Citizen Action Weekend ’26 Newsletter, Friday, October 16th
Join Citizen Action of Wisconsin today!
Sign up to speak to a Citizen Action organizer. We want to talk to you!
Your Vote is Your Power! Vote Early.
Election Day is FAST approaching – are you ready? Voting by mail is underway, and early voting starts this upcoming Tuesday, October 20th! Voting early is a safe, easy, and convenient way to make sure your voice is heard.
Make an early voting plan today! Head over to https://myvote.wi.gov/ to double check your early voting location.
Still have your absentee ballot? We recommend putting it in the mail no later than Tuesday, October 20th, to ensure on-time delivery.
Call or text the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) or visit https://866ourvote.org/ for voting needs.
Be a Democracy Defender with Citizen Action
Citizen Action members are developing organizing plans to confront possible scenarios the Trump regime might employ to disrupt the midterm election and we are also preparing to respond to ensure every vote is counted.
- Join the Mass Listening Canvasses to continue to reach out in my community, build our base and find more folks that want to join our democracy defense efforts
- Sign up to be a member of Citizen Action’s Democracy Defender Rapid Response Team, This team is made up of people that want to be activated should a rapid response or mobilization effort is needed to protect our election ballots and will talk with at least 10 people I know about this upcoming election and being on my rapid response team.
- Learn more about Non-Violent Direct Action, at a Citizen Action training on Wednesday, October 28th, 6pm
Learn more and sign up to get involved in Democracy Defenders
Attend $20 Minimum Wage Town Hall in Appleton, Wednesday, October 21st, 6pm
Join the Wisconsin Living Wage Coalition, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, and other allies. Hear from local residents about their daily struggle to make ends meet at less than $20/hour. Learn more about the current state legislation and find out how you can get involved and help make $20 a reality in 2027.
RSVP for Appleton, Wednesday, October 21st, 6pm; Appleton Beer Factory, 603 W. College Ave, Appleton.
Learn more about the legislation and take action, urging your state legislators to support the bill.
For more information, contact: g.degrave@citizenactionwi.org
Citizen Action Healthcare Action Update
Political Education Series: BadgerCare Public Option & Other Healthcare Policies
Last Tuesday evening, Citizen Action of Wisconsin kicked off our Political Education Series with a discussion about the BadgerCare Public Option and other healthcare policies. It was a great evening of learning, sharing experiences, and talking about how we can make a difference.
Newer members and people interested in our healthcare work joined me and Dr. Rita Simon, a longtime healthcare leader and CAW Board Member, to learn how the BadgerCare Public Option would work and how to explain it in simple terms to friends, family, and neighbors.
Rita also shared her firsthand perspective on hospital closures in Northwest Wisconsin, what’s driving them, and how the Hospital Accountability Act could help address rising hospital costs and overbuilding in Wisconsin.
We broke into smaller groups to share stories, learn from one another, and discuss ways to get involved in our healthcare campaigns. It was a great reminder that bringing people together to learn, share their experiences, and take action is how we build the power needed to make real change.
If you are interested in going through a similar training, please reach out to me.
Upcoming Training: How to Share Your Story – date TBD
Our next Healthcare training session will focus on how to share your healthcare story. Our healthcare system is broken and sharing your experience can help drive change. Keep an eye on your email and The Weekend for more info.
Giving Back for Liza
One of our own Healthcare leaders, Liza Herbst is struggling with healthcare and the financial crisis that too often go hand in hand. While battling cancer, Liza unexpectedly lost her job and her insurance. Two Milwaukee Non-Profits set up this fundraiser to help Liza during this difficult time. We want to lift up and share with all our Citizen Action members as well.
Citizen Action Southeast Organizing Cooperative Update
Thanks to all who came to the SE Meet and Greet this Saturday at the Milwaukee Public Library! We ate pizza, made utopia collages and discussed what it would mean to win things like healthcare for all, a livable wage and a society truly devoted to the well being of the Earth.
Milwaukee people! Come join Citizen Action at No Kings this Saturday October 17th at Cathedral Square Park – we will be tabling from 2-3p (the march starts at 3p). Come learn about what we’ve got cooking and partake in our Mass Listening Survey!
If you’re interested in volunteering at our table text or call Grace 414-455-4974 or Maletha 414-676-5516.
Attend Wisconsin Gubernatorial Debate Watch Party in Eau Claire, Wednesday, October 21st, 6:30pm
We will gather for a casual non-partisan party to watch the televised debate, which will air locally on WQOW. Free and open to the public, attendees are welcome to bring food to share. Beverages are for purchase from the bar.
The debate watch party is co-hosted by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Power Up Eau Claire, and JONAH of the Chippewa Valley, and Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed (WECAN).
Contact Jeremy Gragert with questions: jeremy.gragert@citizenactionwi.org
Citizen Action is excited to be partnering in the organizing of these exciting events with Francesca Hong.
Join us and allies at a “We Make Better Possible” event near you.
Citizen Action in the News
Citizen Action’s Robert Kraig was on the Jeff Santos Show to discuss why the Democrats won’t fight (enough) in this authoritarian moment.
Watch and Listen Here (@ 1 hour 35 minute mark on video)
Listen to “Organizing Democracy Defenders” Battleground WI Podcast
We celebrate in amazement at the low payroll Milwaukee Brewers who are rolling through the playoffs with a great team that is beating a high payroll franchise stacked with the best players in the world. Can the defenders of democracy replicate the Brewers success in taking down the wealthy and powerful with better solidarity and teamwork?
Robert comes in strong with a late season Tick Report (news headlines from the climate crisis) where there is a growing consensus that Congress and the medical establishment has had a pitifully inadequate response to the rapid spread of tick borne illness.
We update our listeners on the Democracy Defenders program to anticipate and organize resistance to the looming threat of Trump regime interference in the November election.
Democrats are aiming for control of Congress by vowing action on healthcare, the cost of living, and the Iran war. We take a closer look at the details revealed in a leaked 84 page policy memo from the House Democrats. Also BadgerCare Public Option remains front and center in priorities David Crowley is elevating as we enter the home stretch of the election.
Listen to the show.
