Wisconsin voters will be asked two questions to amend the state constitution on their August ballot. These potential changes seek to redefine how federal money gets distributed and who has the power to make those decisions. These significant, sweeping changes would impact a wide range of issues voters care about, from education to the environment to how quickly the government can respond to emergencies (like a public health crisis or a natural disaster).

Let's not get trapped in the correct way to say things or the fear of not audaciously continuing this fight because we are still in the fight of our lives for our democracy. We have never fought with bullets and have always stayed true to our values to fight for freedom. The bottom line is that no one gets to take my fight from me, and I won't let fear or hate win.

In Milwaukee, we believe in the power of each other. We are teachers, bus drivers, nurses, retail workers, students, faith leaders, caregivers, and more. We are a community that cares for one another. We believe that our communities know what we need to grow and thrive together.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our We Believe in Wisconsin campaign. We Believe is a coalition of statewide groups united by shared values and a commitment to a brighter future. Together, we emphasize dignity, safety, and freedom for all, ensuring every Wisconsinite can thrive regardless of where we live, who we love, or the color of our skin.

Happy Earth Month! As we transition seasons and celebrate the beauty of our state, we wanted to share the best guidance and tips for discussing climate change and the need for climate justice without invoking fear or hopelessness.

We’ve been hearing a lot about “DEI” lately, haven’t we? It looks like the billionaire-backed politicians are testing out another boogeyman they can scapegoat while they attack our freedoms. Luckily, by now, we know that you are onto their gimmicks. And that’s a great start– being onto them is half the work– but we still need you to be the amplifiers of truth and break through the noise.

What’s happening with DEI in Wisconsin?

Black History Month should prompt reflection on the narratives we want to emphasize to celebrate the full spectrum of Black experiences. By doing so, we can break down stereotypes, and foster a more inclusive and accurate representation of Black history.

With the holidays approaching, we know that many of you are gearing up to have those conversations with family and friends around the table. This month, we are encouraging you to 1) dig into the structure of Race Class Narrative to understand why we say things in the order we do and 2) go back and read former newsletters to be able to resist taking the bait from that one uncle and know how to positively redirect the conversation.

This month, we share with you guidance from Uprise and ASO Communications on the atrocities in Palestine and Israel. While this is much bigger than the Wisconsin issues we usually try to focus on, there are thousands of Wisconsinites with family and loved ones in Gaza and other occupied places around the world, and we know all of our families deserve freedom and safety no matter where they live. Included in this guide are Wisconsin organizations that you should follow and support.

In yet another brazen attempt at a power grab, the Wisconsin GOP is currently attempting to jam through a last-minute redistricting proposal that they are disingenuously calling a “fair maps” bill.

We know it for what it really is: a way to delay the current fair maps case in front of the Supreme Court and a way to seize power that voters didn’t give. For 12 years, right-wing interests have rigged our voting maps. We aren’t falling for anyone’s dirty tricks.

The AIW Team is taking a break in August. We will still be around but will take a lighter load to enjoy the rest of the summer, to travel, spend time with family, and do some patio sippin.

We all know it: childcare is in crisis. Though some want us to believe it’s a problem with too many tangles, we know that by working together, we can ensure our childcare providers have everything they need to give our kids quality, affordable, nurturing care.

As people who value the freedom to live safely and authentically, it is our call to uplift, defend, and celebrate LGBTQ folks every month, not just Pride. We are thrilled to use research and messaging from A Better Wisconsin Together, Human Rights Campaign WI, and Fair Wisconsin in this guide, and we hope you come back to it to use it as often as you are called to.

The state legislature’s Milwaukee-specific “shared revenue” plan isn’t a plan to increase the services and resources our families need but yet another ploy to further swell already bloated police budgets and seize control over local government.

The bill has already hit the floor quickly; we know we must support our partners and build a loud choir around this issue now. Because if our words don’t spread, they don’t work.

This summer, we have an opportunity to unite to ensure our legislature provides all our children with the freedom to learn joyfully, nourish their imaginations, and meet their needs head-on. 

As always, if our messages don’t spread, they don’t work. Our shared challenge is to break through the noise by pulling together with a narrative that inspires our communities to chime in and join us. 

In addition to the state Supreme Court race, two questions will be on your ballot next month around cash bail and pre-conviction conditions. Please make no mistake: these are devious changes being pushed by a wealthy and powerful few hoping to divide us by where we live and what we look like and use us as their pawns as they attack our freedom.

This month’s newsletter focuses on how to talk truthfully about these referenda to remind our audiences what really keeps us safe and point out the motivations behind the false narratives being fed to us by people who want to divide us.

In April, we have a real opportunity to join together and take another step toward building the world we all want. The current six justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court have split ideologies, meaning future court decisions will often be decided by the one vote of the seventh justice we elect this spring. That person will serve for 10 years and decide cases about community districting, voting, abortion, and more.

In Wisconsin, whether we’re Black, white or brown, we value our freedoms — our freedom to vote, to decide whether and when we grow our families, and to know our kids will make it home safe at the end of the day.

If we want the media to change the story, we must give them a new story. This election will require showing (not just telling) that we are turning out, helping people vote, and living and breathing American values of freedom and liberty for all.

We know what keeps us safe. It's living in communities where we look out for our neighbors, have the great schools and healthcare we need, and have leaders who fully fund our community — from violence prevention programs to mental healthcare.