La Crosse People's Climate March

The People's Climate March is this April 29th. There is a local march 11:00-12:30 in La Crosse in solidarity with marches across the country. We only get one Earth, and with a regressive climate denier in the oval office we need to get active and protect our environment. Start making your signs, save the date, tell your friends, and stay tuned for more updates. Below is the link to RSVP, please commit as soon as you can!

https://actionnetwork.org/events/downtown-la-crosse-park-to-park-climate-march

Let's Chalk About It - Anti Racist Messaging with SURJ

Tomorrow, 3/31, the La Crosse Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) chapter will be chalking around the UWL campus. SURJ is a group dedicated to mobilizing white people in the fight against racism. If you want more info, check out their national website here. The group is meeting at the clock tower at 1:30. Chalk will be provided. Hope to see you there!

Framing the Alt-Right

As the White House fills with white nationalists, they and their allies are working to make their hateful beliefs discussed and normalized. I would like to take a moment to talk about framing and making sure that we all use accurate language that doesn't give them any leeway. Below is an excerpt from the Associated Press on how to talk about the 'Alt-Right'. This name is deceptive and, as the report says, it is important to reframe them as white nationalists or white supremacists whenever possible.

Recent developments have put the so-called “alt-right” movement in the

news. They highlight the need for clarity around use of the term and around

some related terms, such as “white nationalism” and “white supremacism.”

Let’s tackle them.

The “alt-right” or “alternative right” is a name currently embraced by some white

supremacists and white nationalists to refer to themselves and their ideology, which

emphasizes preserving and protecting the white race in the United States in addition to,

or over, other traditional conservative positions such as limited government, low taxes

and strict law-and-order.

The movement has been described as a mix of racism, white nationalism and populism.

Although many adherents backed President-elect Donald Trump in the recent election,

Trump last week said he disavows and condemns the “alt-right.”

The movement criticizes “multiculturalism” and more rights for non-whites, women,

Jews, Muslims, gays, immigrants and other minorities. Its members reject the American

democratic ideal that all should have equality under the law regardless of creed, gender,

ethnic origin or race.

Usage

“Alt-right” (quotation marks, hyphen and lower case) may be used in quotes or modified

as in the “self-described” or “so-called alt-right” in stories discussing what the

movement says about itself.

Avoid using the term generically and without definition, however, because it is not well

known and the term may exist primarily as a public-relations device to make its

supporters’ actual beliefs less clear and more acceptable to a broader audience. In the

past we have called such beliefs racist, neo-Nazi or white supremacist.

Boilerplate

Again, whenever “alt-right” is used in a story, be sure to include a definition: “an

offshoot of conservatism mixing racism, white nationalism and populism,” or, more

simply, “a white nationalist movement.”

Here is an example from the AP news report:

With an ideology that’s a mix of racism, white nationalism and old-fashioned

populism, the “alt-right” has burst into the collective consciousness since members

showed up at the Republican National Convention to celebrate Trump’s nomination

last summer.

Be specific and call it straight

Finally, when writing on extreme groups, be precise and provide evidence to support the

characterization.

We should not limit ourselves to letting such groups define themselves, and instead

should report their actions, associations, history and positions to reveal their actual

beliefs and philosophy, as well as how others see them.

Beware the constitutional convention

Copied from Wisconsim Democracy Campaign. (Others have been warning that if enough state governments are controlled by enough Republicans ... enough to call and pack a constitutional convention, then all constitutional protections could vanish (you don't really rhink they'd use it to abolish the electoral college or clarify that corporations are not people?))

Wisconsin GOP Backs Article V Convention. No Dems Allowed!

by Matthew Rothschild, Executive Director

Posted: March 1, 2017
Updated: March 23, 2017

Republican legislators in Wisconsin are jumping aboard the bandwagon to call an “Article V” Convention, and they are trying to exclude Wisconsin Democrats from being delegates to it.

“Article V” refers to that part of the Constitution that spells out the process for making amendments: “The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments.”

It’s the latter part of Article V that rightwingers have been pushing for: getting two thirds of the states to agree to call a convention. Promoted by the Koch Brothers and their American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), they’re getting close to their wish. Already, 29 states have passed resolutions in favor of such a convention. They only need five more.

Wisconsin may be one of them.

Since 2013, a bipartisan group calling itself the Assembly of State Legislatures has been meeting to set the rules for the Article V Convention. Wisconsin Republican State Senator Chris Kapenga is the co-president of this group. One of the adopted rules says: “The Convention is limited to proposing only an amendment or amendments to the Constitution of the United States whose subject(s) were specifically included in the resolutions of at least two-thirds of the several States. This Convention has no authority to consider any other subject or entertain any motion to consider any other subjects.”

In Wisconsin, Kapenga and Republican State Representative Kathy Bernier have begun circulating three joint resolutions that deal with an Article V Convention: AJR020/SJR019, AJR021/SJR018, AB165/SB107.

Under one of these proposals, AB165/SB107, Wisconsin would get seven delegates to such a convention, and Republican leaders the right to pick all seven of those delegates! 

Here’s what it says:

“The speaker of the assembly shall appoint 3 members of the assembly.” The speaker is Republican Robin Vos.

“The president of the senate shall appoint 3 members of the senate.” That is Republican Senator Roger Roth.

“The governor shall appoint 1 member of either the assembly or the senate.” Of course, that’s Republican Governor Scott Walker.

This resolution also, in an attempt to limit the scope of such a convention to a single subject only (the balance budget amendment), prohibits a delegate from voting on an amendment that is outside the scope of the call of the convention, i.e., the Citizen United amendment.

Forcing the U.S. Government to have a balanced budget would require massive cuts, most likely in domestic social welfare programs. And it would tie the government’s hand in the event of a recession or a depression, when the proven remedy is deficit spending.

There are additional concerns about the Article V movement. Common Cause and other groups oppose it because they fear it would lead to other amendments that could curtail our rights.

“Convention proponents claim they can limit a convention to just one subject, but most legal scholars disagree,” writes Karen Hobert Flynn, president of Common Cause. “Because the Constitution provides no details on how a convention would work, how delegates would be chosen or apportioned among the states and what rules would be in place, the gathering could undertake a wholesale rewrite of the Constitution, endangering fundamental rights like freedom of speech and of religion and the right to trial by jury.”

A joint legislative committee hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28, at 10 a.m. in the State Capitol hearing room 411-South.

To do list - don't let not normal become normal

As the FBI Director confirms an ongoing investigation into potential illegal dealings between the the Donald Trump campaign and the Russian government (some MIGHT call it treason), as Donald Trump rakes in big bucks from his private deals (some might call it illegal), as Donald Trump continues to withhold tax documents (with the cooperation of Republicans), and as Trump and Republicans march forward with the Bannon "deconstruction" agenda (Make American Dickensian Again!) some Democrats continue marching along with them as if they were wearing the wrong trousers.

We have work to do.

1. Use this specific Indivisible guide page to call your Senators and demand that they NOT confirm Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. Too many Democrats are still playing nice when they should be playing just say no.

2. Vote today absentee in person. Urge, encourage, and help others to vote. Vote for the candidate who are not funded by advocates of increasing voucher schools. If you can't go today, set a date and time (M-F til March 31 OR on Tuesday, April 4) and put it on your calendar.

3. Join or donate to the ACLU. Its new People Power initiative is starting with an project to provide help for individuals, communities, and local governments to protect, serve, and defend community members' (including immigrants') legal rights. Download a Know Your Rights guide, read the Nine Model Rules, study the Guide for Faith Communities, keep an eye on the calendar for local People Power meetings and actions.

4. Be prepared. As, Yale historian Timothy Snyder notes, "Americans are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism or communism. Our one advantage is that we might learn from their experience."  (Read his 20 lessons here). This is not a normal president. This is not a normal presidency. This is not a normal politics. Don't let local media or state lawmakers or national figures make the not normal normal. Push back (like Kevin did) when racism, sexism, fundamentalism, war mongering, hate, discrimination, greed, and just plain meanness try to be business as usual. Don't succumb to blackwhite or gaslighting. Know your values. Shake others out of their fog. Connect with allies so the push back can have more impact and connections will not be broken in case of a disaster.

Again, from historian Snyder, "5. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives. When the terrorist attack comes, remember that all authoritarians at all times either await or plan such events in order to consolidate power. Think of the Reichstag fire. The sudden disaster that requires the end of the balance of power, the end of opposition parties, and so on, is the oldest trick in the Hitlerian book. Don't fall for it."

Nick's looking for help

Nick Dutton, candidate for LA Crosse city council #7 is looking for folks to help contact 7th district voters about his candidacy. If you can help, please email him (Dutton.nich at gmail).

Vote NOW, meeting notes and reminders

You may vote absentee in person starting yesterday through Friday, March 31 (M-F only.) In La Crosse, vote in the city clerk's office between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Your ballot will include the very important vote for State Superintendent of Public Schools (Tony Evers)**, a very depressing one right-wing candidate only TEN YEAR term for Wisconsin Supreme Court (though you may consider writing in JoAnne Kloppenburg who was recounted of a victory for a seat on that court in 2011), city offices including city council**, school board**, and (in La Crosse county) a vote on whether the county should impose a "Premier Resort Tax" to generate funds for county road maintenance.

If you are not a city resident, check myvote.wi.gov for details specific to your polling place, ballot, registration status, and absentee in person voting hours and location.

Please remember to take voter ID (for most people, a WI driver's license - see here for other options).

Last night the La Crosse Dems had their monthly meeting. If you regularly work for, contribute to, and/or vote for Dem candidates but are not a member of the party, then you are leaving the important decisions about what are the priorities, what candidates will run for office, what will the policies and platform items be, etc. up to others. Change will start at the county level and work it's way up. Read more here.

Today, about 15 members of the La Crosse community met with the mayor to discuss the ACLU People Power initiative, Nine Model Rules and Policies to protect immigrants' rights. These non-partisan policies were compiled to make sure local law enforcement and government officials know their legal rights and responsibilities while fairly and respectfully protecting and serving the people who live in our community. More details about this initiative will be posted here including a follow up meeting when scheduled.

** REMINDER ABOUT UPCOMING ELECTION RELATED EVENTS!

Tonight! March 21 - there is a City Council Candidate Forum at 7 p.m. at the Myrick Center sponsored by GENA (Grandview-Emerson Neighborhood Association). Candidates for districts 3, 4, and 5 will be at the forum which will also include an informal meet-and-greet with light snacks following. Child watch is available. All are welcome to this free event.

Tomorrow - March 22 there are two important events.

From 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. attend a fundraiser for State Superintendent of Public Schools, Tony Evers. If you can't make it, you can still donate online and volunteer.

From 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. there is a La Crosse School Board Candidate Forum co-hosted by the League of Women Voters and La Crosse Neighborhoods, Inc. at the Hogan Administrative Center, 807 East Avenue South. Two candidates familiar to Coulee Progressives are in this race, Laurie Cooper Stoll and Allen Pruitt.

There are many more important events coming up! Please check the calendar often. If you are hosting an event or action, please use the form to have it added to the calendar. If you would like to blog here, please email!

What's coming up?

First - there's a new FORM for people to submit calendar items. Please use it if you are hosting or sponsoring a speaker, event, rally, campaign, or other thing that people should be interested in supporting and attending! Or you can email info to couleeprogressive[at]hotmail. We may update this post if more events come to light. Please check back or check the calendar often.

SATURDAY, March 18 - At 10 a.m. attend a La Crosse County Premier Resort Tax Info Session (Onalaska City Hall) AND La Crosse Dems are hosting a FUNDRAISER/ST PAT'S PARTY at Earl's Grocery and Saloon (401 Third Street South) from 5 to 8 p.m. Suggested donation $10. Free beer and pop. Bring some food to share. If you regularly work for, donate to, and/or vote for Dem candidates, you need to JOIN THE PARTY (which you can do at this event!)

MONDAY, March 20 -  ABSENTEE IN PERSON VOTING begins. In La Crosse, go to Clerk's office (2nd floor of City Hall) between 8:30 and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (3/20-3/31) Others may find details at myvote.wi.gov. AND 94th District Rep. Steve Doyle will host a Transportation Funding Round Table at 2 p.m. at the Onalaska Omni center AND at 6:30 p.m. you can hear more about La Crosse County's plan for a Premier Resort Tax at the West Salem Public Library AND the La Crosse Dems will hold their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the Ho-Chunk Three Rivers House (8th & Main). You may JOIN THE PARTY at this meeting.

TUESDAY, March 21 - at 9:30 a group of citizens (you can be one! rsvp HERE) will meet with Mayor Kabat about the ACLU's Nine Model Rules and Policies to help support, protect, and defend immigrants in our community AND at noon at the West Salem Public Library, Senator Jennifer Shilling and Rep. Steve Doyle will hold a budget listening session AND at 7 p.m. there will be a candidate forum (districts #3, 34, #5) at Myrick Center.

WEDNESDAY, March 22 - at 3:30 join local environmentalists and legislators at Myrick Center in support of World Water Day. AND, from 5 to 6:30, meet Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Schools, Tony Evers, who is running for another term as supporter and protector of public education in our state. AND at 7 p.m., attend a La Crosse School District candidate forum co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters and La Crosse Neighborhoods, Inc. at the Hogan Administrative Center (807 East Ave. S.) OR have your say at a public forum about Future Bluff and Marshland Management (also at 7 p.m.) at the Black River Beach Neighborhood Center (you can also contact Sunshine Love at 608-789-7309 to give comments if you can't attend the meeting).

THURSDAY, MARCH 23 - the 52nd Annual International Banquet at UW-La Crosse (MUST purchase tickets in advance!) AND Holocaust historian and author Rev. Patrick DesBois will talk about "Holocaust by Bullets" at Viterbo University at 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24 - help raise money for college student scholarships at Holler for Scholars sponsored by Coulee Region Professional Women from 5:30 to 10:30 at Pettibone Resort.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 - wins the award for most good stuff going on at one time (YOU need a CLONE!) The League of Women Voters hosts a Legislative Breakfast, a chance to dine and speak with elected officials (rsvp by FRIDAY!) AND there's the 4th annual MAYOR'S EXPO - Living Well in the City AND there's the GRASSROOTS FEST in Mazomanie boasting an incredible progressive line up of speakers.

March 22 - LaX School Board Candidate Forum

The La Crosse League of Women Voters and La Crosse Neighborhoods, Inc. will co-host a forum for La Crosse School Board candidates on Wednesday evening, March 22 at the Hogan Administrative Center, 807 East Avenue South. The forum will begin at 7 p.m. and will include statements by the four candidates and the opportunity for audience members to ask questions. The event is free and open to the public.

UPDATE: Please RSVP for mayor meeting

If you plan to attend the meeting next Tuesday (9:30 a.m. City Hall) with Mayor Kabat to urge adoption and implementation of the ACLU/People Power Nine Model Rules and Policies to support, protect, and defend our immigrant family members, friends, and neighbors, please RSVP no later than Friday, March 17 at 1 p.m. so we can be sure to have the right size space. If you didn't attend the March 11 training and need a copy of the Nine Model Policies, you can grab them here.

If you are not able to attend this meeting but would like to support this initiative, please express your support in a polite email to the mayor.

People Power Meeting with Mayor Kabat

Hi all - I have  meeting with Mayor Kabat scheduled for 9:30 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 21, in his office. Cathy has forwarded him the model rules/ordinance that ACLU provided so our discussion will be about what the current practice is regarding undocumented immigrants.

A bill has been introduced in the House by Rep. Brandtjen, AB127. It is an anti-sanctuary city bill. The bill was referred to the Committee on Local Government. You can find the names of committee members at this website, and if you click on AB127, it will take you to a page at which you can read the entire text of the bill. http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2017/committees/assembly/1745

SATURDAY, March 18 and A Warning

Please mark your calendar for the SATURDAY, March 18 La Crosse Dems' St. Patrick's Day fundraiser & party (not Friday.) This is a party but it's also a fundraiser and it's also a preparation. We all need to be involved.

On a more somber note, here is Yale historian, Timothy Snyder, author of On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, reminding us (the book came out in November) that we don't have time to ditz around with worrying about what color the font on the business cards is going to be.

"[W]e have to recognize that things move fast. Nazi Germany took about a year. Hungary took about two and a half years. Poland got rid of the top-level judiciary within a year. It’s a rough historical guess, but the point is because there is an outside limit, you therefore have to act now. You have to get started early. It’s just very practical advice. It’s the meta-advice of the past: That things slip out of reach for you, psychologically very quickly, and then legally almost as quickly. It’s hard for people to act when they feel other people won’t act. It’s hard for people to act when they feel like they have to break the law to do so. So it is important to get out in front before people face those psychological and legal barriers."

Read the article: Fascism will soon be on our doorstep if you don't act immediately: Yale historian.

People Power! and what's coming up

The first La Crosse People Power (ACLU) civil rights protection training held on Saturday, March 11 focused on an overview of our civil rights including those under attack by the current administration, with a specific emphasis on the rights of immigrants. If you missed the meeting, you can view the training video here.

The ACLU has produced nine model state and local law enforcement policies and rules that are aimed at legally defending our friends, families and neighbors from the Trump administration's mass deportation agenda; protecting their privacy; helping them obtain redress when abuses and mistakes occur; and helping ensure everyone is protected from discrimination.

After the training live stream, the group chose a next step leader to set up a meeting about these model policies with City of La Crosse officials. We will post more about this as soon as details are known.

Several groups and individuals are working on assisting immigrants in our area including the La Crosse Immigration Task Force, Catholic Charities, Centro Latino, and the Compassionate Community Faith Alliance. John David, an attorney with Catholic Charities, provided information about their work helping people complete immigration applications. He noted that the Immigrant Legal Resouce Center (ILRC) offers good information about immigrants' rights. He will answer immigration application questions if you email him. There were also people from surrounding areas who were able to connect and start planning for carrying the nine model rules into their communities.

Thanks to all who participated! Watch this space for our next step and spread the word about the ACLU and about the PeoplePower civil rights protection initiative.

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Coming up this week (partial list! Please email us to add to the calendar!)

Monday, March 13: The La Crosse Board of Public Works meets at 10 am (sorry, working people!) to discuss issues including possible inclusion of bike accommodations in a repaving of part of Sixth Street, you can meet city council candidates from #4, #7, #8 at a Weigent-Hogan Neighborhood Association event, there is a Ron Kind fundraiser at Four Sisters, and the Ona School Board will meet to discuss, among many other things, their pupil non-discrimination policy.

Tuesday, March 14: The La Crosse Indivisible Groups will meet at 7 p.m. at 401 West Ave. S (they have a FB group but if you are not on FB, you cannot see anything in the group so it's kind of not very useful)

Wednesday, March 15: There is a hearing in Madison on high capacity wells; at noon at English Lutheran Church (16th & King) you can hear Mr. Wale Elegbede speak at the Community Conversations program, "My Neighbor is a Muslim," hosted by the La Crosse Interfaith Leaders Coalition (free registration requested - lunch included)

NEW! Thursday, March 16: The Sustainable La Crosse Commission will meet at 4:30. Included in their agenda is a recap of alternative transportation and recycling forums, and discussion of next steps.

NEW! Thursday, March 16: La Crosse Citizens Climate Lobby meeting at 6:30 p.m. at 401 West Ave S. They don't have a web page and their FB page is not updated with meeting info, but the climate guest for March is Devashree Saha discusses the decoupling of decarbonization and the economy, and how carbon emissions are declining despite a growing economy. She is a senior policy associate and associate fellow at the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program. Her research primarily focuses on the intersection of clean energy and economic development policy, including the transition to a clean energy economy. Prior to joining Brookings, Saha worked at the National Governors Association, where her work spanned clean energy, transportation, and land use planning issues. She holds a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s in political science from Purdue University. Email lacrosseccl@gmail.com with any questions.

NEW! Friday, March 17: Tour the Hillview Urban Agriculture facilities with UWL's Learning in Retirement (don't need to be retired or a member to participate = fee charged)

SATURDAY, March 18: La Crosse Dem's St. Pat's Fundraiser Party at 5 pm Earl's Grocery and Saloon, 401 Third Street S. Suggested donation: $10 per person. Free beer & pop. Bring some food to share. Bring at least one new person to join the party! (If you regularly work for, contribute to, and/or vote for Dem candidates, then you should JOIN THE PARTY to have more say in who are the candidates and how are they chosen!)

We will update as new information comes in. [Updated St Pat's party day - thanks, Diane!]

March 10 - celebrate John Medinger

Senator Tammy Baldwin invites you to a celebration honoring John Medinger for his many years of public service.  The celebration will be held on Friday, March 10th, 2017, at Piggy's Restaurant  in La Crosse from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. 

From a recent La Crosse Tribune article:

“I just feel I have an obligation to serve others,” Medinger said. “I don’t know if it comes from my religious background, my family background or just being inspired by people like Martin Luther King Jr. It just doesn’t seem right that so many folks get left behind.”

Meet Tony Evers

Meet Council candidate David Marshall

Neighbors and supporters, please join us for a casual evening to get to know David Marshall as he continues his effort to become our City Council Representative for District 4. 

Wednesday, March 8

Marshall for Council Kick-off & Meet the Candidate

Tomorrow at 6:30 PM - Greengrass Cafe

1904 Campbell Rd, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601

Come enjoy some hosted appetizers and beverages anytime between 6:30-8:30pm - whether you drop in for a moment or stay for awhile.

We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to socialize with neighbors, as well as David, at one of our valued neighborhood businesses!

Please share & invite interested others.

Facebook event listing here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1292343477555735/

Information about David can be found here:  http://www.electdavidmarshall.com/  AND   https://www.facebook.com/groups/davidmarshallforlacrosse/

Events and Actions coming up

Saturday, March 4 is packed! The Polar Plunge, Logan Middle Bike Swap, Climate Action Fair, appearance at a private Republican party event by Senator Ron Johnson in Westby, and Spence School Garden fundraiser!

If you haven't yet signed up for these events, please do!
Saturday, March 11 - ACLU Civil Rights Protection training, Saturday, March 25 Grassroots Festival, and Thursday, March 30 WISDOM Day of Action in Madison.

This week there are local events and things to do:
On Monday, March 6, UWL Professor Emeritus Greg Wegner will talk about "Auschwitz Revisted: Perspectives from Film, Literature and History" as part of a Learning in Retirement program from 9 to 11 a.m. in the UWL Student Union. There is a charge for this program.

On Tuesday, March 7 there will be a public hearing held by the Wisconsin DOT about plans to change South Avenue from Greenbay Street to Ward Avenue. Make your voice heard.(UPDATE: Excellent article in Sunday's Tribune about WHY it is important to show up and speak up: http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/south-avenue-dot-plans-pit-bikes-against-buildings/article_970d7cc5-ff13-5e09-a483-ef3fddce9f8b.html )

Wednesday, March 8 is International Womens Day. There will be a program at UWL and that day is also a General Womens Strike (A Day without Women).

On Thursday, March 9, there's a meet and greet with Jackie Marcou, candidate for city council from District 6.

Friday, March 10 stand in solidarity with water protectors and push for DAPL divestment at a Cameron Park rally, attend a Tammy Baldwin fundraiser (ok there's no url to link to and I don't have the details so just donate online), and if you are a Democrat, please consider signing up to be on the delegate list for the Third Congressional District convention (which will make you eligible to attend the June 2 state convention where many state party officials will be elected). You must contact JD by March 10 to get on the list. UPDATE: AND there is a local fundraiser for Tammy Baldwin (if you can't afford the $50 to be there in person, you can donate online).

Will update as needed if new events come to light.

Saturday, March 11 - back to the beginning: ACLU Civil Rights Protection training

Bernie or Beshear?

I just think the mainstream Democratic Party leaders and many voters who want the Democrats to be a real opposition party are living in two separate realities (and maybe centuries).

This?

or

This?

Stephen Colbert's Cliff Notes case:

March 11 ACLU Training/March 25 Grassroots Fest

Just confirmed! Mark your calendar, spread the word, and sign up today!

In response to the unprecedented threat of President Trump's attack on our basic freedoms, the ACLU is recruiting grassroots activists to take action when Trump or his administration trample on people’s constitutional rights, whether that means taking action to defend sanctuary cities, resist deportation raids, or maintain Planned Parenthood funding. The program will also provide tools to influence the national debate from our community. Now more than ever, we need to be organizing everywhere. Through resisting the Trump agenda, volunteers will build communities that affirm our American values of respect, equality, and solidarity.

PLEASE JOIN US on Saturday, March 11 from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m  at the Hmong Cultural and Community Center (1815 Ward Avenue, La Crosse) for a live streamed training by ACLU experts that will cover everything we need to immediately get to work. After the live stream, we'll spend time planning our own next steps in the La Crosse area.

To sign up for the event, please go to https://go.peoplepower.org/event/attend/84

If you'd like to bring FINGER FOOD (nothing requiring plates, bowls, or utensils please!) TO SHARE, please do! If you have questions OR would like to be part of the event team (need greeters and a couple of tech people), please email couleeprogressive[at]hotmail.com or text 608 315-2693. 

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And, a reminder about an upcoming grassroots event on SATURDAY, MARCH 25: