Today's newsletter begins with an urgent action: Take five minutes to join others across America in a rapid response. Trump has declared a bogus "emergency" – a horrible crime wave – and called up the Washington National Guard to quell the non-existent emergency! So we need to respond in huge numbers.
Call Tammy Baldwin, Ron Johnson, and your Congressional Rep and let them know that it is unacceptable for the federal government to send troops into American cities to take action against our own people! Use 5 Calls (it’s easy). If you have time, get revved-up first by watching Rachel Maddow prove that the fascist takeover is “not about crime”, and Heather Cox Richardson “candescent with rage,” then make the calls! For more on how to talk about this moment, head over to ASO Messaging on MAGA Regime Sending Military and Law Enforcement into Our Communities..
A key difference between the avenues of resistance and noncompliance in L.A. and those in D.C. is the fact that D.C. is not a state and so lacks a governor who could refuse to grant permission to federalize the National Guard, as Governor Newsom has done in California. And he has filed a federal lawsuit contesting the use of troops to engage in domestic law enforcement. But in Washington, D.C., the president himself has direct authority over the National Guard. One thing D.C. has going for it, however, is that the deployment has only a 30-day window. Then Congress must approve it or it would no longer be legal. That's why it is an URGENT MATTER for you to call your members of Congress now, while Trump's approval continues to decline. The theory is that if Trump begins to be weak enough, his hold over GOP senators and reps will also weaken. So do your part and CALL.
Unfortunately, there are so many egregious actions emanating from the Trump regime's bullies that is almost impossible to keep focused and engaged in actions that will grow the massive resistance and noncompliance this turn to authoritarianism requires in order to defeat it. That's why I urge you to attend the final session of One Million Rising: Strategic Non-Cooperation to Fight Authoritarianism this evening from 7:00 - 8:30pm. While the assault on our cherished values and our democratic form of governance has been and continues to be swift, our fight to restore it will take time and persistence. We simply cannot afford to give up and give in. Our children, our grandchildren and their children are depending on US to fight back so they too can thrive in a democratic republic as we were privileged to do.
In their Substack Our Moral Moment, Bishop William Barber and Jonathon Wilson-Hartgrove this week offered America Needs Real Economic Populism, with the sub-headline "The vulnerability Trump exploited is MAGA's Achilles Heel." Although it's a common myth that poor people are mostly Black and brown folks, the largest demographic remains poor whites, the essential MAGA base. Barber and Wilson-Hartgrove explain that "the poverty and financial vulnerability that isolates millions of white people is the experience of more than half of Americans who lack financial security. Poverty isn’t a rare glitch in the current US economy. It is a feature of our economy’s design." And so Trump promised to make America affordable again all while turning his back — and considerable power — on their needs.
Here's how Barber and Wilson-Hartgrove sum up the trajectory of the regime: "Trump has not delivered for poor and working people. He has, instead, persuaded Republicans in Congress to join him in passing the largest transfer of wealth from low-income Americans to the rich in US history. As his executive tariff tax goes into effect, prices will rise for everyday Americans while they face the very real consequences of higher health insurance costs, cuts to healthcare services, shuttered rural hospitals, and family farms filing for bankruptcy." Hence the need for the real economic populism they call for: policies that would "raise wages, guarantee access to healthcare and education, and bring down prices for people who are feeling the pain of Trump’s giveaways to billionaires."
Tracking the inflation we are beginning to experience is the website Don't Inflate Our Plates. At least today, as I am writing this, the site's front page features information about the price of beef in Texas — "up 46.69% in the past 157 days" — and provides a link to show its work. When you look up the price of beef in Wisconsin, the site shows it as having risen 16.70% since 2024, based on "the Kroger API, which reflects real-time in-store prices from Kroger and affiliated banners." It's a site worth watching and using in our messaging to the people who are most affected by rising prices: the middle class and the poor.
Yet, as Paul Krugman, renowned economist and Nobel laureate, has pointed out countless times, Trump lies about why he imposes crippling tariffs (aka taxes on American consumers) and then the media fail to report what's actually happening: "the president of the U.S. is making drastic policy changes in order to cure a problem that only exists in his imagination." "The question," he writes, "is how something like the agreement with the European Union, in which the U.S. imposed taxes on its own population while Europe made meaningless promises on investment and energy purchases, leads to headlines like this: Trump is Winning His Trade War. What Will That Mean for the Economy?"
There's a lot of problematic reporting on the regime's attacks on basic civil liberties, Trump's insistence on white-washing American history, and his extortion of universities. The media's coverage is much like its treatment of his trade policies. So we need to be absolutely clear! There is no crime wave. Our well-documented history cannot be deleted to protect Trump's injured feelings and to expunge the role that slavery, African-Americans and other Blacks, and minority communities play in our culture. And while there is undoubtedly some antisemitism on college campuses, it can be found there, Krugman writes, "because you can find antisemitism everywhere. But I’m a lot more afraid of MAGA, which is infested with actual Nazis, than I am of a few leftist college students." Hence the title of his July 31 essay "The Media Can’t Handle the Absence of Truth."
In some election 2026 news, Swing Left is targeting Republicans they are considering vulnerable. Among the 15 on the list is Derrick Van Orden in the 3rd Congressional District in Wisconsin. He's in our sights also! Although there are two court cases in Dane County courts to challenge Wisconsin's gerrymandered electoral maps, these cases will not be resolved before the 2026 elections. But Democrats only need to flip THREE seats from red to blue nationally to gain control of the House. We can do our part by flipping TWO in Wisconsin: CD 1 and CD 3. Those incumbents need to go. The Wisconsin Democratic Party is running phone banks in CD 3, Van Orden's district. You can sign up for one or more of them. Or you can use Grassroots North Shore's phone lists to make calls into CD 1, Bryan Steil's district. Contact Nancy Kaplan for more information and to sign up.
Finally, word of a new challenger to Bryan Steil just emerged. Mitchell Berman, a Racine County nurse, is the second Democrat to come forward. (Randy Bryce, who ran against Steil in 2018, was the first.) So there will be a primary in this race in August. Berman's launch video stresses his working class background and his rural Wisconsin roots. The Wisconsin Examiner, in a piece by Erik Gunn, has coverage of Berman's views. Since this is one of the districts Grassroots North Shore intends to help flip, I hope you'll take a look.
TAKE ACTION
The Dems are hosting a second School Supply GiveAway on August 23. Caryn Melton, 4405 N Marlborough Drive in Shorewood has agreed to be a drop-off point for donations from the North Shore. Caryn will have a receptacle on her porch for them.
The county-wide goals the party has set for donations of school supplies are pretty ambitious. So if you can, purchase and donate SOME of the material kids will need this school year. Here's a list of items to donate:
- Backpacks - 250
- Binders - 250
- Folders - 250
- Pens/Pencils - 50 to 100 packs
- Crayons/Markers - 50 to 100 packs
The School Supply Giveaway will take place on August 23. So not a lot of time. Get right on it!
This weekend the Democrats are holding a Weekend of Action. In Glendale on Saturday, August 16, Democrats will be doing High Traffic Canvassing in Glendale. On Sunday, August 17, there will be canvasses at the following locations:
- Lakefront Dems at the Brady Street Market
- Glendale
- Grafton and Cedarburg
- Menomonee Falls and Sussex
- New Berlin
Help take control of the House of Representatives! Make phone calls to make sure their constituents know that Representatives Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden voted to slash Medicaid funding and money for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) when they approved the Big Ugly Budget Bill (BUBB). In the next few weeks, Congress must hammer out appropriation bills to allocate funding for specific agencies and programs under that budget framework. So this is the perfect time to revisit the draconian cuts to the social safety net and restore critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP! Sign up..
EVENTS
Wednesday, August 13
One Million Rising: Strategic Non-Cooperation to Fight Authoritarianism, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Virtual
Across the country, authoritarian forces are getting bolder and more dangerous. Trump and his allies are not hiding their agenda: mass deportations, rollbacks of civil rights, weaponized courts, and full-scale attacks on our democracy. We don’t have to wait until it’s too late. We can stop this. But it’ll take all of us—not just on single days of mass action, but through sustained organizing in our communities.
That’s why this summer, we’re launching One Million Rising—a national effort to train one million people in the strategic logic and practice of non-cooperation, as well as the basics of community organizing and campaign design. This is how we build people power that can’t be ignored. You’re invited to join us—and lead.
**Session 3: What Now? - August 13** You'll be onboarded to basic campaign design and learn how to implement it locally as well as get plugged into our next national campaign work. Your second community resistance gathering will move this action forward. Sign up.
Thursday, August 14
Sex, Lies, and Stereotypes: How Disinformation Undermines Women's Rights, 6:30 - 7:30pm CDT
Virtual
Disinformation isn’t just fake news. It’s a tactic used to undermine progress, maintain control, and it increasingly targets women. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Bonnie Stabile, Associate Professor at George Mason University, to learn how disinformation harms women and how it is intentionally used to target women in positions of leadership. We’ll explore why false narratives about women are so widely believed and how outdated stereotypes and so-called efforts to “protect women” are actually being used to push extremist agendas and roll back rights. Understanding the strategy is the first step in fighting back. Let’s push back together. See you there! Sign up.
Friday, August 15
Voces de la Frontera "Friend Raiser", 6:00 - 8:00pm
733 W Historic Mitchell St
General meeting from 6-7 followed by a potluck dinner from 7-8. Bring a dish to share and get to know Comité Sin Fronteras. Voces de los Artistas will be in-house doing prints. Bring your own shirt or grab a paper print.
Saturday, August 16
Glendale High Traffic Canvassing, 12:00 - 3:00pm and 3:00 - 6:00pm
Green Tree Road and North Port Washington Road
Join Grassroots Glendale as we high traffic canvass at the corner of Green Tree and Port Washington Road! We will gather at 6563 N Crestwood Drive prior to heading over. If you've never done this before, don't worry. An expert will be on hand to help you feel at ease and to get started.
We will be using an app called Reach to record the names of the people we talk to. So if you do not have that app, you can download it for free from Apple's App Store or from Google Play. While we are gathered at 6563 N Crestwood Drive, we will briefly show you how to use Reach for High Traffic Canvassing. So sign up!
Bay View Resists, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Stairs near Oklahoma St
At 9:00am, Beach clean up at Bay View Beach. Meet at the stairs near Oklahoma. Supplies provided.
At 11:00am, make + take lawn signs at South Shore Beach.
At 12:00pm, Drone photo shoot at South Shore Beach.
Knock on Doors in Mequon, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Avenue, Grafton
Join us to knock on doors of fellow Democrats and invite them to volunteer with us! Sign up!
Knock on Doors in Menomonee Falls & Sussex, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in Menomonee Falls and Sussex! Sign up!
Knock on Doors in Waukesha City, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in Waukesha City! Sign up!
Knock on Doors in New Berlin, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in New Berlin! Sign up!
Voces de la Frontera: Milwaukee ICE Verifier Training Series, 1:00 - 3:00pm
733 W Historic Mitchell St, Milwaukee
Become a community defense network verifier! Verifiers are people who respond to ICE alerts by quickly traveling to the reported locations to confirm or deny ICE activity. *The role requires reliable transportation and some daytime flexibility. Trainings are held at the Voces Milwaukee office (733 W Mitchell St) every first and third Saturday of the month from 1-3pm. Only one training is necessary. Please sign up in advance.
Sunday, August 17
Grassroots Glendale Bridge Building Canvass, 12:00 - 3:00pm and 3:00 - 6:00pm
Sign up for location
Join Grassroots Glendale as we build bridges with voters in our neighborhood! We'll be asking voters about the issues that matter most to them, how they feel about how the current administration is handling them, and how we can earn their votes in 2026. Sign up!
Knock on Doors in Menomonee Falls & Sussex, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in Menomonee Falls and Sussex! Sign up!
Knock on Doors in New Berlin, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Sign up for location
Join us to Knock on Doors in New Berlin! Sign up!
Monday, August 18
Don't Mess With Texas Featuring State Rep. Ann Johnson, 6:30 - 7:30pm CDT
Virtual
At the request of Donald Trump, Republicans in the Texas legislature are trying to redraw congressional maps to create five new GOP U.S. House seats. Why? Because Trump knows his agenda is unpopular and his razor-thin MAGA majority in Congress is at risk in 2026. But instead of letting the GOP majority roll over the state's constitution to adopt these unethical maps, Texas State Rep. Ann Johnson and her Democratic colleagues have left the state to block the vote -- facing threats of fines and arrest warrants in the process. Join us to hear from Rep. Johnson as we discuss why she and her colleagues made the decision to leave, the ongoing fight against extreme gerrymandering in Texas, and why these battles matter far beyond state lines. We will explore what’s at stake for America and what each of us can do to help. See you there! Sign up!
Tuesday, August 19
How You Can Fight Climate Change, 6:30 - 7:30pm CDT
Virtual
We are seeing the realities of climate change all around us. Are you wondering what you can do to make a difference? Join us to explore the everyday steps you can take to fight climate change and how to inspire others to join you. From the food we eat to how we travel, shop, and vote, climate action is woven into every part of our lives. This event will highlight everyday actions you can take and how small changes can add up to a big impact when we act together. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for new ways to make a difference, you’ll leave ready to take action. See you there! Sign up!
Wednesday, August 20
Unite and Rise Trainings: Championing Issues that Matter Most to You, 12:30 - 1:30pm CDT
virtual
There is a direct and swift assault on the federal government being enacted by the current administration. The power of the pen via executive orders has been brutalized and it has left voters from Arizona to Pennsylvania in a frenzy. What is the scope of each branch of government and why does understanding these roles matter in the long run?
Join LWVUS staff attorney Thomas Tai, Chelsey R. Cartwright, Democracy Truth Project Manager, and Kaitlyn Dowling, Senior Analyst at the Algorithmic Transparency Institute and Rebecca Goldman, Justice Reform Legislative & Policy Manager (TBD) for a conversation that takes a deep dive into why it’s important that voters understand the purview of the executive branch, judicial branch, and legislative branch of government.
The conversation will hinge on why the distinction between branches of government matters, the history behind the separation of powers, and how expanding your knowledge base of this information can inform and influence your work in your state or local League. Registration required.
WI Fair Maps Coalition Statewide Tour: Waukesha, 6:00 - 8:00pm CDT
Waukesha address when you register
The Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition is on a STATEWIDE TOUR, and we want to hear from YOU!
We may have fair maps now, but they’re only temporary. Without lasting legislation, we risk going back to a system where politicians pick their voters — and ignore the will of the people. When maps are rigged, we don’t get what we want or need: clean air and water, strong public schools, affordable healthcare, and real accountability.
Activists and volunteers with the Fair Maps Coalition have been working on a draft proposal for an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) over the last several months. Now, we want feedback from the public — including YOU! We hope you will join a Fair Maps Community Hearing near you, but you can also view the proposal and give feedback on our website.
Ozaukee Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm CDT
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, August 21
Wisconsin Conservation Voters - Member Meet-up, 5:30 - 7:00pm CDT
Estabrook Beer Garden, 4600 Estabrook Pkwy, Milwaukee
Join Wisconsin Conservation Voters for a relaxed member meet-up and a chance to celebrate all the hard work you’ve contributed to this movement – and to raise a glass to some huge recent victories, including the more than $700 million investment in clean water!
Waukesha Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:30pm CDT
200 Richard St., Waukesha
Join us for our August monthly meeting. More details to follow.
Saturday, August 23
Had Enough? Stand with Us, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Street Demonstration, Brookfield
Demonstrate against Trump and his administration. To register for this event and to learn more, visit the Brookfield Resist website After you sign up, you'll get the location information and other instructions you need.
Brookfield Resist is an unfunded volunteer group of peaceful, law-abiding Brookfield Wisconsin area citizens which believes in non-violent protest and respectful treatment of the American flag. Its mission is to conduct street and overpass demonstrations in or around the City of Brookfield.
WFB Dems Bridge Building Canvass, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Virtual
Join the Whitefish Bay Dems as we build bridges with voters in our neighborhood! We'll be asking voters about the issues that matter most to them, how they feel about how the current administration is handling them, and how we can earn their votes in 2026. Sign up.
Sunday, August 24
August Walk & Talk with Dr. Karen Lemke, 4:30pm
Meet in front of the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center,
1420 N Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee
The subject is Eco Art. The MCSC is accessible by the Oak Leaf Trail, (Lake Park Loop), the nearest MCTS stops Prospect & Mason (Routes 14&33), Prospect & Brady (30) Wisconsin & Van Buren BRT Station (CN1) and the Hop M Line at Burns Commons. All public transit options have some steeper downhill paths as you approach the lake and require crossing Lincoln Memorial Drive, so attendees with mobility challenges may wish to take advantage of the parking lot right next to the building.
What to expect:
Guests should expect a brief easy walk/roll on paved surfaces with description of the Community Sailing Center programming and the history of the marina. We finish the walk at the We Are Water community art festival at McKinley Beach. Plan to stay through sunset, and consider bringing a folding camp chair for the evening activities.
Thursday, August 28
RWB Civics Salon: What the Heck Do Federal Departments and Agencies Do? 6:30 - 7:30pm CDT
Virtual
Did you know that the executive branch isn’t just the president with a pen and a podium? It's a sprawling web of departments that keep the country running, from managing natural disasters to inspecting the food your family eats and the air we all breathe. Join us as we break down who does what, why it matters, and how these departments show up in your everyday life. From the Department of Education to the EPA, we’ll connect the dots so you can stop confusing acronyms and start understanding the machinery behind government decisions. See you there! Sign up!
Save the Date
Saturday, August 30
Coffee, Tea & Democracy, 10:00 - 11:00am CDT
1245 Cheyenne Ave., #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!
Saturday, September 6
ICE Verifier training, 1:00 - 3:00pm
Voces de la Frontera, 733 W Historic Mitchell St, Milwaukee
Become a community defense network verifier! Verifiers are people who respond to ICE alerts by quickly traveling to the reported locations to confirm or deny ICE activity. *The role requires reliable transportation and some daytime flexibility. Trainings are held at the Voces Milwaukee office (733 W Mitchell St) every first and third Saturday of the month from 1-3pm. Please sign up in advance.
Sunday, September 7
WFB Dems Bridge Building Canvass, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Virtual
Join the Whitefish Bay Dems as we build bridges with voters in our neighborhood! We'll be asking voters about the issues that matter most to them, how they feel about how the current administration is handling them, and how we can earn their votes in 2026. Sign up.
other important links
Become a Member of Grassroots North Shore 
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