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The Alternative to Despair and Discouragement is Engagement for Positive Change
The profoundly disturbing and almost incomprehensible events of the last week in Utah, earlier this summer in Minnesota, and elsewhere in the nation and in the world can leave us all wondering if there is anything we can do to change the current trajectory toward chaos and division. The seemingly headlong dive into depression and disaster we sometimes feel is overtaking many of us in many different ways. If we choose to do nothing then nothing will change for the better. Or, we can choose to engage and try to do what each individual can to improve the community, state, nation and the world in which we live and strive to make life better for ourselves and for others.
The choice is obvious, but the question is what we can do to get involved in moving things in a positive and more hopeful direction. We have some suggestions!
Common Cause Wisconsin (CC/WI) is proud to join state partners in sponsoring events that increase our community connections and our civic engagement. Join us and your neighbors in one or more of these events near you!
Fair Voting Maps Community Hearings Roll On
Last week, CC/WI was happy to host a webinar detailing the comprehensive statewide reform initiative of the WI Fair Maps Coalition. The redistricting reform seeks to wrest control of Wisconsin's redistricting process of state legislative and congressional district voting maps from partisan legislators. The process would entrust the voters of Wisconsin with the task of drawing the maps through an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) and establishing that voter-centric process in time for the next redistricting process following the 2030 Census.
In case you missed the virtual presentation last week, here is the link to the video recording.
The Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition continues to bring community hearings to new places across the state this Fall. We want to hear from YOU! Join local leaders and activists in these interactive spaces to shape the future of redistricting in Wisconsin.
Stops and hearings are currently scheduled for:
Madison on September 25
Milwaukee on September 26
La Crosse on October 14
Winnebago County on October 15
AND MORE!
Check out all the locations and dates and plan to attend!
Then join an outdoor public Rally to End Gerrymandering at the Capitol on October 16 from Noon-1pm.
Join the Fair Maps Coalition for this rally at the Capitol to demand an end to partisan gerrymandering once and for all! Go here for more information and to register.
Our Wisconsin, Our Constitution!
Join us for interactive, community-focused events exploring the Wisconsin Constitution and how amendments shape our democracy both positively and negatively.
At this events, we will:
Learn how the amendment process works and why it matters.
Unpack the impact of recent harmful amendments and the way the process has been weaponized.
Explore tools, ideas, and reforms that can put power back in the hands of the people.
Engage in fun, interactive activities that make constitutional history come alive.
Come for the education, stay for the community connection, and leave with concrete ways to stand up for a stronger, fairer democracy. For more information and to register for an event near you go to: bit.ly/OurWisConstitution
Phonebank for a Better Federal Budget
A federal budget that works for the people is currently being fought for in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. The People’s Promise is a long-term commitment to build a better democracy from the ground up - powered by people like you. Right now, we are calling on members of Congress to urge them to pass a federal budget that upholds the People’s Promise. Let’s flood the US Capitol switchboard with stories and pressure on our US House and Senate Members! Sign up here to empower people to advocate for a better federal budget.
No Kings October Rally
On October 18th, Common Cause members and activists are urged to join with communities across the nation to rise up to make clear to President Trump that in this country, we don't have kings or wannabe dictators. America belongs to us - the people. No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.
With nearly 30 events already planned in Wisconsin, you can find one near you to join. More information at https://www.nokings.org/. Join the rally. Join the movement.
There you have it. A variety of actions and events you can participate in to improve the state of our state and nation in the weeks ahead. Choose one or several things to involve yourself and make a difference. I guarantee you will feel a great deal better about the direction of democracy and our national purpose by joining with others to push for positive change. And particularly now it is worth repeating what the American anthropologist Margaret Mean famously asserted a century ago:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
On Wisconsin. Forward!
Jay Heck, Executive Director
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152 Johnson St, Suite 212
Madison, WI 53703
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