Preparing For No Kings Rallies, Oct. 18
LWVUS has announced it will be joining No Kings 2 as a national partner on Saturday, October 18: "LWVUS has decided to become an official partner for this day of mobilization to stand up against hate and authoritarianism. The League has consistently and boldly spoken up in the face of rising authoritarianism. This is an opportunity to put words into action and show up in defense of democracy and as an effective ally.
We encourage Leagues to lean in locally and participate in actions with partners on the ground in a nonpartisan manner. We understand that we cannot control how other partners show up, and participating in any event comes with some risk."
League members are encouraged to attend a No Kings event in their own community and wear their League gear. |  | |
LWV-Lake Michigan Region Annual Conference Oct. 24-25
The LWV-Lake Michigan Region, an Inter-League Organization including Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, invites all LWV members to its annual meeting and Conference on Oct. 24-25, 2025. The mission of the inter-League organization is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation in government and to act on selected governmental issues affecting the Lake Michigan watershed.
This year's event is titled "Exercising Democracy: Protecting Lake Michigan & the Great Lakes in the Face of Data Centers & Other Challenges." Members and guests may attend in person or via Zoom. Information and registration here. | Please join us for the Legislative Breakfast
Monday, October 20th, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
| The goal of the breakfast is to hear directly from Milwaukee area elected officials about their legislative priorities during the current 2025-26 session. See registration page for a list of legislators who have accepted our invitation to attend.
A light breakfast will be served.
Space is limited! This meeting will be open only to our members.
Please note: the location of the breakfast will be disclosed in your confirmation email after you have registered. | | Press Conference
County Board Supervisor Anne O'Connor and Forward Latino held a press conference Friday October 3 at the Milwaukee City Hall. The press conference was an opportunity for community leaders to address ICE activity in Milwaukee. League member Candice Owley and County Board Supervisor Anne O’Connor (also a League member) pictured here, were present to support Forward Latino, and to show that our city opposes the presence of ICE in Milwaukee and everywhere. | | | Wisconsin's Constitutional Amendments: Consequences and Better Practices Webinar
Watch the video here.
The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin hosted a webinar on September 18, 2025, bringing together leading voices to examine the impacts of constitutional amendments and explore better practices for the future. Panelists included: Doug Poland of Law Forward, a nationally recognized litigator defending democratic values in Wisconsin and beyond; Jasleen Singh of the Brennan Center for Justice, an expert on voting rights and elections; Margo Kirchner, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Justice Initiative with decades of legal experience in federal courts; Dennis M. Franklin, Sr. of EXPO, a powerful advocate drawing on his lived experience with incarceration to push for systemic change. |  | | The climate crisis worsens. At the federal level we see relentless attacks on agencies that protect our health and the environment. In addition, we see cuts to funding for more quickly built and less costly renewable energy infrastructure coupled with increased support for the fossil fuel industries (gas and coal,) the main drivers of climate change. It’s easy to become deflated, but the good news is that at the local level, we have real opportunities to take action. Each week we will continue to inform you of ways you can not only educate yourself but also take action with your local officials. Here are three ways you can get involved:
October 21st, 6-8pm at Urban Ecology Center Our League is co-sponsoring a Community Conversation on Milwaukee County’s budget, transportation, climate and equity. You will hear directly from Milwaukee County Departments about what’s at stake in the County’s proposed 2026 budget. Ask questions, get the facts and raise your voice for protecting transit, public health and climate resilience. The event will be led by County Supervisor and LWVMC member Anne O’Connor.
October 23rd, 5:30-8:30p.m. at Carroll University - The Waukesha County Green Team, in collaboration with Carroll University and the Office on Sustainability and Clean Energy, is hosting a Community Conversation called Now Is the Time. The event is Free and features Meteorologist Lindsey Slater as the guest speaker. For more information and to register go to WaukeshaCountyGreenTeam.org/now-is-time-2025
NOVEMBER 22, 10-noon, Local Actions to Address Climate Change in Milwaukee County, Featuring Erick Shambarger, Director, City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office, and Grant Helle, Milwaukee County Sustainability Director. Learn about our local governments’ efforts to address climate change and ways you can get active at a local level. Room 2135, (1st Floor meeting room), Summit Place, 6737 W Washington St., West Allis, WI 53214 |  | Important update:
USAID and Contraception Confusion
A Sept. 4 Weekly Update article reported on the current administration’s freeze on foreign aid and the closing of the USAID organization, which left $9.7 million of birth control, intended for women in low-income countries, sitting in a warehouse in Belgium. In July, the administration said it would destroy the contraceptives, at a $167,000 cost to U.S. taxpayers.
On September 11, the NY Times reported the destruction of the birth control at the Belgian warehouse, according to a statement by a USAID official. Belgian officials then inspected the warehouse and found the contraceptives still there.
NPR stated that on September 12, over 70 U.S. and international organizations sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, criticizing the U.S. government for refusing offers to purchase the supplies and for classifying the birth control products (which prevent pregnancy from occurring) as abortifacients (which terminate a pregnancy).
The Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition found that destroying this one stockpile will result in 362,000 unintended pregnancies, 161,00 unplanned births, 110,000 unsafe abortions and 718 preventable maternal deaths. The Brussels Morning Newspaper reported on October 1 that the Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation, Maxime Prevot, is engaged in ongoing discussion with U.S. authorities to try to stop the destruction of the supplies.
The abrupt ending of U.S. foreign aid by the current administration has impacted the lives of millions of people globally, leaving governments and organizations to navigate the confusion. |  | | Show Your Support For Fair Maps
Join the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition for a Rally to End Gerrymandering!
While Wisconsin currently has fair maps at the legislative level, these are only in place until the 2030 Census. We need LEGISLATION to ensure FAIR VOTING MAPS for FUTURE GENERATIONS.
The Coalition has been touring the state, presenting its proposal for an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) that aims to move redistricting power into the hands of citizens rather than politicians. Join us to show our legislators that we're not waiting around – NOW is the time to act.
Speakers to be announced soon!
WHEN: Thursday, October 16th from noon to 1 PM
WHERE: Wisconsin State Capitol – State Street entrance
WHO: Sponsored by the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition – learn more about FMC at fairmapswi.com
REGISTER: bit.ly/RallyToEndGerrymandering
| LWVMC is creating a Speakers Bureau to provide civic education in a more strategic, intentional, and organized way for the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County. Presentation topics will include voting, democracy, and advocacy issues. We expect to reach more people by sending speakers out to civic and church groups, service organizations, neighborhood associations, and other groups.
Does this interest you? The effort will take a diversity of talent to develop presentations, recruit speakers, find speaking opportunities, match speakers to topics and schedule presentations.
If you are interested and have time to engage with educational outreach, please contact Mary Voelker at m.voelker@lwvmilwaukee.org for more information. |  | |
LGBTQ+ A Future Fun Event
Fun Plans in the Works: Drag Queen Bingo!
What is Drag Queen Bingo?
Drag Queen Bingo is a lively, inclusive event that combines the traditional game of bingo with the vibrant entertainment of drag performances. Hosted by a charismatic drag queen, the event is filled with humor, music, and community spirit—creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for attendees of all backgrounds.
Why It Matters for the League of Women Voters
Hosting Drag Queen Bingo offers the League a unique opportunity to:
· Engage Current Members: It’s a fun way to energize existing members and highlight the League’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and advocacy.
· Reach New Audiences: The event naturally attracts a diverse crowd, including younger and LGBTQ+ individuals who may not yet be familiar with the League’s mission.
· Showcase Values: By aligning with events that celebrate equity and representation, the League reinforces its dedication to empowering all voices in democracy.
· Promote Initiatives: It’s a great platform to share information about the League’s LGBTQ+ initiatives and invite attendees to get involved.
In short, Drag Queen Bingo is more than just entertainment—it’s a bridge to deeper community engagement and a celebration of inclusive civic participation. More information to follow!
LGBTQ+ All Letters Matter |  | |
Did you know that the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) has been using Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) behind closed doors for more than two years? The MPD routinely accessed the technology from neighboring law enforcement agencies, which Chief of Staff Heather Hough compared to sharing passwords on Netflix: “Like a Netflix subscription it’s now limited in use, and our partners have said we can no longer allow you to use ours.” The MPD has not been transparent to the public about its use of FRT and currently uses the technology without a standard operating procedure in place.
If you reside in the City of Milwaukee, we encourage you to contact your alderperson and Mayor Johnson and urge them to ban the Milwaukee Police Department’s current and future use of Facial Recognition Technology. With the permission of the Milwaukee Turners, we are sharing sample call and email scripts that can be used to contact your alderperson and the Mayor.
To learn more about the Mass Incarceration Committee, contact Emily Sterk at e.sterk@lwvmilwaukee.org |
Feeling Poetic? Last Call to Contribute to Poetry Project
The deadline is Oct. 15th for submissions of original poems to a LWV Poetry Anthology Project. Traditional forms and free verse are welcomed, but all must be original poems that reflect on the guiding principles of democracy—such as justice, equality, freedom, civic engagement, and the common good.
Please submit one unpublished, original poem of no more than 30 lines, including stanza breaks, formatted to fit on a single page using Times New Roman with 12 pt font. More information and the submission form are at this link: forms.gle/1hDvNLYipbnEAQgD7
| |
Donating a lump sum of money at once to support our mission can be difficult even though your heart wants to help make a difference. With the Monthly Giving Program, you can make a monthly gift that fits your budget and adds up to make a large impact on the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County.
Start donating today! Go to Recurring Donations on the Donate Page of the League website and follow the prompts. Questions? Contact Mary Voelker at m.voelker@lwvmilwaukee.org |  |  | |
Waukesha County Volunteer Coordinator for VOTE411 Needed
VOTE411 is a nonpartisan online voter guide provided by the League of Women Voters Education Fund. In order to produce this guide for all voters, LWV needs lots of help! Community volunteers contact municipal or school board clerks to get candidate information.
Community Volunteer Coordinators for Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties work with volunteers and with clerks to collect this information and to relay it to tech team volunteers who post candidates and their contact information to the system. The League invites the candidates to participate in the online voter guide and answer questions important to their constituents. The candidates respond to our questions on the VOTE411 site.
We need a Waukesha County Volunteer Coordinator for VOTE411! Experience with VOTE411 is helpful, whether as a community volunteer or otherwise, but not essential. If you are interested or want more information, please contact Beth Lueck at b.lueck@lwvmilwaukee.org |  |  | |
No Kings 2 Protest and March
Saturday, October 18, 11am--2pm
Cathedral Square
520 E Wells St
Milwaukee, WI 53202
In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.
Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together. Sign up HERE
Proudly support our country as well as the League of Women Voters by wearing your League attire.
If you’d like to protest with other League members, meet Candice Owley at 10:45am outside Belmont Tavern at 784 N. Jefferson St. She’ll be wearing her League T shirt. Before you go, please read the League Protest Safety Guidelines.
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.
| |
LWVWI Hosts Protest Rights/Safety Webinar Oct. 15
LWVWI is hosting a free Know Your Rights and Protest Safety Webinar on Wednesday, October 15th from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. This webinar will also include a virtual poster making website. Register for the webinar here.
| |
Members Meet to Unite & Rise
|  | |
A great turnout of members and guests filled the large conference room at Summit Place on Oct. 4 to learn about the LWV's Unite & Rise initiative. LWVMC's Unite & Rise lead, Donna Spars, led a discussion of the constitutional crisis we are facing, detailing abuses of citizens' Constitutionally protected rights by the Executive branch. Donna talked about how citizens in other countries effectively challenged authoritarianism and how those tactics can be used here. Many new members and friends engaged in a lively and productive discussion.
"The participation and engagement of the 71 people in attendance at the Unite & Rise meeting was well beyond my expectations. And the number of people who completed forms stating their interest in leadership positions in Unite & Rise and other forms of participation means we can move forward with action teams that will greatly extend our ability to live our mission of "defending democracy." --Donna Spars
Artist Niki Johnson, who created the Pillars of Democracy art installation, was on hand to sell her pro-democracy items (limited-edition posters, greeting cards, and yard signs.) She is offering a 20% discount to all LWV members (enter LWV20 at checkout). Here's a link to the store. |  | | |  | Taking a Faithful Stand
Tuesday, October 14, at 6:30 pm on Zoom
Register here.
Aissa Oliverez from Community Immigration Law Center (CILC) will present on what to do when ICE comes to your community. Taking a Faithful Stand cosponsors:
-
Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee
-
MICAH
-
Wisconsin Council of Churches
-
Wisconsin Council of Rabbis
-
Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice
-
WISDOM
|  | “We have been lied to”: How Antisemitism, Anti-Black Racism, and Misogyny Are Linked, with Doris Bergen
Wednesday, October 22 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Golda Meir Library, UWM. 4th Floor Conference Center
2311 E. Hartford Ave. Milwaukee, WI
In person and on zoom: http://bit.ly/2025Distinguished
What is the relationship between anti-Black racism, antisemitism, sexism, and Nazism? Why did the white supremacists who marched at Charlottesville in 2017 to protest removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee carry swastika flags and shout, “Jews will not replace us?” Why did the number of lynchings in the United States spike in 1933, the year Hitler came to power in Germany? Howard University professor Kelly Miller noted a “striking analogy” between “race prejudice” against Blacks in America and Jews in Germany, and other African American and Caribbean observers at the time expressed similar views. Why have their insights been largely forgotten? This talk addresses these and other questions by looking back at the history of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust and analyzing connections to our own times.
Doris Bergen is the Chancellor Rose and Ray Wolfe Professor of Holocaust Studies at the University of Toronto. Bergen is the author of Twisted Cross: The German Christian Movement in the Third Reich (1996), Between God and Hitler: Military Chaplains in Nazi Germany (2023), and War and Genocide: A Concise History of the Holocaust (4th edition 2024). She is a member of the Committee on Ethics, Religion, and the Holocaust of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. |  | |
VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON REGISTRATION HERE.
| |
Tuesday, Oct. 21, Noon via Zoom
Are you vigilant and prepared to avoid being scammed? College students as well as their grandparents increasingly face clever scammers. Meet consumer protection outreach specialist Bennet Merens. Join us on zoom for our LWV Lunch & Learn at noon Tuesday October 21.
REGISTER HERE
| You have received this message from the mailing list of League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County.
If you would prefer not to receive these emails in the future,
You can also request to be removed from our database completely. |
Attention LWVMC Members!
Please login to the website, go to your Member Profile and complete/update your Additional Member Data and Interests (Interests are found under Website Functions). When logged in, Member Resources will appear in the top menu of the website. There you will find members-only resources such as the Membership Directory. Contact roster@lwvmilwaukee.org with questions. Thank you!
| Support Local Democracy. Support Your League.
Your support is critical to help our nonpartisan grassroots organization reach voters play a critical role in democracy. It would not be possible to empower voters and defend democracy without your support.
Thank you! LWVMC
| You have received this message from the mailing list of League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County. If you would prefer not to receive these emails in the future, go to the opt-out page and modify your privacy settings. You can also request to be removed from our database completely. | |