October 2025 Newsletter
SPEAKING OF DEMOCRACY HOSTS IMMIGRATION CHAMPIONS
Last Spring we asked for volunteers to work on a response to the immigration crisis. A handful of people, with experience in the sector, came together to discuss how, with limited resources, we could make a difference for our immigrant neighbors and the community as a whole. As a result, we have spun off a non-partisan effort called the Coalition for Humanitarian Immigration.
The Coalition will partner with local and statewide organizations such as the ACLU, Wisconsin Council of Churches, and Voces de la Frontera, the leading activist group in Wisconsin, working for immigrant, worker and student rights.
The September 18th Speaking of Democracy meeting featured Alan Nichols and Elliott Magers (pictured above) from Voces. During the event, Alan and Elliott emphasized the importance of community involvement and highlighted recent legislative developments affecting immigrants in Wisconsin. They encouraged attendees to stay informed and advocate for policies that support the well-being and rights of immigrant families. The presentation fostered a meaningful dialogue about practical steps local residents can take to support inclusive communities. Voces offers programs for immigrants such as “Know Your Rights” and “Making a Family Plan” to “Verifier training” and “Myth Busting” for allies.
MORE ABOUT THE COALITION FOR HUMANITARIAN IMMIGRATION
As mentioned above, the Coalition was created from an awareness that for there to be real impact in Kewaunee County, the group would need to have discussions with people who, and in places where, the Democratic Party may not be welcomed. We agreed the group would need to be non-partisan and invite a broad spectrum of organizations, faith groups, service organizations, advocacy and legislative organizations, even from various ideological viewpoints, to the conversation.
The Group’s Mission is to:
· Proactively protect the innocent, vulnerable communities
· Provide the public with factual information on immigration myths
· Educate the public on laws and legislation (Current and Pending)
· In solidarity, respond to law enforcement and judicial actions
As a partner in the Coalition, the Democratic Party of Kewaunee County will, like all partnering organizations, have a “seat at the table” developing programs, determining the best way forward, attending meetings with partnering groups, keeping our finger on the pulse of various immigration issues, and research legislation and legal cases.
What can you do to help?
· If YOU want to participate in any of the Ally training provided by Voces de la Frontera
· OR - if you have a relationship with an organization that would be a good fit as a partner
· Email the Coalition at KewauneeCounty.CHI@gmail.com
· Attend (and share information on) the Community Forum on “Debunking Immigration Myths” sponsored by Coalition for Humanitarian Immigration tentatively scheduled for Sunday Nov 9th from 1p – 3p at Algoma United Methodist Church 804 Parker Ave
LEADERSHIP ATTEND COUNTY CHAIRS ASSOCIATION RETREAT
Submitted by Stan Johnson
On Saturday and Sunday, September 13-14th Democratic Party of Kewaunee County (DPKC) Chair Stan Johnson and Secretary/Treasurer Colleen O’Brien attended the County Chairs Association conference in Rothschild, WI. Attendees were county chairs and leaders from the 72 counties in Wisconsin. In all there were 92 participants. Given the country was dealing with the immediate aftermath of the murder of Mr. Kirk our first session was on Safety and Security for our members.
Participants were briefed on the coordinated campaign phrases for 2026 by DPW’s staff. A highlight of the weekend was the keynote workshop featuring Katrina Shankland of Rust Belt Rising. Rustbelt’s mission is to “reconnect the Democratic Party to its base of working families by training candidates to lead on foundational economic issues”. The group works with Democratic candidates in the six states bordering the Great Lakes (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) to transform their values into persuasive economic messages. Katrina laid out activities to recapture voters in rural Wisconsin. She focused on supporting strong local candidates.
See Stan, back row, second from the left.
The keynote speaker was John Nichols. Nichols is the executive editor of The Nation. He previously served as the magazine’s national affairs and Washington correspondent. Nichols has written, co-written, or edited over a dozen books on topics ranging from histories of American socialism and the Democratic Party to analyses of US and global media systems.
The conference ended with comments from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin (DPW) newly elected Chair, Devin Remiker. He left conference attendees with understanding the path ahead: Resist, Reimagine and Rebuild!
INTRODUCING THE “VOCAL LOCALS”
Submitted by Laura Krzysiak
Silence. It’s wonderful to sit in a quiet place, not hearing things that disturb our serenity. Pretending that everything is okay and we have nothing about which to worry. It allows us to close off and escape from the reality that surrounds us. For some people, this is the solution to dissatisfaction.
Thankfully, there are others who cannot accept silence as a solution and who feel duty bound to stand up and speak out against the fallacies, divisiveness, and corruption they see. If you are part of this latter group, you are invited to join with kindred spirits and join VOCAL LOCALS.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
VOCAL LOCALS are community members who believe they have the right and duty to speak out against the policies and actions of the Trump administration that will harm the well-being of people in our country and diminish the reputation of our nation. They are people who will not “go quietly” into the darkness of tyranny. They are the people whose ancestors resisted discriminations, who fought for civil rights, who demonstrated to give women and young people the right to vote, who organized and in doing so won, better working conditions and fair wages.
The VOCAL LOCALS has been organized to coordinate non-violent demonstrations within Kewaunee County. As such, they are guided by the following rules:
o They will only rally on public property and will keep access to the property open to all during our gatherings.
o Signs and songs and speech will not be obscene.
o No weapons of any kind will be tolerated. This is a peaceful group.
Participation with Vocal Locals is open to all. You do not need to belong to any political party to rally with the group. You will be asked to provide your name and contact info to be notified of future events.
Vocal Locals hope to see you at their next planned rally,
NO KINGS 2, OCTOBER 18, 11AM – 1PM, LEGION PARK, ALGOMA.
If you wish to join, dress for the weather (including rain). The rally will only be canceled if lightning is nearby. Bring sunscreen and a chair if needed.
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to the Algoma rally there will be a rally in Green Bay from Joannes Park (Baird and Walnut Sts) west to the Brown County Courthouse . Organized by Indivisible Brown County.
ANNUAL ONE YEAR TO WIN DINNER FUNDRAISER
When: November 18 6-8pm.
Where: Waterfront “Uptown” County C and Hwy 29 Kewaunee
What: Join your fellow Democrats, Progressives and Independent thinkers as we celebrate the annual “One Year to Win” dinner and fundraiser. More details to follow. See the website calendar of events for more information
KEWAUNEE PARTY OFFICE HOURS CHANGE
October—the office will be open on Fridays from 4-7, Monday hours discontinued.
November through February 2026 the office will be open for special events, no regular scheduled hours till February 2026.
Next event is Friday, October 17th to make signs for the No Kings 2 rally.
Watch for email alerts and the website for other event details.
CONTACT US
Email: kcdpwi@gmail.com
Website: kewauneedems.com
Call: 920-241-3586