Planned Parenthood Town Hall

 

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is hosting a virtual town hall to review of the past year through the stories of staff, supporters, patients, and community members, moderated by PPWI Board President, Eileen Force Cahill.

Tuesday, December 5th 

12:00 - 12:45 p.m.

REGISTER NOW

FREE MONEY for enviro ed

The Coulee Region Sierra Club offers grants of up to $200 each for environmental education projects to schools or community organizations involving young people at the elementary and middle school level within the CRSC region: Crawford, Grant, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Trempealeau, and Vernon counties.

Applications may be completed online, emailed or mailed. The deadline for applications is January 5, 2024. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/CRSC-Education or sierraclub.org/wisconsin/coulee/Education

These grants are funded by an annual grant from the Paul E. Stry Foundation, shared dues from Sierra Club memberships, and donations made by community members. 

To donate or learn more about the grants, email CRSierraClub@gmail.com or call 608-315-2693.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A SIERRA CLUB MEMBER TO APPLY FOR A GRANT!

Race in America - Giving Voice

 

“Fancy Dance” is a family drama and crime thriller set on a Seneca-Cayuga reservation that writer-director Erica Tremblay has called a “love letter” to Native communities. 

On Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 2:30 p.m. CT, Tremblay and actor Lily Gladstone join Washington Post Live to discuss the independent film, Native representation on screen and their own artistic journeys.

Register: https://rianov29.splashthat.com/

Madison-Palestine Solidarity Week

 

SATURDAY, DEC. 9 10 A.M. TO NOON

Consider carpooling:

https://www.groupcarpool.com/

Killer water

 

Join Ricochet Media for a discussion of the new original documentary by award-winning journalist Brandi Morin and Geordie Day called ‘Killer Water,’ about water pollution affecting Indigenous communities around the Alberta oil sands. The event will feature Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, lawyer Steven Donziger, and more. The program starts at 11 a.m. Central.

YouTube link: 

https://www.youtube.com/live/bHF_3QN6qJA?feature=shared

Zoom link: https://t.co/E5ncFEoxIw

In northern Alberta, Canada, sit the Athabasca tar sands—the world's largest known reservoir of crude bitumen, and a major driver of Canada’s economy. The vast majority of Canadian oil production comes from the extraction and processing of the crude bitumen found in the tar sands. But while Canada prospers off the tar sands industry, Indigenous communities downstream are in the grips of its toxic impact. It is well documented that the people of Fort Chipewyan, in northern Alberta, have been struck by disproportionately high rates of cancer, and their proximity to the tar sands has long been the suspected dominant factor contributing to their sickness.

In a new feature documentary, "Killer Water," award-winning journalist Brandi Morin and award-winning filmmaker/director Geordie Day delve deep into the heart of the environmental crisis plaguing the Alberta oil sands, uncovering the hidden truths that have long been ignored. The film exposes the detrimental impact of toxic tailings ponds leakage on the delicate ecosystems, water sources, and human life in and around Fort Chipewyan. Through stunning visuals and compelling narratives, viewers are taken on a journey that highlights the injustices faced by the Indigenous community living in the shadow of this industrial development.

“Killer Water” was produced in partnership with The Real News Network, IndigiNews, and Ricochet Media. The documentary and an accompanying transcript will be co-published by: IndigiNews, Ricochet Media, and The Real News Network on November 24, 2023.

Timeless

We're not old! (Are we old?)

Buy Nothing Day

For the global "well-off," the opportunity to press a button and have stuff magically appear at our* doors is a hard habit to quit. The rush to buy a 65-inch Roku TV for $369.99 or a Nintendo Switch Console Mario Cart 8 Bundle for $299.99 is news - not just that mobs crowd stores for bargains and camp out over computers to snag them, but the actual lists of "Best Friday Deals" is now part of the reporting for national news organizations. 

As the climate crisis worsens, as wars rage on, as the gap between who can afford life and who can't grows wider, as more immigrants and refugees suffer, as the social fabric seems to be breaking down, overconsuming stuff (including food) becomes a way to seek comfort. 

Stress can cause overeating. Stress can drive us to buy more and buy impulsively. At the same time, overconsumption can cause stress. And, there you have it. The engine for the sick system that is making the planet uninhabitable for most fellow creatures and our own descendants, rolls on.

At least this is what I've read.

There are other ways--sharing, reusing, finding healthier ways--but the marketing, advertising, news, entertainment, education systems pull strongly to keep us in the loop.

A start might be "mindful consumption," catching the thought that this next thing will make me feel better before the finger hits the keyboard or the foot steps into the Black Friday crowd. Will it really? Do I need it? Is there an alternative? Will I use it? Can I afford it? Being aware of thoughts and desires, and to potential consequences, might help us not "bite the hook."

The BUY NOTHING PROJECT can help make us aware of alternatives. The ANTI-BLACK FRIDAY movement promotes sustainable behaviors. Media literacy and education can help, too. Films like "Killing Us Softly" and "Advertising at the Edge of the Apocalypse" can start to deprogram us. 

Wake up, help others wake up, and do what we can to pull away from the death spiral. Especially encourage educators and childcare providers to be aware of the predatory nature of marketing to children (and those who care for them). Or, maybe, promote ScreenFree Week during the first week of May.  

Here are a few resources. 

• La Crosse Public Library (including its Library of Things)
• Freecycle, Craigslist, and other give & take sites
• Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.

Can we start or support? What about weekly or monthly community swap meets - give or take, no sell. What about more neighborhood victory gardens, where local, volunteer-grown food is available free for whoever needs it? What about service swaps or babysitting co-ops? 

We have to change. We HAVE to change. Or else a baby born in the next few years will be unable to live as long as I will. Is that what we want?

 

I am trying, trying, trying, but as someone who's earliest memories include watching Saturday morning kid TV and commercials that looked like kid TV, and who spends, now, too much screen time (albeit, much of it in search of links for blog posts and letters to editors), and, while not in the top 1% but certainly in the top 5%, I am often afflicted by the mindless consumerism as well. 

We have to try harder I think.

*Did you know the "global top 1%" who are famously responsible for more than half of greenhouse gas emissions includes many "middle class" Americans? At least that's what Jonathan Foley pointed out recently on Twitter.

Thanksgiving

Transgender Day of Remembrance

 

Join the UWL community to honor the memory of transgender people whose lives have been lost to violence. Stop by the Hall of Nations throughout the day. We will hold a candle vigil at 6:00PM.

From Tuesday, November 21, 2023 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM CST at Centennial Hall of Nations.

Monday - BadgerCare Public Option

Join Citizen Action for a press event with Rep. Doyle and Rep. Billings to show support for the BadgerCare Public Option Bill

MONDAY, NOV. 20 9:30 a.m.
St. Clare Health Mission, 916 Ferry St.

State Rep. Steve Doyle and Rep. Jill Billings, along with Driftless Region advocates, will speak at the Saint Clare Health Mission about the local impacts posed by this legislative session’s only comprehensive bill to curb the skyrocketing healthcare costs that prevent people from seeking care.

The game-changing plan would lower healthcare costs throughout the state and create more affordable healthcare options for families, small businesses and individuals. All told, the BadgerCare Public Option Bill is the most comprehensive health care reform bill proposed in Wisconsin in over a decade. The bill opens Wisconsin's popular BadgerCare program for everyone who does not have good coverage through their job. It would expand eligibility well beyond traditional Medicaid Expansion, including families of four making up to $60,000. People who make more than that could buy in at cost, and use Affordable Care Act subsidies to help with premiums.

Additionally, small employers, only one-third of which can currently afford to provide health coverage to their employees, could buy into BadgerCare at much lower cost and without the high deductibles and claims denials common in private insurance. This would dramatically improve the competitiveness of small businesses in the Driftless Region and across Wisconsin.

WHO:

Kristie Tweed, Citizen Action of WI Driftless Co-Op Organizer

State Representative Steve Doyle (Democrat from 94th Assembly District - Onalaska)

State Representative Jill Billings (Democrat from the 95th Assembly District - La Crosse)

Lori Toso, Holmen Resident

Jason Larsen, Executive Director of the St. Clare Health Mission

Dr. Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin

Additional speakers may be added later 

WHEN: Monday, November 20 at 9:30 AM

WHERE: Saint Clare Health Mission, 916 Ferry St., La Crosse

Be at Saint Clare Health Mission, 916 Ferry St., La Crosse on Monday, November 20 at 9:15. Signs provided!

DEI Survey

All community members of La Crosse County are invited to share their views in a short and anonymous survey as part of a project to make the county more equitable and inclusive for all.

The survey is  being conducted by Chanin Kelly-Rae Consulting, LLC., a firm hired by the county to develop a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging plan. As part of that work, Kelly-Rae has met with dozens of community organizations and interviewed hundreds of residents from every corner of the county.

To participate in the online version of the survey, click here. The survey will close at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 4. Learn more about the county’s equity work at lacrossecounty.org/diversity. 

Harry Chapin film

 

Get ready to fill some food pantries! 

Join us for a free screening of an inspiring documentary about the legendary Harry Chapin, and in his honor help us fill the shelves of WAFER and The Hunger Task Force.  While this event is free we encourage you to register with the button to the side and bring two non perishable items to donate at the event. Thanks and see you there! GET YOUR TICKETS HERE.

Nov. 14 - Politics & Pints

Politics & Pints is coming back to La Crosse! So brush up on current events, Wisconsin politics and some local history and join us at Pearl Street Brewery on November 14. from 6 to 8 p.m. Hosted by Opportunity Wisconsin, For Our Future Wisconsin, and Citizen Action Driftless Co-op. Trivia teams will be limited to 6 people. Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1079026713417500

Preparing for 2024

Issues Briefing:

Preparing for Elections in 2024

Three Topics and Three Days
The Wisconsin League of Women Voters will host three programs on "Preparing for Elections in 2024." Programming will be held virtually over three days, all with their own sub-theme. Visit the Issues Briefing website for more information and to register for one or more programs. It's free to attend, but make sure to register.

Thursday, Nov. 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

FAIR MAPS - Redistricting in Wisconsin

• Historical overview, background, analysis and insight on redistricting in Wisconsin
• Legal perspective on the Redistricting Lawsuit provided by Law Forward
• Hear from Petitioners on the Redistricting Lawsuit

Saturday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to Noon

Citizen Action at the State Level: Proposed Wisconsin Constitutional Amendments

• Overview of proposed Wisconsin Constitutional Amendments
• Presentation on Separation of Powers
• Non-citizen voting and why this issues is important
• Using private money for elections: How elections are financed and where those funds come from
• Solutions from another State: How the Ohio League and partners successfully achieved retaining the 50% threshold for passing Constitutional Amendments

Tuesday, Nov. 14 from 6:30 to  8:30 p.m.

Overcoming Barriers to Voting & Election Administration Challenges

• Election administration and protecting election workers
• What are current barriers to voting and what can be done?
• Overview of LWVUS Moonshot Goal: Abolishing the Electoral College
• Status on achieving the National Popular Vote