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Celebrate the League's Birthday on Feb. 28th
At 106 years old, we're still going strong! | | Celebrate the milestone with fellow League members (guests welcome) on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 2-4 pm at Dandy, 5020 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee. The mingling and merriment will include a brief presentation on the history of the LWV as well as a performance by Jessica Michna, impressionist of historical notable women, who will portray Eleanor Roosevelt (who had ties to the LWV!)
Register here to join the fun.
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Observer Corps Meeting
Friday, February 27 at 4:00pm
Email Robyn Furger for information on how to join in person or via zoom: r.furger@lwvmilwaukee.org | The Observer Corps is still in need of volunteers:
Help ensure that the public and the League are aware of the decisions that impact Wisconsinites
The Observer Corps:
· Is a structured way for citizens to become involved in their community by observing and reporting on local government meetings
· Promotes open, transparent, and accountable government
· Educates the public about issues impacting their communities and their lives
If you are:
· Interested in local government and/or the issues being discussed,
· Able to report and summarize proceedings in an objective, nonpartisan manner,
· A good listener, discreet and courteous
JOIN US!
Observer Responsibilities:
· Commit to attending a Milwaukee City or County Committee meeting 1-2 times a month, in-person or virtually. (Most meetings are recorded.)
· Take notes and report back to the Observer Corps Chair.
Want to join? Email: ObserverCorps@lwvmilwaukee.org
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I NEED HELP!
But not like this! It’s time to start planning the Annual Meeting 2026. We need to form a committee of creative members who have ideas for location, theme and socializing. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Nancy Maloney at n.maloney@lwvmilwaukee.org.
| | | Seeking Nominations for 2026/27 LWVMC Board Positions
Are you interested in applying for a LWVMC leadership position or nominating someone else with their permission? With democracy in our country under assault, the League needs dedicated members in leadership positions who are committed to defending our democracy. Are you prepared to contribute to the League’s fundamental mission?
The open Board positions for 2026/27 are the following:
- Second VP Advocacy
- Treasurer
- Board Director (4)
Descriptions of the positions:
VP Advocacy:
VP Advocacy Job Description
Treasurer:
Treasurer Job Description
Board Director:
Board Director Job Description
The application form can be found at the following link:
Application Form
Dedicated LWVMC leaders are essential in these tumultuous times. For further information regarding the open Board positions, please contact Mike Kloehn, Nominating Committee Chair at m.kloehn@lwvmilwaukee.org or (904) 200-7815.
The application submission deadline is February 28th. |  | | LOOKING AHEAD
Feb 10, 1 & 6 pm - Public Service Committee Hearing - We Energies, WPS and Alliant Energies customers have an opportunity to comment on the case before the PSC that will determine who will pay for the energy used by the hyper-scale data centers being proposed in the state. Attend online here or Submit a public comment here. Speak for yourself and your family!
Feb 11, 6:30-8:00pm - Environmental Impacts of Data Centers. LWV All-State Winter Webinar sponsored by La Crosse Area and Dane County Chapters. Speakers: Michael Grief, Legal Fellow at Midwest Environmental Advocates, Amy Barrilleaux, Communications Director, Clean Wisconsin. Moderator: Gretchen Sabel, Chair, LWV Upper Mississippi River Region. Register HERE
Feb 23, 5-7pm - Questions about Data Centers? Town Hall Has Answers. This event co-sponsored by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Turner Hall will focus on water and power used by data centers. Register for free tickets to the event at the Turner Hall ballroom, 1040 Vel R. Phillips Ave. The event is free and open to the public.
Feb 24, 6-7:30pm - Utility Justice Town Hall for City of Milwaukee Residents who want lower bills and accountability.
REPORTS and PAST Climate Action Group PROGRAMS
The Clean Economy Coalition of WI (CECW) - Data Center Accountability Report calls for a pause on data centers.
The LWVWI has joined CECW, a coalition of over 40 environmental organizations. On January 26, 2026 the coalition released a comprehensive set of policies needed in our state to protect our people and our environment against unprecedented growth of large-scale data centers in WI. To manage the growth responsibility, CECW proposes that the state pause consideration of new data center proposals until a strategic framework is in place. Click here for more information.
Nov. 22nd LWVMC program, Addressing Climate Change in Milwaukee County - Local officials’ efforts are covered in the Video and Slides, all available at lwvmilwaukee.org. Scroll down to “Past Event Information” to access. Please share with family and friends.
|  |  | Natural Resources Committee Meeting - NEW TIME
Wednesday, Feb. 11 - 5:30 p.m. (to accommodate attending the Data Centers Environmental Effects Meeting)
New members welcome! We will continue to provide updates regarding climate change, renewable energy sources, lead issues, and the planned energy options series. We are starting early only this month to accommodate those who would like to attend the Data Centers discussion linked in this Update. Register here. | Medicare/Food Share Task Force Action Calls
Congress must take immediate action to repeal the devastating cuts and harmful impacts on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that were included in the budget reconciliation law, H.R. 1. It is imperative that Congress does not move forward with a Farm Bill, farm relief — or any legislation — until the crushing impacts of these cuts are addressed. Please contact your Members of Congress here! |  | | Did you know that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has its own facial recognition app called Mobile Fortify? The app has a bank of over 200 million images and links records from the State Department, the FBI, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other databases. By using this app, authorities can pull up a person’s name, DOB, nationality, their “alien” number, and other personal information. Earlier this year, 404 Media reported that the app twice misidentified a detained woman, raising serious concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the technology – technology that ICE has said provides a “definitive” determination of immigration status and should be trusted over a birth certificate.
On Thursday, February 5, the MPD is expected to present their draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) at the Fire & Police Commission (FPC) meeting. Join the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County at the meeting (6 p.m. Milwaukee City Hall, Room 301-B) where we will express our opposition to law enforcement’s use of FRT in our city and county.
If you reside in the City of Milwaukee, we encourage you to contact your alderperson and urge them to ban the Milwaukee Police Department’s current and future use of surveillance technologies like 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:bit.ly/no-frt-in-mke
|  | | The LWVMC Reproductive Rights team is thrilled to announce our partnership with the National Council of Jewish Women-Milwaukee and invite you to their Repro Sabbath event. Register here. |  | |
LQBTQ+ Advocacy-- Queer History Is Milwaukee History
In 1961--eight years before the events at Stonewall Inn--Milwaukee witnessed an early act of queer resistance at the Black Nite, a well-known LGBTQ+ bar. At the center was Josie Carter, who often called herself “queen.”
One August night, a group of sailors stormed into the Black Nite threatening violence. Josie defended the bar and rallied patrons to stand with her. Word spread quickly, and LGBTQ+ community members from across the city rushed to protect the space. The sailors retreated, but the community held firm, creating one of the earliest documented LGBTQ+ uprisings in the United States.
Milwaukee continued opening spaces of resilience, joy, and safety. From the early 1970s to the early 1980s, the building that now houses the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre operated as The Factory, a bar, bathhouse, and nightclub that served as a decade-long haven for Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ community.
Across town, the M&M Club, on the corner of Water and Erie, became one of the city’s first LGBTQ+ bars with street-facing windows boldly left unpainted. At a time when most queer establishments concealed themselves behind covered glass, those open windows were an act of courage and visibility.
These stories remind us that LGBTQ+ history is Milwaukee history, and they continue to ground the League’s commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring that every person can live freely, authentically, and without fear.
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To stay informed about legislation affecting the LGBTQ+ community and track advocacy efforts, visit Fair Wisconsin’s Bills to Watch page:
https://fairwisconsin.com/bills-to-watch
To identify and contact your state legislators and relevant committee members, use MyVote Wisconsin: https://myvote.wi.gov
Speaking up matters.
LGBTQ+ ... All Letters Matter!
| | Prepare for Greater ICE Presence in Milwaukee
ICE Verifier Training
February 14, 1:00 p.m.
Voces de la Frontera
Attend and learn how you can help Milwaukee’s immigrant community by responding to requests to verify ICE’s presence. This helps Voces let a neighborhood know whether ICE is there or not. It can also assist families in tracking their loved ones' location. After ICE takes them into custody, families are often unaware for some time where the person has been taken. | Unite and Rise Postcard Writing Event at
Luther Manor
On February 1, Unite & Rise Committee members Carol Wolcott and Robyn Furger led a postcard writing effort by Luther Manor residents to their legislators. Residents completed about thirty packets of cards. June Kohl, resident organizer, said, "Thank you for today. I have never seen so many residents here at Luther Manor anxious to voice their opinion on postcards since I have been here. I was overwhelmed. And delighted...Our first attempt at anything like this."
If you have contact information for other organizations who would be interested in a postcard writing event, please contact Carol Wolcott at wolcott1522@gmail.com. | |
Come Make Protest Signs with Us & Then Hit the Streets
Saturday, February 7, 10AM-12PM
Wauwatosa Public Library, Firefly Room, 7635 W. North Ave
Followed by protesting from 12PM-1:00PM
Following poster making, protest with Indivisible Milwaukee, on 76th and North Ave. (or at another protest of your choice.) Parking is available at the library for both events. You can park, make a poster (all supplies provided with light refreshments) and then cross the street to protest! If you already have a poster, come anyway (bring a friend!) and have a treat and warm drink prior to demonstrating.
REGISTER HERE. | | | |
Saturday February 7th 10:30am Love in Action March
Bay View Let's stand together and march into a brighter future. March starts at Mothership: 2301 S. Logan Ave. | | | |
Tuesday, February 10
Immigrant Solidarity & Action
First meeting of 2026, 6:00-7:30pm at First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, 1342 N. Astor MKE All are welcome!
The Ultimate Hidden Truth of the world is that it is something we make and could just as easily make differently. Let's join the larger Milwaukee Coalition in saying "ICE Free MKE!" | | | |
Bystander Intervention Training
Organized by Waukesha Resist
Tuesday, February 10, 6:00-8:00
Use the QR code to register
This workshop is an opportunity to learn more about showing up for other people in challenging situations. It’s a general training not specific to ICE encounters. For that, the ICE Verifier training would be more applicable. The Bystander Training is broader.
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Saturday, February 14th Peacekeeper Protest Marshal Training
10:00a.m.--12:30p.m.
First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee
1342 N Astor, MKE Registration.
ActWisconsin and The Milwaukee Non-Violent Resistance Coalition need trained protest marshals. Learn strategies for: Guiding demonstrations according to organizers' plans; De-escalation strategies; Working collaboratively on a team; Maintaining communication; Understanding legal rights; Being visible. Sponsored by Faith Leaders Non-Violent Resistance, First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee & MKE Friends Meeting House.
| | | Additional Protests:
Please consider bringing your protest sign about ICE to one of these other weekly events: Milwaukee Area Protests | Can you answer Suzie’s questions?
What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?
A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a direct transfer of funds from your IRA (Individual Retirement Account) to a qualified charity.
Is the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County a qualified charity for a QCD?
Yes, the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County is a qualified charity because it is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) can reduce the required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA and provide a tax benefit. See your financial advisor and/or tax professional about the benefits of a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA and consider a QCD when making your next gift to the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County. | | A VARIETY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOLLOW. | | Would you Like to Serve as the LWVMC’s Representative to the Upper Mississippi Region Inter-league Organization?
Please nominate yourself for this position by completing this form.
If you would like to become more involved, that's wonderful. This post on the LWV UMRR blog describes the Action Committee and other opportunities. The LWVMC Natural Resources Committee will review the nominations and recommend its choice for approval to the Board. In addition, there is an opportunity to become a member of the UMRR ILO Board, with more responsibilities. For more information, please contact Ann Batiza at a.batiza@lwvmilwaukee.org or 414-238-3903.
| Help expand the League’s visibility and influence!
Become a member of the LWVMC’s Speakers Bureau today. Members speaking at events and for community groups expands our presence in the Community, making more people aware of the League and its mission. Now is the time to get the word out about who we are and all that we do to empower voters and defend democracy.
Whether you’ve been actively involved in LWVMC or are brand new, consider becoming a speaker for the LWVMC Speakers Bureau. Whether you are an experienced speaker or wanting to re-ignite your speaking skills, we need you! Complete this Speaker Information Form or contact Heather Godley at SpeakersBureau@lwvmilwaukee.org about your interest or with questions. |  | |
LWVMC Interview on Riverwest Radio
Two LWVMC members, radio host Karen Lemke and board director Mary Voelker, discussed VOTE411 and other League work on Karen's radio show on Jan. 29. Riverwest Radio, 101.4 FM, describes itself as "a community platform for education, advocacy and creativity, as well as an outlet for marginalized and alternative voices" and includes a wide variety of local programming. A recording of the informative interview is available here. |  | Spring Primary Online Voter Guide Is Published
The 2026 Spring Primary Online Voter Guide was published last week to VOTE411.org for the February 17 primary election.
Go to www.Vote411.org and enter your address to get started. You will see the races that appear on your primary ballot and the candidates running for these offices. Candidates participate in our online voter guide by entering their campaign information and answering the League’s questions. All candidate responses to our questions are published verbatim. We do not edit candidate responses.
If you do not have a primary election, there will be a message that your next election is April 7, 2026.
If your local candidates have not answered the League’s questions, you can contact them and tell them you want to learn about where they stand on issues in our community.
Here is a sample script you can use in a phone call, a text, or an email to the candidates:
1. If your candidate(s) has answered our questions, thank them!
Thank you for responding to VOTE411’s Voter Guide so that voters can be informed before casting their votes.
2. If your candidate(s) has NOT answered our questions, you can call on them to do so!
As voters, we want to hear where our candidates stand on the issues. That’s why I am asking you to respond to VOTE411’s Voter Guide so we can be informed before casting our ballots. If you haven’t received our invitation, check your SPAM folder before contacting Sue Leister at voterguide@lwvmilwaukee.org to request she resend the invitation.
|  | | VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - BE AN ELECTION OBSERVER!
Help the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin monitor Wisconsin's elections. We are seeking volunteers to be trained as Election Observers and placed in polling places in specific areas around the state. You don't need to be a League member to volunteer for this -- although we'd love to have you join us!
For the 2026 elections we are focusing the Election Observation Program:
1. to be sure there is no disenfranchisement
2. to monitor the voter experience - including registration and showing ID
3. to monitor the absentee ballot counting process
4. to track any problems that can be fixed in future elections
Currently Recruiting Election Observers for the April 7th Election. Sign up by March 16th to volunteer. Join us!
Learn more and sign up to volunteer here. Note: Volunteer signup will close on March 16th. | Do You Want to Help Young People Register to Vote?
Join the Higher Education Voting Program
The Milwaukee League is renewing its campus voting program. Programs are already in the works for Mount Mary University and MSOE. Next up are Alverno and UW Milwaukee.
Volunteers are needed to be the point persons for area colleges and universities. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or a lead at one or more of the campuses, please contact Candice Owley: c.owley@lwvmilwaukee.org | Interfaith March Lecture/Lunch Series: Raising Our Moral Voice
LWVMC will have a Unite & Rise table at the Interfaith March Lecture/Lunch Series at First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, 1342 N Astor St. The luncheons are held on five Tuesdays in March. The public is invited. The cost is $20 for a vegetarian lunch for any of the five days or $90 for all five sessions. More information and registration here. | Long-term I-94 Construction May Affect Office Access
Prepare for road closures along east-west I-94 as a seven-year construction project begins in November. The construction will expand I-94 to four lanes in each direction, reconstruct the Hawley Road Interchange as a half-interchange, and reconstruct the 68th Street/70th Street Interchange, according to WisDOT. Drivers are advised to check the project's website and plan alternate routes. | Lots of Ways to Support Local Democracy and Your League. Thank You! | Follow us on Social Media! | 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. | |