Staying Cool in a Hot Political Climate

Temperatures are, apparently, soaring in DC. The news out of Washington is unrelentingly unsettling. It's been pretty hot here too. The lettuce in my garden has already bolted! Time seems to have entered a bizarre fast lane: events that should take months to develop hurtle past almost too quickly for even cursory understanding. How is it possible that lettuce could complete its quiet life cycle in a matter of days! Or that a presidency could collapse almost before it began. Strange days.

I want to avert my eyes and put earplugs in my ears, but I am mesmerized by the gruesome traffic accident our national government has become. Right now, I am listening to the beginning of the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing starring Jeff Sessions. And I'm trying to respond to all the urgent calls to contact senators about their secret bill to "reform" our entire healthcare system without a single public hearing or any opportunity even to read the bill. Please call Senator Johnson's office today, tomorrow and every day to register your concerns about the bill AND about the process a committee of which he is a member has been using. Here's his contact information: 
(414) 276-7282 and (202) 224-5323.

And continue doing all you do to push back against the many, many ways the Trump administration and the Walker administration continue to undermine our democracy and to damage the environment, our social safety net, and our country's general well being.

Please also save the date for the next Grassroots North Shore event, a FAIR ELECTIONS TOWN HALL on Sunday, July 16, at 4:30pm (doors open at 4) at the North Shore Presbyterian Church (4048 N Bartlett Ave, Shorewood). Sachin Chheda (Director of the Fair Elections Project), Dan Theno (former Republican State Senator), and Anna Dvorak (lead organizer for the Citizen Action Milwaukee Organizing Cooperative) will explain how Wisconsin's legislative districts became so skewed after the 2010 census, what the lawsuit Gill v Whitford entails and where it currently stands, and what Senate Bill 13 and Assembly Bill 44 (both bills currently stalled in the legislature) would do to address the problem of unfair electoral maps in the future.

We're Moving to a New Office Soon

What We Looked For in a New Location

From Eilene Stevens, Chair

I thought finding a place that met our needs would be easier. We needed a first floor location with a lot of parking. We also needed to stay within our budget. We pride ourselves on asking for money only twice a year: once for a modest membership fee (single - $20, family - $30, and student/limited income - $5 a year) and a single, annual fundraiser. We are committed to staying within our North Shore Communities and meeting our financial obligations without asking our members for more.

We looked for almost two years. We looked at storefronts, vacant restaurants, shared office spaces. Either the price was right but there was no parking or the space was wonderful but too much money. Finally, Mark Gennis found our new home. It meets our needs: on the first floor, tons of parking, and we can afford it.

Next week: Details about our July 3rd move with pictures of our new location.

 

EVENTS

Tue Jun 13, 2017

"13th" Film, 5pm - 7:30pm 
Mill Road Library, 6431 N. 76th St., Milwaukee 
The film "13th" will be shown, with discussion to follow. The film explores the "intersection of race, justice and mass incarceration in the United States;" it is titled after the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which freed the slaves and prohibited slavery (unless as punishment for a crime). It covers post-Civil War convict leasing; suppression of African Americans by disenfranchisement, lynchings and Jim Crow; conservative Republicans declaring a war on drugs that weigh more heavily on minority communities and, by the late 20th century, mass incarceration of people of color in the United States. It examines the prison-industrial complex and the emerging detention-industrial complex, demonstrating how much money is being made by corporations from such incarcerations.

Sup. Lipscomb Town Hall, 6pm - 7pm 
Village Hall, 7650 N. Pheasant Ln., River Hills 
County Board Chairman Theodore Liscomb, Sr. invites you to a Chat with the Chairman listening session. More information, 414- 278-4280.

Drinking Liberally MKE, 6:30pm - 8:30pm 
Riverwest Public House Co-op, 815 E. Locust St., Milwaukee 
Now, more than ever, Drinking Liberally is a space to gather, support each other, and form the progressive community we're going to need to get through the next four years. 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.

Wed Jun 14, 2017

Refuel the Resistance, 5pm - 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 action 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.

Political Climate Discussion, 6pm - 8pm 
Citizen Action, 221 S. 2nd St., Suite 300, Milwaukee 
The Citizen Action Organizing Cooperative will hold the first in a series of informal discussions among interested members and friends, on topics related to the current political situation and our role in shaping a path forward. The topic for the first discussion will be "The Current Political Climate -- Neoliberalism, the Far Right, the Resistance and the Next Elections." The goal of the discussions will be to come to a general agreement on an analysis of the political situation and its effect on our plans for the coming year's elections and beyond. The group will meet in two sections. Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested, contact Al Nichols.

Southwest Region Dems Meeting, 6pm - 6pm 
Greendale Public Library, 5647 Broad St., Greendale 
Region 5 Democrats will hold their monthly meeting at the Greendale Public Library (enter through rear at 5600 Parking St.). Region 5 covers Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee (Southwest), West Allis, West Milwaukee. Email for more information.

Thu Jun 15, 2017

Green Drinks Milwaukee, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 
Good drinks, good conversation and a chance to network with other environmentally minded people. More information.

"Healthcare for All" Organizing Cooperative Kick-off Meeting, 6:30pm - 8:30pm 
Unity Church, 1717 N 73rd St, Wauwatosa 
If you, like so many, are wondering how to keep the hope and energy alive after months of the protest movement, then you will want to join us Thursday June 15th. Join us as we launch a membership drive that will allow us to permanently hire our new "Healthcare for All" organizer who will work for YOU and give a voice to overworked medical professionals, scared patients and upset citizens.

Healthcare for All Co-op Kickoff, 6:30pm - 8:15pm 
Unity Church, 1717 N. 73rd St., Milwaukee Join the WI Federation of Nurses & Health Professionals, "Healthcare for All" SEWI, Citizen Action of WI and more to launch a 60 day drive to talk to hundreds of Southeast WI residents about the concept of a Citizen Action "Healthcare for All" Organizing Cooperative -- a member-owned organization made up of health consumers, medical professionals and small business owners -- and ask them: what should we do to fix and protect healthcare for all? The "Healthcare for All" Organizing Cooperative is a membership based organization with the goal of hiring a local permanent community organizer. This organizer spends every day finding other people who will agree with YOU on how we should fight for a better Wisconsin. RSVP.

"Now Is the Time" Healthcare Film, 7pm 
Alverno College, New Berlin 
Join local Democracy for America members and other activists to screen and discuss the healthcare film "Now is the Time." Corporations are profiting from expensive prescriptions, high insurance premiums, and the massive amount of medical debt many incur to stay alive. And this is not new. RSVP to receive address and directions. RSVP.

Waukesha County Democratic Party Meeting, 7pm - 9pm 
336 Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha 
The Waukesha County Democratic Party meets the 3rd Thursday of every month.

Fri Jun 16, 2017

Midwest Energy Fair, All Day 
Renew The Earth Institute, 7558 Deer Road, Custer, WI 
The 28th Annual Energy Fair, June 16-18, 2016 - Custer, WI (near Stevens Point). Each year the MREA Energy Fair transforms rural Central Wisconsin into the global hot spot for renewable energy education. The Energy Fair brings over 15,000 people from nearly every state in the U.S. and several countries around the world to learn, connect with others and ready them for action at home. The Energy Fair is the nation's longest running energy education event of its kind. The Energy Fair features: Over 200 exhibitors - sustainable living and clean energy products; Over 250 workshops - beginner to advanced hands-on education; Clean Transportation Show - featuring exhibitors, vehicles and demos; Inspirational keynotes, lively entertainment, great food, and local beer. For comprehensive information and advance ticket purchase. Discounted Energy Fair WI tickets available through May 17th! New this year – Reserved seating tickets for keynote speaker JB Straubel, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and co-founder of Tesla.

Sat Jun 17, 2017

NAACP Monthly Meeting, 11am - 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.

GOTV for Georgia Election, 12pm - 3pm 
DPMC Office, 2999 S. Delaware Ave., Milwaukee 
Please bring a laptop or iPad for a virtual phonebank supporting Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff in advance of the important June 20 special election for a Georgia congressional seat. He has an interesting background that will serve him well in Congress. More information about Ossoff.

"Stand for Peace" Demonstration and Rally, 12pm - 1pm 
St. Paul and Water Street by Milwaukee Public Market. 
Milwaukee “Stands for Peace” in solidarity with New York’s “Women’s March for Peace” to raise awareness of the treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons being negotiated in June and July at the United Nations. Participants will line the streets with signs from noon to 12:30, then gather in the green space on Water Street (across from the Market) to listen to brief statements in support of the treaty to “Ban the Bomb”. Speakers will include Pam Richard, Tri- Valley Communities Against a Radioactive Environment; Julie Enslow, 350.org Milwaukee; Mary Laan, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. More information: Pam Richard, 510-542-7688 or Jim Carpenter, 414-347-0353.

Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, 8pm - 10pm 
Comedy Sportz Theater, 420 S. 1st St., Milwaukee 
Laughing Liberally Milwaukee presents a night of progressive political comedy. In addition to some of the finest progressive comedians Milwaukee has to offer, each Laughing Liberally Milwaukee will feature a special interview with a local political figure, journalist or activist. This month's will feature a guest from the grassroots activist organization Voces De La Frontera. Advance tickets ($8).

Mon Jun 19, 2017

Camp Union, 8am - 3pm 
MALC, 633 S. Hawley Rd., Milwaukee 
Camp Union for high school students: Join the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Milwaukee Chapter and Milwaukee Area Labor Council Community Services for a five-day look at the history, purpose, and relevance of labor unions in America. This free program runs from June 19 to 23, lunch and snacks provided. A limited number of places are available. Enrollment and more information: Jay Reinke, 414-771-7070x16.

Juneteenth Day, 9am - 6pm 
Martin Luther King Drive, between Burleigh and Center Streets, Milwaukee 
The event kicks off with the parade. Live entertainment features local African dance groups, a variety of musical groups, and the Miss Juneteenth Day Pageant. Soul food and other festival favorites are available all day long. Juneteenth Day is a community celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. The film 53206 will be shown at the Martin Luther King Library, 310 W. Locust at 9am, 11am, and 1pm, and at the NAACP, 2745 N. MLK at 4pm, cosponsored by Sen. Lena Taylor and the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County Free admission.

Milwaukee Dems Meeting, 4pm - 6pm 
NAACP, 2745 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee 
PLEASE NOTE: Instead of the regular membership meeting, the DPMC will cosponsor a showing of the film Milwaukee 53206 during the Juneteenth celebration. The film tells the story of how poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunity made 53206 America’s most incarcerated ZIP code. Volunteer jobs for Democrats during the day of Juneteenth (please call Rhonda Stovall at 414-460-7052 to sign up):

SET UP Team 
Booths:7:00am-8:00am 
Trolley Decorating: 7:00am 
Signage: 7:00am 

Distribute Flyers: 8:00 - 3:00 
Booth: various 8:00am - 5:30 
Parade: 8:00am- 10am 
Movies (Host/Hostess/Refreshments) MLK Library 8:00--SET UP Crew 9:0011:00 1:00 3:30-- TAKE Down--Transfer to NAACP NAACP 3:00

Milwaukee County Democrats meet monthly to discuss party business, hear speakers on current topics, pass resolutions, and network with other progressives. All interested Democrats are invited.

ESSA Listening Session, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 
MPS Central Services, 5225 W. Vliet St., Room 206-208, Milwaukee 
Parents; teachers; other educators, school administrators, and board members; business and civic officials; and all citizens will have an opportunity to learn about and comment on Wisconsin’s draft plan to implement federal education law (ESSA). Presented by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Comments can also be submitted online (deadline is June 30). RSVP (suggested)More information.

Gwen Moore Budget Town Hall, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 
Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee 
Rep. Gwen Moore will host a town hall to discuss the critical issue of our nation's budget. Have you wondered how this federal budget was developed? Do you want to know how President Trump's budget will impact you? Find out how much money comes back to the 4th District for programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Food Stamps, Housing, Education, Veterans, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Corporation for National & Community Service, Job Training, Legal Services, Community Development Block Grants, Head Start, Weatherization, Transportation, etc. Doors open at 5:00pm. RSVP.

Grassroots Waukesha Member Meeting, 6:30pm - 8pm 
336 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha 
Monthly membership/planning meeting. Everyone Welcome.

Tue Jun 20, 2017

Drinking Liberally Shorewood, 6pm - 8pm 
Camp Bar, 4044 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood 
Progressives meet monthly in Shorewood to socialize, talk about politics, and hear invited speakers. All are welcome.

Wed Jun 21, 2017

Health Care Reform Panel, 11:30am - 1:30pm 
Newsroom Pub, 137 E. Wells St., Milwaukee 
The stakes are high in Wisconsin and nationwide as Congress considers and revises the American Health Care Act (AHCA), intended to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Milwaukee Press Club has assembled panelists with expertise in health care, insurance and community health to discuss what they believe is needed in order to provide quality, affordable health care to families and individuals for the foreseeable future. Cost: $20 for MPC members, $25 for non-members, $15 for students. Lunch is included. Seating is limited. Advance registration and payment (required).

Refuel the Resistance, 5pm - 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 action 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:

Citizen Action Co-op Celebration, 6pm - 9pm 
Candelas Banquet Hall, 2537 W. National Ave., Milwaukee 
The Citizen Action Organizing Co-op will celebrate its first two years of growth and work on issues like health care, voting rights, economic justice, climate change and the environment. Please join in to celebrate, hear from fellow member and School Board Director Tony Baez, hear from members running for the steering committee, get updated on the latest developments, enjoy good company, eat a delicious potluck dinner, and sing some karaoke! RSVP.

Drinking Liberally Wauwatosa, 6pm - 8pm 
Cranky Al's, 6901 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa 
Come join fellow Wauwatosa progressives for good conversation and good beer at one of Tosa's most gemütlich establishments, Cranky Al's. DLW meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 6 pm.

Thu Jun 22, 2017

Mental Health Board Meeting, 8am 
Zoofari Conference Center, 9715 W Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee 
Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Meeting. Budget Presentation. More information.

Waukesha Writers Club, 6:30pm - 8pm 
336 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha 
The "Letter to the Editor" section is one of the most widely read parts of the newspaper, offering a chance to reach a broad audience. Letters to our legislators are also an effective way to let them know what we expect of them. Working together gives us the opportunity to discuss the current issues, improve writing skills, develop persuasive techniques that target intended readers, and help each other with ideas and suggestions. Sponsored by Grassroots Waukesha (Contact Carl).

Fri Jun 23, 2017

Our WIs Revolution Founding Convention, Fri - Sat All day 
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites, 5110 Main St., Stevens Point 
Our Wisconsin Revolution, inspired by Bernie Sanders, will hold its founding convention to vote on its bylaws, platform, and board members, along with workshops and trainings. More information and registration.

Sat Jun 24, 2017

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. Details.

Sun Jun 25, 2017

Sunday Demonstration, 12pm - 1pm 
Cutler Park, Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha 
What are you most concerned about? Social justice, democracy, the environment? Join us for a silent demonstration. We meet at Cutler Park in Waukesha on the sidewalk along Wisconsin Avenue near the Public Library. Bring a sign or use one of ours. Sponsored by Grassroots Waukesha.

Mon Jun 26, 2017

On the Issues: Problem-Oriented Policing, 12:15pm - 1:15pm 
Marquette University, Eckstein Hall, 1215 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee 
Michael Scott, director of the Center for Problem-Oriented Policiing, will discuss this approach to dealing with crime and disorder. It places a high value on new responses that are preventive in nature, that are not dependent on the use of the criminal justice system, and that engage other public agencies, the community and the private sector when their involvement has the potential for significantly contributing to the reduction of the problem. RSVP (required).

Coping with PTSD, 6:30pm - 8pm 
NAMI Office, 3200 S. 3rd St., Unit 6, Milwaukee 
NAMI Greater Milwaukee will host a presentation on "Coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)" by veteran Mark Flower, co-founder of DryHootch. He will share his recovery and will describe how to recognize the signs and symptoms of PTSD, basic coping strategies to help manage symptoms, and resources on where to seek help.

 


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