Election Day is here! Today and post-election day, we may hear more and more dog whistles, lies, and scare tactics. In addition, we know that protecting the sanctity of our election process is the key to our democracy. So, what should we all be singing together amidst this cacophony of noise?

This election, there is a question on our ballots that seeks to change the state constitution. We are encouraging voters to Vote No. Some politicians in the state house are trying to erode our voting rights through underhanded tactics, all while using racially-coded language to point the finger and feign ignorance about their true intentions.

Repeating harmful and dangerous stereotypes of immigrant communities, even to refute and make fun, is still reinforcing those stereotypes and is dangerous for people. So this month, we are showing you how to respond effectively to future rhetoric.

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.