of economics; Luz Sosa, founder of an organization providing financial literacy training; and Dr. Michael Rosen, retired economics professor. The panel will discuss how the economy works and how to counter the misinformation, manipulation, and economic threats we face. The event takes place on Sunday, November 9, from 4:30 - 6:00pm. Sign up.
The continuing government shutdown is impacting many facets of our lives but none more significant than the cessation of food assistance. FoodShare, Wisconsin's program for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will not be able to provide food assistance after October 31 unless the federal government relents and uses the $5 billion contingency fund set up to meet emergencies. You can get a sense of just how many households in Wisconsin participate in SNAP by Congressional District as of 2019 here. I added the numbers up so you don't have to: it was about 223,798 households six years ago and may be more now. The number of people in Wisconsin who participate in FoodShare is 689,315 (source).
You can make a difference in three easy ways.
-
Donate to the Kinship Community Food Center (formerly the Riverwest Food Pantry) to help it stock meat, eggs, fresh produce, and dairy. Kinship currently purchases these items at cost to fill gaps in its well-rounded inventory that families rely on. The organization anticipates needing to spend 3x more than our current food acquisition budget to meet demand.
- Use 5 Calls to call Governor Evers and ask him to exert as much pressure on Trump as he can "to use all available funds to keep SNAP benefits flowing."
- You might also want to sign the Women's March petition to "tell Congress and the White House: Release contingency funds now and restore SNAP." (Once you sign you will land on a donation page but you don't have to oblige!)
Other resources for food assistance include the Hunger Task Force and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. Both have utilities for locating food pantries. You can also access the Hunger Relief Federation,"a statewide association of independent food banks and food pantries, formed for the express purpose of mutual benefit in matters related to funding, resource sharing and public policy organizing." For links to organizations in other areas of Wisconsin, UpNorthNews has compiled a list.
And while I'm on the subject of helping other Americans cope with scarcity, federal workers who are not getting paid also need assistance. FEEA, the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund, needs donations to augment its programs during this troubling time. Those of us who are hardly touched by want and privation need to give what we can to help others. Please be generous! And if you know people who going without paychecks because of the shutdown, please share the AFL-CIO web page — State Resources for Shutdown-Impacted Federal Employees and Contractors — with them. In addition to the national information, there's a link for Wisconsin employees who qualify to apply for unemployment benefits online.
In other news you might have missed, Spotify is advertising to recruit for ICE. If you don't want your streaming music application to be complicit in that ugly work, give the business the Disney+ treatment. That's what citizens did after the company cancelled Jimmy Kimmel's show. Just cancel your subscription!
And chose to use your shopping dollars more wisely: you can find out the partisan lean of your favorite companies at Goods Unite Us. Here's what the utility says about why it matters to choose companies whose politics are aligned with yours: "The average consumer indirectly contributes 3x more to political campaigns through everyday purchases than through direct donations. And some of those profits get donated to politicians and causes you might not agree with." Our decisions about what and where to buy the goods and services we want and need can make a difference!
One Year to Win Canvassing and Food Donation Drive
In a more active vein, the Democratic Party has a big Weekend of Action coming up and you should plan to participate. Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. Canvassers will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. This early canvassing effort will lay the groundwork for all the Get Out the Vote efforts we will need to make next year, beginning with the critical Wisconsin Supreme Court election in April. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference!
Below I have listed sign-up links for many of the events in the Milwaukee area, a few of which are taking place only on Saturday and more of which are taking place both Saturday and Sunday. When you go to a sign-up page, you will see the shift times.
As we prepare for this ONE YEAR TO WIN, the Dems are encouraging teams and county parties to do a food drive collection at the canvass events to support our neighbors who may be impacted by the uncertainty around SNAP (FoodShare) benefits. Please bring shelf-stable food — canned and boxed items including powdered milk and holiday foods like canned green beans and cranberry sauce — to leave at the staging locations. (Check with your staging location host first!) Even if you cannot canvass, you can always drop by 6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale, 53209, to leave donations over the Weekend of Action. Cheryl Maranto and I will be there to launch canvasses and to accept your donations.
Saturday, November 1
One Year to Win Canvass in Brookfield and Elm Grove.
One Year to Win Canvass in Mequon.
One Year to Win Canvass in Shorewood!
One Year to Win Canvass in Whitefish Bay!
Saturday & Sunday, November 1 & 2
One Year to Win Canvass in East Tosa!
One Year to Win Canvass in Fox Point/Bayside!
One Year to Win Canvass in Glendale!
One Year to Win Canvass in Hartland and Delafield!
One Year to Win Canvass in Menomonee Falls!
One Year to Win Canvass in Muskego!
One Year to Win Canvass in New Berlin!
One Year to Win Canvass in Oconomowoc and Dousman.
One Year to Win Canvass in Pewaukee.
One Year to Win Canvass in Waukesha City!
One Year to Win Canvass in SW Milwaukee!
One Year to Win Canvass in West Allis!
One Year to Win Canvass in West Tosa!
TAKE ACTION
The WisDems Community Messenger Program is a new initiative launching on November 3, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00pm, and running through Election Day 2026. This program is designed to mobilize trusted voices within communities across Wisconsin to help us reach voters who may not typically engage with Democratic campaigns during a traditional election cycle. The commitment is small, but will have a huge impact! Download the WisDems Community Messenger Program One-Pager. Then sign up for the Milwaukee Community Messenger Program! Community Messengers will play a vital role in expanding our reach, deepening our relationships, and amplifying our message in every corner of the state.
What happens in Virginia on November 4 will shape the nation and the 2026 Congressional races. Help us make Get Out The Vote (GOTV) calls to Democratic voters on 10/29 and 11/3. Every new blue vote strengthens our democracy. Let’s finish strong! Take Action Now: Join Virginia GOTV Efforts on Wednesday, October 29 from 5:00 - 7:00pm CdT and/or on Monday, November 3, from 4:00 - 6:00pm CST.
EVENTS
Wednesday, October 29
Virginia 2025: Phonebank, 5:30 - 7:00pm CDT (plus additional days and times)
Virtual
All eyes are on Virginia this November! Help Indivisible deliver wins for candidates who will put Virginia first, from the top of the ticket all the way down to the local school board! Let’s flip the governor’s mansion, grow the Dem majority in the House of Delegates, and elect public school champions to our school boards. We’ll be using Scale to Win, our easy-to-use calling tool, to connect with voters all across Virginia to remind them of the upcoming election and make sure they have a plan to vote. A short phonebanking training will be included at the beginning of the event. Be sure to have both a computer and a phone so that you can make phone calls to voters. Sign up.
Love America Rally with Heather Cox Richardson, 6:30pm CDT
Virtual
While extremists tried to brand No Kings as "Hate America Rallies"-–they couldn't have been more wrong. Flags were flying and peaceful messages of love and patriotism were the theme of the day. Much to the dismay of those trying to tear us apart, the real power in this country is citizens coming together. Join historian and author Heather Cox Richardson as we talk about how Americans can take back patriotism in this moment–including by voting and getting our friends to vote in the elections happening nationwide on Tuesday, November 4th. Each of us has the power to spark change in our communities, and this is a celebration of what we can do when we join together! Sign up.
Thursday, October 30
Weekly Bridge Brigade in Milwaukee, 4:00 - 5:30pm CDT
Lincoln Avenue I-43/94 Overpass
We have a new message every week and people are welcome to come and wave, help us hold upthe letter frames or bring their own signs for the Lincoln Avenue traffic. Join us on Facebook at Bridge Brigade MKE.
Community Conversation on Milwaukee County's 2026 Budget, Transportation, Climate, and Equity, 6:00 - 8:00pm CDT
Washington Park Urban Ecology Center, 1859 N 40th St, Miklwaukee
Our League is cosponsoring a Community Conversation on Milwaukee County's 2026 budget, transportation, climate and equity. You will hear directly from County Departments about what is at stake in the proposed 2026 budget. Ask quesiton and get the facts. Raise your voice for protecting transit, public health and climate resilience. The event will be led by LWVMC member and County Supervisor, Anne O'Connor.
Friday, October 31
Bridging Across the Political Divide, 10:00 - 11:00am
Knickerbocker Hotel, 1028 E Juneau Ave, Milwaukee
You are invited to the LPS Forum on the values of diverse groups in our communities. Learn how these values impact our ability to communicate about the current political crisis. For more Information, contact Karen Royster. Let us know if you plan to attend or if you're interested but cannot attend.
Saturday, November 1
Tosa Weekly Peaceful Protest, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Corners of 76th and Bluemound & 76th and North, Wauwatosa
East Castle Saturday Group Protest, 1:00 - 1:30pm
Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Meet on the east side of the street, Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Monday, November 3
Speak Out on the Healthcare Disaster, 4:00 - 5:00pm CST
Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Drive, Cudahy
Hold Congressmen like Bryan Steil ACCOUNTABLE for voting to SLASH HEALTH CARE for MILLIONS of Americans so that the rich get massive tax breaks. SPEAK OUT on your experience. Sponsored by Indivisible South Shore. Co-sponsored by Grassroots North Shore.
Tuesday, November 4
WI Voting Rights Family Meeting, 2:00pm CST
Online
Please join these voting rights partners for a hope-filled and unique online FAMILY MEETING, where we come together, learn about the vast landscape of Wisconsin Voting Rights, and find actions that we can take right now and carry on into 2026. The following organizations have confirmed attendance, and we expect to add even more as the date grows nearer: WIVEC / ACLU / All Voting is Local / Campus Vote Project of Fair Elections Center / Impact Data and Events / League of Women Voters-WI / Souls to the Polls / Tikkun Ha-Ir / WAZE / Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. When we combine the power of faith and community with the force of action, we can do great things! We are proof that we are indeed “stronger together”. Register.
Wednesday, November 5
Fair Maps Activist Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:30pm CST
Virtual
Fair Maps Activist Monthly Meeting zoom link (this same link will be used for all of 2025): Sign up.
Thursday, November 6
Weekly Bridge Brigade in Milwaukee, 4:00 - 5:30pm CST
Lincoln Avenue I-43/94 Overpass
We have a new message every week and people are welcome to come and wave, help us hold upthe letter frames or bring their own signs for the Lincoln Avenue traffic. Join us on Facebook at Bridge Brigade MKE.
Voter Registration Training, 6:00 - 7:30pm CST
Location provided in confirmation email
Join the League of Women Voters to learn how to register voters so you can volunteer for the upcoming election season! Registration required.
Friday, November 7
courage+ family gala 2025, 5:30pm CST
Baird Center, 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
This year, we’re not only celebrating 10 years of coming together to support LGBTQ+ youth. The 2025 gala also will mark our inaugural year as Courage+ and, with it, our extended reach beyond Milwaukee. More information and buy tickets.
Saturday, November 8
Tosa Weekly Peaceful Protest, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Corners of 76th and Bluemound & 76th and North, Wauwatosa
East Castle Saturday Group Protest, 1:00 - 1:30pm
Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Meet on the east side of the street, Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Sunday, November 9
What's Happening to the US Economy? Does it still work?, 4:30 - 6:00pm CST
Virtual
The US economy faces increasing headwinds due to the administration's dangerous economic policies. Our panel will explain how the economy works and how to counter the misinformation, manipulation and economic threats we face.
Our Panel of Experts
- Dr. William Holahan is an emeritus professor of economics and authors economic policy articles for a variety of local publications.
- Luz Sosa is the founder of an organization that provides financial literacy training. She also teaches a wide range of economic topics.
- Dr. Michael Rosen is an author and professor who taught economics for 29 years and served as president of the faculty union.
Tuesday, November 11
Astor Street Regulars: Chief Justice Jill Karofsky, 12:00pm CST
Wisconsin Club, 900 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court August 1, 2020. Chosen by her colleagues, she became Chief Justice on July 1, 2025. Before serving on the Supreme Court, Justice Karofsky served as a Judge on the Dane County Circuit Court from 2017 to 2020. Her thoughts on leadership: "I want to lead with empathy first, I want to lead with kindness first.” Please respond by Wednesday, Nov. 5th. RSVP to Phyllis Bankier. Lunch will be $35. Cash preferred, pay at the door. We must hold you to your reservations as we are charged for all lunches not canceled 5 days before the event. NOTE: There are only 70 seats available for this luncheon.
Milwaukee Veterans for Peace: Armistice Day, 6:30 - 8:00pm CDT
Central United Methodist Church, 639 N 25th St, Milwaukee
Music begins at 6:30pm and program starts at 7pm.
Save the Date
Monday, November 17
Election Meeting 2025/ November General Membership Meeting for Milwaukee County Dems, 5:30pm CST
Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W Vilet St, Milwaukee
Registration will take place from 5:30 - 6:15pm. The meeting will begin at 6:00. You must be a member of the party to vote. The deadline for becoming a member in order to vote in this election is November 7, 2025. The bylaws governing the election can be found here.
Wednesday, November 19
Banned Book Club: The Best We Could Do, 6:30pm CST
Virtual
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui is an illustrated memoir describing the experience of the author’s parents living in Vietnam before and during the VietnamWar, and then their escape to the United States as refugees when Bui was just a child. It was targeted for banning in a California public library system with the reason given that it was not suitable for people under 18. Sign up.
Ozaukee Democrats Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm CST
1245 Cheyenne Ave., #103, Grafton
Join us for our monthly meeting to get the latest updates on our fight to turn Ozaukee County blue and find out how you can help.
Thursday, November 20
Fund the Flip event for Robyn Vining, 6:00 - 8:00pm CST
location provided upon registration
Representative Robyn Vining is running for WI State Senate District 5 in what has been deemed the most “flippable” seat in the entire state legislature. No one knows how to “flip" better than Robyn! She was the first Democrat to flip a legislative seat on the most gerrymandered map in the country in 2018, and she's defeated all of her Republican opponents since then. Her most recent flip was in 2024, when she soundly defeated the incumbent after she was redistricted into the 13th District, winning 57% of the vote. Another flip! Robyn is a great candidate and an even better legislator. And she’s our best chance to break long-held Republican control of our state legislature in order to begin governing again for all Wisconsinites. Learn more about Robyn. RSVP for Fund the Flip.
Saturday, November 22
Coffee, Tea & Democracy, 10:00 - 11:00am CST
1245 Cheyenne Avenue, Ste 103, Grafton
Stop by the Dem office on the last Saturday of every month from 10 - 11am 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!
Grassroots North Shore Poster Party, 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Shorewood Recreation & Community Services, 1701 E Capitol Dr, Shorewood
Be ready for any rally! Express yourself and say what needs to be said! Make your own poster -- GRNS supplies the materials on Saturday, November 22nd, 10:30 - noon; Shorewood recreation center. RSVP to Shirley Horowitz.
other important links
Become a Member of Grassroots North Shore 
|
Visit Grassroots North Shore on Facebook and Like Us!  |
|
Join us on BlueSky
|
Showing 1 reaction