Upcoming Opportunities to Get Involved
There has been one and only one thing that has been and is effective this year in standing up to and stopping the encroaching tyranny and ongoing attempted dismemberment of our state and national democratic norms and sensibilities. That thing is active resistance and participation in collective endeavors to defend and then advance against those who seek to control us. Joining together with other like-minded citizens and participating in events not only negates the sense of isolation and despair that so many of us experience from time to time but it also works! Therefore, Carpe Diem. Seize the Day!
Just this year in Wisconsin, the collective effort of active, engaged citizens stopped cold in its tracks the attempted purchase and control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court by the world's richest person, megalomaniac Elon Musk despite his expenditure of over $30 million here. We have stopped voter suppression measures from being enacted into law here in Wisconsin this year. And let's not forget that our collective effort and years of hard struggle resulted in the enactment of much fairer state legislative voting maps for Wisconsin in 2024, and we now have a state legislature that more accurately reflects the closely divided, 50/50 state we are and long have been.
We all know that being part of something bigger than oneself has been and always will be the key to combatting injustice and oppression. The key is to just get involved and participate. Be inspired and inspire others by taking part in one of more of these activities being organized by some of our voting rights, fair maps and democracy coalition partners:
Protest Safety Webinar
- League of Women Voters of Wisconsin - Wednesday, 10.15 - online
The Know Your Rights, Protect Your Voice LWVWI Webinar will prepare you for upcoming rallies and protests. Join this online webinar on October 15 beginning at 6:00pm. Click here for more information
Rally for Fair Maps
- Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition - Thursday, 10.16 - in person, Madison
Join your neighbors, your community, and Fair Maps activists at Noon, Thursday, October 16 at the Capitol on the corner of State Street as we come together to make our voices heard about the importance of Fair Maps for Wisconsin. Click here for more information
>>>BONUS: The Community Hearings on the next steps to ensure fairly drawn maps in Wisconsin continue around the state. See the schedule and register for an event here. (Watch the virtual hearing CCWI co-hosted here.)
No Kings Rally
- Common Cause and various sponsors - Saturday, 10.18 - in person, many locations throughout Wisconsin and the country
The current administration knows that we the people are not going to bow to a regime that acts out of step with democratic norms and values. We, the majority of millions, are united to remind the world: America has No Kings. Our movement is growing. Our voices are being heard, and we are bringing them together again on Saturday, October 18th. There are over 70 events planned across Wisconsin. Find the nearest rally to you and join the call to build power for accountable and responsive government.
Our Wisconsin, Our Constitution
- Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, CCWI, and partners - Tuesday, 10.21 - in person, Cedarburg
Join partners and the community for a dinner and education event beginning at 5:30pm in Cedarburg on October 21st that explores the Wisconsin constitution and amendments. For more information and to register, click here.
Money in Politics Trivia
- Wisconsin Democracy Campaign - Monday, 10.27 - in person, Madison
Join the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign for trivia night at Delta Beer Lab at 6:30pm on October 27th. The trivia will be a fun way to learn about money in politics and campaign finance reform with Halloween treats. Click here for more information and to register.
Understanding Wisconsin's Municipal and County Canvass Processes Webinar
- League of Women Voters of Wisconsin - Monday, 11.3 - online
Come with your questions, leave with confidence in and knowledge about our election canvass process in Wisconsin. Join the LWVWI at 6:30pm on November 3rd to find out how the ballots are tallied and canvassed after the voting ends from the election officials who carry out and check (and double check) the processes. Click here for more information and to register.
These are a few of the many events that you can participate in. There are gatherings and meetings of like-minded citizens like you in almost every community in the state. Talk to your friends and your neighbors and find out what they are doing to change things for the better during this tense and trying time.
Remember that the antidote to despair is positive action and civic participation. Contact your state legislator or Member of Congress about an issue of concern to you. E-mail is fine but a phone call is better and a good old-fashioned letter (with a stamp on the envelope) is better yet! The key is to do something.
Together we can and shall overcome!
On Wisconsin. Forward!
Jay Heck, Executive Director, Common Cause Wisconsin
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152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
