Friday, May 31, 2019

June 1 Big Ideas

From MoveOn.org:

Thousands of MoveOn members and progressive movement organizers will be joining the Big Ideas Forum online watch party on Saturday, June 1 at 2:45 p.m. local time to hear Senator Cory Booker, Secretary Julián Castro, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Kamala Harris, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Congressman Beto O’Rourke, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senator Elizabeth Warren share their big ideas to create an America where everyone can thrive, and answer questions submitted by MoveOn members around the country in a conversation with Karine Jean-Pierre and Stephanie Valencia.

The big ideas that movements and politicians champion have the ability to inspire the people power we need to fundamentally transform the political landscape, and inspire millions of people to take to the polls in 2020. These eight candidates have agreed to attend the MoveOn Big Ideas Forum—the first event of its kind in MoveOn's 20 year history—to pitch their big ideas to MoveOn members because they understand the power of the MoveOn community in the progressive movement, and the critical role MoveOn members will play in getting out the vote in 2020.

Click here to save your spot, and get the link to the event so you can also invite your family, friends, and activist communities!

There's a lot at stake, and we're looking to MoveOn members like you to join the watch party, share what you think of the candidates' big ideas, and help inform a progressive platform that can lead to victory in 2020. At the online watch party, you'll be able to share your thoughts and chat with MoveOn staff and MoveOn members from across the country.

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Winona Dakota Unity Alliance Fundraiser

Hello to All Our Relations!

*** The WDUA is hosting a Chicken Dinner and Bake Sale fundraiser on Friday, May 31 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.  The dinner will be held at Broken World Records at 265 East Third Street in Winona. Grilled chicken, baked beans, potato salad, and a dinner roll with butter will be catered by Winona's own Steak Shop. Tickets are $9 and available at Broken World Records, from WDUA Board members, or you can email winonadakotaunityalliance.org or call 507-429-7368. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door and carry-outs will be available. No tickets are required to purchase items from the bake sale.

*** The 16th Annual Great Dakota Gathering and Wacipi will be held on August 23-25th, 2019. The date was moved up to coincide with the celebration of Winona LaDuke's 60th Birthday, which will also be held in Winona. A social jingle dance will occur on Sunday at 11 pm as part of the birthday celebration. We were invited by Honor the Earth (Winona LaDuke's foundation) to collaborate and mutually benefit from holding our celebrations on the same weekend. We are honored and happy to be a part of this.  All the usual events associated with the Gathering will occur, including the talk circle, learning tent, moccasin game, wacipi (dancing), drumming, storytelling around the sacred fire, and a Sunday spiritual ceremony.
*** The education day is tentatively being rescheduled for late October.  This will allow classroom teachers an opportunity to lay an educational foundation and prep for education day.  We are also in discussions for where best to host education day and provide for an inclement weather option.  
*** We are honored that SEMAC (Southeast MN Arts Council) has granted us $10,000 to help us put on the Gathering.  We are pursuing more grant opportunities.  If you have any ideas or any connection, please do not hesitate to contact us.

*** We are in need of volunteers to help us organize and work on the days of the Gathering.  If you are interested, please reply to this message.  We will be hosting training days before the Gathering for volunteers.
*** Our website is currently undergoing construction.  Information on the website will be limited until we complete our fixes.  Please connect with our Facebook page for up to date information, and we will continue to email news.
If you wish to support our mission, please send any donations to the address below:

Winona Dakota Unity Alliance
PO Box 393
Winona, MN 55987


Thursday, May 23, 2019

Friday Climate Die-In in Viroqua

As part of a world-wide effort to highlight the catastropic effects of climate crisis, Viroqua Climate Action will hold a CLIMATE DIE-IN on Friday, May 24 from 12:30 to 3:00 pm in at the intersection of Main and Court Streets in Viroqua.

Signs about CLIMATE CRISIS are welcome as well as signs highlighting possible mitigation of the worst effects like GREEN NEW DEAL.

Just this week another major report has been published showing that, once again, climate predictions, this time about sea level rise, have been too conservative. The report says that a rise of seven or eight feet, not three, will likely occur by 2100.

#FridaysForFuture #ClimateStrike youth-led actions have been going on around the world thanks to the inspirational action and leadership of Swedish high schooler Greta Thunberg.

Nothing has been organized in La Crosse as far as we know.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Need to impeach

The organization started by "billionaire Democratic megadonor" Tom Steyer to press for impeachment of D Trump has a new ad out. I couldn't agree more.


Sign the DKos petition to support Rep. Rashida Tlaib's resolution to begin an impeachment inquiry. 

Rep. Al Green makes the case on Democracy Now! today. 

Monday, May 13, 2019

May 18 - Talking Climate CRISIS

The TEDxUWLaCrosse Salon Series will present We’re doomed...maybe! So why aren’t we talking about our climate crisis? at the La Crosse Public Library Auditorium on Saturday, May 18, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

The event opens with a presentation and group discussion facilitated by Dr. Casey Meehan, Sustainability Coordinator at Western Technical College.

At a TEDx Salon, attendees watch TED Talks, listen to speakers and have discussions about the talks they witnessed. Salons re-engage the audience in the presentation model through the critical element of lively discussions, allowing attendees to actively participate in the event and shape the conversation.
"Climate crisis may be the story of our times. We hear repeatedly from climate experts that humanity will suffer greatly if we don’t act soon, yet our everyday conversations remain remarkably void of discussions about climate change. Why? How might having regular discussions about climate with our friends, families, co-workers and neighbors move us toward the future we want? How do you broach such a fraught topic, and what do you talk about?" - Casey Merhan, Sustainability Institute
In this TEDxUWLaCrosse Salon participants will watch TED talks by Katharine Hayhoe and Per Espen Stoknes and will have the opportunity to reflect on, develop and practice sharing their own climate story--one grounded in lived experience where they are the experts.

This event is presented through a partnership between the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the La Crosse Public Library.

Learn more at the library site.

Thursday, May 09, 2019

Historic Memorial Pool project nears completion

UPDATE: Due to predicted wet weather, this event will begin at 10 am at the Eagles Nest and run through NOON.



 $20,000 Donation & Taste of Campbell Road Event Announcements

The City of La Crosse Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department, in partnership with the Veterans Memorial Pool Campaign (VMPC) and nine neighborhood businesses, proudly presents:  Taste of Campbell Rd – Business Open House and Pool Tours

On Saturday, May 18th from 9am-1pm the public is invited to a sneak peek of the Veterans Memorial Pool and to visit nine new and long-standing businesses that are nearby.  Stroll the neighborhood for a complimentary taste or gift at each business, to see the updated design renderings on display, and to take a tour of the pool facility under construction.  City staff and campaign volunteers will be available to share information and answer questions. 

A short kick-off presentation at 9am will provide an update on the project, what to expect this summer once the pool opens, and community fundraising campaign progress.  Additionally, the Veterans Memorial Pool Campaign will recognize several significant recent contributions including a generous $20,000 gift.

As with the Veterans Memorial Pool, persons of all ages, abilities, and from all areas of La Crosse are welcome!

For more information, contact (608) 492-4392 or VeteransMemorialPoolLAX@gmail.com.  Find additional information and updates regarding the VMPC on Facebook at “Veterans Memorial Pool Campaign La Crosse, WI” and MemorialPool.Org

Friday, May 03, 2019

Green New Deal Town Hall - May 7

Cross posted from Coulee Region Sierra Club

Green New Deal Town Hall announced for the Greater La Crosse region

La Crosse, WI -- La Crosse tri-state area students, community members, and local leaders will host a town hall for the region on Tuesday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. at Hackberry's Bistro above the People's Food Co-op, 315 Fifth Avenue South, to launch the next phase of the campaign for the Green New Deal.

At the town hall, attendees will learn how a 10-year mobilization can avert the worse effects of climate change and create millions of good jobs, improving the lives of people in La Crosse and the region. 

This town hall will be one of over 300 similar events happening in classrooms, community centers, churches, and union halls across the country this spring as part of the national Road to a Green New Deal tour.

Co-sponsors of the event include the Coulee Region Sierra Club, La Crosse Peoples Food Co-op, La Crosse Area SURJ, and Coulee Region Climate Alliance. Other area sustainability leaders have been invited to participate. Speakers will highlight the urgent need to drastically reduce carbon emissions and create many new green jobs for all to help build a truly sustainable economy that improves all lives in the process. 

Speakers include:

  • Janette Dean, MN 350 Policy Action Team Member: Will give the latest updates on efforts in MN & other states in the Midwest to pass statewide Green New Deals.
  • Cathy Van Maren, Coulee Region Sierra Club Ready for 100 Team Member: Will share information about regional communities working on pledges to get 100% of energy needs 
  • from renewables as soon as possible
  • Peter Gorski, La Crosse Area SURJ member: Will talk about how the Green New Deal addresses historic and present environmental racism
  • Terrence Daniels, technology and environmental activist: Will report on climate activism  and how and why it's vital that individuals get involved


  • Invited: Nick Nichols, La Crosse County Sustainability Coordinator


· More to be announced

If your group or organization would like to speak or co-sponsor, please email crsierraclub@gmail.com subject=GNDTH

Read more at sunrisemovement.org/tour