Past Events
The ACLU of Wisconsin sponsors events to educate and activate Wisconsin residents on current civil liberties issues. For a full list of future events, click on the Upcoming Events link.
November 16, 2011 – Workshop: Legal Observer training
UW Student Activities Center, 333 East Campus Mall, Madison, 8:00 – 9:30 p.m., free
This free workshop is for anyone who wants to defend free speech and assembly by becoming a volunteer legal observer for the ACLU of Wisconsin. Attorneys and non-attorneys welcome. Read more about ACLU of Wisconsin legal observers on our blog. While the workshop is free, the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation would always welcome donations of support for this program: visit www.aclu-wi.org to donate. RSVP: (608) 469-5540 or find the event on Facebook.
November 11, 2011 – Conference: Youth Social Justice Forum
UW-Milwaukee Student Union, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee
Students from the greater Milwaukee area will participate in this day-long conference on youth rights and race relations. For more information, contact edetorre@aclu-wi.org.
November 11, 2011 – Community Forum: “Restorative Circles: Causes and Solutions to Racism and Violence in Milwaukee”
UW-Milwaukee Student Union, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., free
The ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation invites our supporters and members to the Milwaukee-area 2011 Youth Social Justice Forum and a special intergenerational discussion, “Restorative Circles: Causes and Solutions to Racism and Violence in Milwaukee.” An expected two hundred community members and student participants in the forum will hear history and context from Professor Jasmine Alinder who coordinates the March on Milwaukee (1967) Civil Rights History Project. LaShawndra Vernon and Emilio De Torre will collaborate with other restorative justice facilitators to lead a discussion about current issues with racism in the city. The Youth Social Justice Forum is presented in partnership with the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, ACLU Student Alliance at UW-Milwaukee, Urban Underground, TRUE Skool, 88.9 Radio Milwaukee, City of Milwaukee Election Commission, Milwaukee Public Theatre, Life After Hate, MICAH, and the YWCA of Milwaukee. Find the brochure for the event on our website.
November 7, 2011 – Workshop: Red Cups to Handcuffs
UW Humanities Room 3060, Madison, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., free
Halloween as crazy for you as it was for us? Get into some trouble over the past few weekends? Have any questions about the best way to handle your court case or ticket? Want to know what police officers can or can't do? Join Students for Sensible Drug Policy and defense lawyer Tim Kiefer to see if we can help you out. Co-sponsored by the ACLU Student Alliance at UW-Madison. For more information, see the Facebook event online.
October 27, 2011 – Conference: Third Power
The ACLU of Wisconsin will be a part of a panel on art and social justice during the conference and will have an information booth.
October 26, 2011 – Chippewa Valley Civil Liberties Union chapter annual meeting: Fundraiser Dinner
Houligans, 415 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire, 5:30 p.m. dinner, 6:45 p.m. annual meeting, reservations requested in advance
The Chippewa Valley Civil Liberties Union chapter of the ACLU of Wisconsin will have their annual dinner fundraiser at Houligans and annual meeting at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in advance of the racial profiling panel at 7:30 p.m. at the church the same evening. ACLU of Wisconsin Communications Strategist Stacy Harbaugh will be a guest of the chapter meeting. For more information on reserving a spot at the annual meeting, contact Nick Passell at (715) 832-0695.
October 26, 2011 - Racial Profiling in the Chippewa Valley: Panel
Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 421 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., free, donations to the ACLU of Wisconsin and the Chippewa Valley Civil Liberties Union chapter welcome
The panel and Q&A discussion on racial profiling issues in the Chippewa Valley is sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union—Chippewa Valley Chapter, and the Social Responsibility Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Panelists include Eau Claire Chief of Police Jerry Matysik on unconscious bias and police training; Caitlin Lee, former president of the Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, on discrimination experienced by Hmong residents; Selika Ducksworth-Lawton, Chancellor’s Fellow for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at UW-Eau Claire, with information on African- Americans’ experience in the Chippewa Valley; and Eric Kasper, Political Science professor at UW-Barron and a municipal judge in Rice Lake, on the problems experienced by Somali and Latino residents in the Barron/Rice Lake area.
October 24, 2011 – Know Your Rights: Workshop
Shorewood Public Library, 3920 N. Murray Ave., 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., free
Want to know what your rights and responsibilities are when law enforcement wants to search your car, backpack, or home? Do you really have the right to an attorney? What happens when you’re wrongfully identified as a suspect and brought in for questioning? Find out these answers and more in this exciting (and free) workshop, organized by the ACLU of Wisconsin. For more on this event, contact Youth and Program Director Emilio De Torre. You can also RSVP and share this event on Facebook.
October 9, 2011 – Recent Assaults on Civil Liberties: Speaker
The Bodega Brew Pub, 122 S. 4th St., La Crosse, 5:00 p.m. free, donations welcome
ACLU of Wisconsin Executive Director Chris Ahmuty will give a talk on recent assaults on our civil liberties in Wisconsin and in the U.S. Join LAX-area ACLU members for an evening of discourse. Download the event flier. RSVP or share the event announcement on Facebook.
October 6, 2011 – Know Your Rights with Law Enforcement: Workshop
Urban League of Greater Madison headquarters , 2222 S. Park St., Madison, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., free
The Dane County Office of Equal Opportunity and Woodard Enterprises will present a workshop for parents and youth (middle and high school) on their rights with law enforcement. Dinner and child care provided. For more information, contact the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation at (608) 469-5540 or Woodard Enterprises at (608) 845-2002. Download the event flier.
September 29, 2011 – Know Your Rights with Law Enforcement: Workshop
Sun Prairie Library, 1350 Linnerud Dr., Sun Prairie, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., free
The Dane County Office of Equal Opportunity and Woodard Enterprises will present a workshop for parents and youth (middle and high school) on their rights with law enforcement. Dinner and child care provided. For more information, contact the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation at (608) 469-5540 or Woodard Enterprises at (608) 845-2002. Download the event flier.
September 28, 2011 – A Reading of Banned Books: Event
Woodland Pattern Book Center, 720 E. Locust St., Milwaukee, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., free, donations welcome
Join the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation, Art Night Books, Wisconsin Center for the Book and Woodland Pattern Book Center for a reading of banned or challenged books. We will talk about recent censorship attempts in and around South East Wisconsin. There will be a short presentation and then we'll read excerpts from the "too hot to handle" books. Hosted reception begins at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7:00 p.m.and will go until 8:30 p.m. You can also check out photos from our Banned Books Week events in Madison and Milwaukee. RSVP for the event or share the announcement on Facebook.
September 26, 2011 – Know Your Rights with Law Enforcement: Workshop
Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St., Madison, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., free
The Dane County Office of Equal Opportunity and Woodard Enterprises will present a workshop for parents and youth (middle and high school) on their rights with law enforcement. Dinner and child care provided. For more information, contact the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation at (608) 469-5540 or Woodard Enterprises at (608) 845-2002. Download the event flier.
September 23, 2011 – Banned Books Week Kick-Off: Happy Hour
High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison, 5:30 p.m., free
Join the ACLU of Wisconsin Madison Area Office in a celebration of the 2001 Banned Books Week. The happy hour will be a casual social event where you can meet up with other book defenders and get an update on the activities of the ACLU in Madison. This ACLU of Wisconsin member meet-up is free with a cash bar, open to the public. Download the event flier (full page or mini fliers). RSVP or share the event announcement on Facebook.
September 21, 2011 – ACLU Student Alliance at UW-Madison: Meeting and Ice Cream Social
UW-Madison Student Activities Center Room 3161, 333 East Campus Mall, Madison, 8:00 p.m., free
UW-Madison students are invited to attend the first meeting of the ACLU Student Alliance of the 2011-12 school year. Get the scoop on the Know Your Rights workshops, volunteer protest observer trainings, student voting rights protection and other education and activism the ACLUSA-UW has planned this year. For more information on the student organization, visit their Facebook group or email them at aclusauw@gmail.com.
September 16, 2011 – Workshops: Constitution Day at UW-Milwaukee
UW-Milwaukee Student Union, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee
Workshops and activities sponsored by the ACLU Student Alliance at UW-Milwaukee.
September 14, 2011 – Student Organization Fair: ACLU Student Alliance at UW-Madison booth
Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton St., 5:00 p.m., free
UW-Madison students will get a chance to talk to representatives from over 100 student organizations including the ACLU Student Alliance at the 2011 fall organization fair. Learn more about the upcoming activities of the UW college group including a fall legal observer training, a Know Your Rights workshop and what students can do to protect their right to vote. For more on the ACLUSA-UW, find them on Facebook.
September 11, 2011 – Workshop: Know Your Rights
Madison-area community groups will sponsor a dialogue on race and youth rights. For more information, contact edetorre@aclu-wi.org.
September 5, 2011 – Parade: All City Parade & Pageant
Zeidler Park, 9:30 a.m., Milwaukee, free
The ACLU of Wisconsin needs your help! Join us to march in the All City Parade & Pageant! Floats, puppets, masks and liberty! Please call (414) 305-8569 for more on participating in art work sessions and in the parade. People are coming from STATEWIDE to unite.
September 3, 2011 – Protest: ACLU Legal Observers
ACLU volunteer legal observers will be witnesses to monitor two demonstrations in Milwaukee. For more information, or if you are an experienced legal observer volunteer and want to help, contact edetorre@aclu-wi.org.
September 3, 2011 – Workshop: Know Your Rights with Law Enforcement
Anti-racism rally in Milwaukee, 9:30 a.m.
ACLU of Wisconsin staffer Emilio De Torre will discuss individuals’ rights and responsibilities during law enforcement encounters, racial profiling and how the ACLU of WI is collecting stories via our Racial Profiling & Discrimination Story Form from people who feel they were targets of discrimination. For more information, contact edetorre@aclu-wi.org.
September 1, 2011 – ACLU Student Alliance meeting
Rufus King High School, 1801 W. Olive St., Milwaukee, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., free.
Students can join the ACLUSA-Rufus King as they plan activities for the upcoming year.
August 26, 2011 – Panel: Voter ID and Felon Re-enfranchisement
Democracy Convention, Madison College, downtown campus, 211 N Carroll St., Madison, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., register online
In the theme of “Representative Democracy: Voting Rights and Open Government,” ACLU of Wisconsin Associate Director Renee Shavers will join Kathy Bonnifield, Associate Director, Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota and Sarah Walker, Chief Operating Officer, 180 Degrees, Inc. (Minneapolis MN), in a talk about suppressive voter laws that have recently been passed in the United States and here in Wisconsin. For more information on this session, visit the Democracy Convention website.
Summer 2011 – All City Parade and Pageant Listening Sessions and workshops
Milwaukee
The All City Parade and Pageant is gearing up for the season. Listening sessions will be occurring around Milwaukee to provide ALL communities a chance to make their voices and concerns heard concerning civil liberties, dreams, rights, hopes and fears of life in Milwaukee. Concepts and opinions here will be incorporated into the Labor Day parade and public art installations. The ACLU of Wisconsin is part of a huge citywide coalition of groups involved in the summer-long program of forums and workshops. Visit the Milwaukee Public Theatre website for more information or visit their page on the parade.
May 21, 2011 - Festival: Fighting Bobfest North
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 331 Jefferson Ave., Chippewa Falls, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., free, donations welcome
Fighting Bobfest is having a northern event on May 21, rain or shine. Join the ACLU of Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley Civil Liberties Chapter’s table and other speakers for the day’s event. Find out more about Fighting Bobfest North on their website.
May 10, 2011 – Know Your Rights Workshop, English
Rufus King High School, 1801 W. Olive St., Milwaukee, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., free.
Want to learn about your rights and responsibilities when stopped by law enforcement on the street? In your car? At your house? This free event is being provided in conjunction with the Rufus King ACLU Student Alliance, Amnesty International and the Public Art Student Alliance.
May 10, 2011 – Know Your Rights Workshop, Spanish
16th Street Community Health Center, 1032 S. Cesar E. Chavez Dr., Milwaukee, 10:00 a.m. – noon, free.
Know Your Rights during law enforcement encounters/ Conozca tus derechos durante una encuentra con la ley! This free event is being provided in conjunction with the Milwaukee Latino Health Coalition. Resources will be provided in Spanish.
May 1 - 7, 2011 – Awareness Week: Choose Privacy Week
Find out more about this American Library Assocation awareness week at privacyrevolution.org.
May 4, 2011 - First Amendment Free Food Festival
UW-Eau Claire Campus Mall
Sponsored by the UWEC's student chapter of the Society for Professional Journalists, this unique event encourages students to sign away their First Amendment rights in exchange for a free lunch. But there's no such thing as a free lunch! How long can you give up your freedom of speech in exchange for delicious goodies? It will be a (food) fight to the finish in this celebration of the protection of free speech and a free press. Co-sponsored by the Chippewa Valley Chapter of the ACLU of Wisconsin. RSVP today on Facebook.
May 1, 2011 – Discussion: The Role of Progressive Spiritual Voices in Wisconsin’s Legislative Debates
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Eau Claire, 421 S. Farwell St., 10:00 a.m.
When politicians propose legislation with moral and ethical implications, voices of faith in hearings are often limited and do not reflect the diversity of religious groups in Wisconsin. But we know that a commitment to justice isn’t the exclusive realm of one political party or one faith group. We will look at some recent legislative proposals and discuss why they would be of interest to citizens who are committed to justice, equity and freedom. We will identify ways spiritually progressive citizens can identify themselves as a voice of faith and be advocates for liberty in their communities. For more information on the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Eau Claire, visit their website at www.uueauclaire.com. For more on the work of the ACLU nationally to keep government out of the private exercise of religion, visit our national website at www.aclu.org/religion-belief. The public is welcome. RSVP or share the event on Facebook.
April 27, 2011 – Workshop: Know Your Rights at Mifflin St.
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Humanities Room 2650, 455 N. Park St., 7:00 p.m.
UW-Madison students are invited to learn more about their rights when interacting with police. This workshop will focus on individual privacy, police questioning, and personal safety. Each year the Mifflin St. party grows and evolves but students perennially do not know about the law and their rights. An attorney will guide the conversation and answer students’ questions. The workshop is free and sponsored by the ACLU Student Alliance at UW-Madison.
April 15, 2011 - Open House: ACLU of Wisconsin celebrates the new space
207 E. Buffalo St. #325, Milwaukee, 4:00 - 9:00 p.m., free, donations welcome
The ACLU of Wisconsin is celebrating a new office space! Supporters are welcome to visit during the open house which coincides with Milwaukee’s Gallery Night and Day in the historic Third Ward. Visit the Gallery Night website to learn about neighborhood art galleries. Please contact event coordinator Emily Plagman at (414) 272-4032 x 24 for more about our open house. Find event details on the Facebook event page.
April 9, 2011 – ACLU Student Alliance Statewide Meeting
333 East Campus Mall, UW-Madison Student Activity Center, 4th floor Caucus Room, Madison, Noon – 5:00 p.m., free
Members of ACLU Student Alliances from campuses across Wisconsin will be meeting up in Madison to rally at the Capitol, swap ideas, learn about street theater and free speech, and learn from each other about hot civil liberties issues at their schools.
March 19, 2011 - Awards: ACLU of Wisconsin Bill of Rights Celebration
The ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation benefit will include dinner at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, civil liberties awards to recognize those who made a difference in 2010, a silent auction, cash bar and of course, the humorous and witty words of actor, playwright and comedian Aasif Mandvi. A private reception with Aasif Mandvi before the dinner is also available. For more information on the event or to be a sponsor, please contact Event Coordinator Emily Plagman at (414) 272-4032 x 24.
March 9, 2011 – Legal Observer Training
UW-Madison Humanities Building Room 2251, 6:30 p.m., free
This free workshop is for anyone who wants to defend free speech and assembly by becoming a volunteer legal observer for the ACLU of Wisconsin. Attorneys and non-attorneys welcome. Read more about ACLU of Wisconsin legal observers on our blog. While the workshop is free, the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation would always welcome donations of support for this program: visit www.aclu-wi.org to donate. RSVP: (608) 469-5540; Facebook event
January 24, 2011 – Awareness-raiser: Roe v. Wade 38th Anniversary (MKE)
The Sugar Maple, 441 E. Lincoln Ave., Bay View, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., free
This year marks the 38th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which established that the right to privacy includes a woman’s right to choose abortion. The Roe decision secured for women the fundamental civil and human right to make private decisions about childbearing. The ACLU of Wisconsin will join Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin along with Wisconsin NOW, One Wisconsin Now, NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health, Wisconsin Health Professionals for Reproductive Care, Advocates for Choice, State Representative Brett Hulsey, and State Representative Kelda Roys to recognize and celebrate women’s rights to all reproductive health care options. The event is free for our supporters and there will be networking, activities and light snacks. Donations welcome. Learn more about the ACLU of Wisconsin’s work on reproductive freedom. Spread the word about this event on Facebook.
January 21, 2011 – Awareness-raiser: Roe v. Wade 38th Anniversary (MSN)
Underground Kitchen, 127 E. Mifflin St., Madison, 4:00 – 6:30 p.m., free
This year marks the 38th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which established that the right to privacy includes a woman’s right to choose abortion. The Roe decision secured for women the fundamental civil and human right to make private decisions about childbearing. The ACLU of Wisconsin will join Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin along with Madison NOW, One Wisconsin Now, NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health, Wisconsin Health Professionals for Reproductive Care, UW Law Students for Reproductive Justice, UW Advocates for Choice, State Representative Brett Hulsey, and State Representative Kelda Roys to recognize and celebrate women’s rights to all reproductive health care options. The event is free for our supporters and there will be networking, activities and light snacks. Donations welcome. Learn more about the ACLU of Wisconsin’s work on reproductive freedom. Spread the word about this event on Facebook.
December 5, 2010 – Holiday Event: Outpost Alternative Gift Fair
Lakefront Palm Garden, 1872 Commerce St., Noon – 4:00 p.m., Milwaukee
Have you thought of giving the gift of an ACLU of Wisconsin membership for the holidays this year? It’s the perfect item for the civil libertarians on your list. The gift fair is a one-stop shopping event for creative, conscious gift-giving and combines the Outpost cooperative’s gift fair with the Our Milwaukee Buy Local Fair. Free admission. Learn more on the gift fair’s Facebook event page.
December 1, 2010 – Meeting: ACLU Student Alliance at UW-Madison
Student Activities Center Room 3161, 8:00 p.m., Madison
The ACLU Student Alliance at UW Madison engages UW students on civil liberties issues through educational workshops, films, speakers and activism. This meeting will be the last gathering of the semester and students will hold elections for members to decide next year's leadership. Contact aclusauw@gmail.com for more information or join the group on Facebook.
November 4, 2010 – 11th Annual Youth Social Justice Forum
UW-Milwaukee Student Union; 3rd Floor Wisconsin Room, 8:00am.- 3pm
The eleventh annual event was held at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee campus and is a day-long event which offers high school students a unique and hands-on approach to learning about the functions of government, social justice, civil liberties. It also teaches youth how individuals can create effective grassroots change through leadership development and community organizing. The event introduces young people to the necessary skills to build and maintain ongoing community connections, obtain resources for programs and opportunities offered by collaborators, and the chance to experience learning in a university setting. View pictures of the event on our Facebook page. Contact (414) 272-4032 x 23 for more information on next year's event..
Application: Download the event application and permission form (PDF)
October 30, 2010 – Public Education: ACLU Student Alliance at UW-Madison Bust Card Distribution at Freakfest
State Street, Madison
Student volunteers for the ACLU Student Alliance at UW-Madison will hand out “bust cards” (PDF) to the Halloween revelers at the annual party on State Street. Before the city’s regulation of the event, arrest rates were high. This year we hope that there will be little conflict between partiers and law enforcement and that the bust cards help to educate people about their rights with police. Contact aclusauw@gmail.com for more information or join the group on Facebook.
October 20, 2010 – Meeting: ACLU Student Alliance at UW-Madison
Student Activities Center Room 3161, 8:00 p.m., Madison
The ACLU Student Alliance at UW Madison engages UW students on civil liberties issues through educational workshops, films, speakers and activism. Contact aclusauw@gmail.com for more information or join the group on Facebook.
October 19, 2010 – Annual Meeting and Program: Chippewa Valley Civil Liberties Union
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Eau Claire, 421 S. Farwell St., 6:45 p.m. meeting, 7:30 p.m. program
The CVCLU chapter will hold its annual meeting for local ACLU members. The public is welcome to attend the 7:30 p.m. program when the CVCLU hosts ACLU of Wisconsin’s Executive Director, Chris Ahmuty, who will share remarks on “Civil Liberties Issues and the Coming Elections.” For more information on both the membership meeting and the public program, please contact Ann Heywood.
October 12, 2010 – Workshop: Know Your Rights with Law Enforcement
UW-Madison Humanities Room 3650, 7:00 p.m., Madison
The ACLU Student Alliance at UW-Madison will host a Know Your Rights workshop with local criminal defense attorney and ACLU of Wisconsin state board president Erik Guenther. Students will learn about interacting with law enforcement and the basics of individual rights in the criminal justice system. Basic rights are for everyone, always, but the workshop is also just in time for the Madison Freakfest Halloween party on State St. For more information, contact the ACLU Student Alliance at UW-Madison.
October 1 , 2010 – Happy Hour: Banned Books Week kick-off
Mickey’s Tavern, 1524 Williamson St., 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Madison
A part of the Wisconsin Book Festival’s line up, this celebration of the right to read will bring together readers, librarians and book defenders to socialize and hear some of the stories behind the most challenged books in Wisconsin and across the country this year. Join us for this free, fun event. RSVP for the event on Facebook and invite your friends. Or be a part of our street team: download and post our large or mini flier for the event. View pictures from the event on our blog.
October 1, 2010 – Banned Book Reading
Woodland Pattern Book Center, 720 E. Locust St., 6:30 p.m. reception, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. program, Milwaukee
Join the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation, Woodland Pattern Book Center, the Wisconsin Center for the Book and Art Night Books for a reading of challenged or banned works of art. Readers will be announced soon. To co-sponsor the event or to donate funds to help provide food and beverages, contact liberty@aclu-wi.org or call (414) 272-4032 x 11. To see pictures of this event, visit our blog.
September 16, 2010 – Awards Ceremony: ACLU of Wisconsin Senior Staff Attorney Karyn Rotker honored by Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee
InterContinental Milwaukee Hotel, 139 E. Kilbourn Ave, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Milwaukee
The Commitment to Justice Awards event recognizes outstanding Milwaukee leaders whose efforts have improved the quality of life in the city’s community. Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee (CSGM) will honor five inspiring individuals including ACLU of Wisconsin Senior Staff Attorney Karyn Rotker at the 21st annual event. Visit the Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee event webpage or call (414) 342-0883 to reserve a spot or learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Download an invitation flier with details.
September 15, 2010 – Film: HOWL, starring James Franco
UWM Union Theatre, 2nd level, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., 7:00 p.m., Milwaukee
The Milwaukee LGBT Film/Video Festival will present a special advanced screening of HOWL, a feature film starring James Franco which depicts the life of Allen Ginsberg including Ginsberg’s arrest and prosecution for obscenity. Ginsberg was successfully defended by the ACLU in 1957 in this historic defense of a banned book. The ACLU of Wisconsin joins the Woodland Pattern Book Center, the Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee Film and the UWM Libraries as co-presenters of this event in preparation for the 2010 Banned Books Week (September 25 – October 2) and the Milwaukee LGBT Film/Video Festival (October 21 – 24). For more information about the Milwaukee LGBT Film/Video Festival and HOWL admission cost, visit their website. View the trailer of the film on line. Read more about the HOWL trial on the ACLU website.
September 6, 2010 – Parade and Public Art: Milwaukee People’s Parade
Workspace: 2210 W. Clybourn St., 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily
Parade: Meet-up at Zeidler Park, 10:00 a.m., start from Wisconsin Ave., 11:00 a.m., “Wake Up! Revue at Miller Stage, Noon. Free.
It’s Civil Liberties in 3-D! Join the ACLU of Wisconsin and be a part of the All-City People's Parade in Milwaukee. This celebration of free speech and public art combines floats, puppets, music and community issues. This year's theme is "Wake Up!" Volunteers are currently needed to make puppets and parade elements and all artistic skill levels are welcome. Volunteerism is on-going until the Monday, September 6th Labor Day festival. Contact Ron Fry at (262) 498-9788 or Program Director Emilio De Torre at (414) 305-8569 to mix civil liberties, social justice and art or visit the Milwaukee Public Theatre website for details.
May 23, 2010 – Discussion: The Role of Progressive Spiritual Voices in Wisconsin’s Legislative Debates
Madison Friends (Quaker) Meeting House, 1704 Roberts Ct., 10:00 a.m., Madison
ACLU of Wisconsin Community Advocate Stacy Harbaugh will lead a discussion on the role of progressive spiritual voices in state legislative debates. While America honors a tradition of the separation between church and state, legislators perennially work to pass laws that spark religious debates. During hearings of introduced legislation, voices of the religious community often conflict with core values of liberty. We will look at examples of legislative proposals over the past year in Wisconsin and discuss how spiritually progressive voices could be advocates for freedom and equality. For more information on the Madison Friends, visit their website at www.madisonfriends.org. For more on the work of the ACLU nationally to keep government out of the private exercise of religion, visit our national website at www.aclu.org/religion-belief. The public is welcome.
May 18, 2010 – Speakout: Community brainstorms for the All City People’s Parade and Pageantry
Bayview Public Library, 2566 S Kinnickinnic Ave., 6:00 p.m., Milwaukee
Inspired by the May Day Festival developed by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre in Minneapolis, this project is a collaboration among Milwaukee Public Theatre, the Milwaukee Mask and Puppet Theatre and numerous community organizations including the ACLU of Wisconsin, funding sources, individual artists, and most importantly, the participating public. Brainstorm sessions are a great opportunity for people of all cultures, ages and abilities to make their voices heard and see their ideas come to life with giant puppets, floats and masks at the Labor Day Parade in 2010. For more information on this community project, visit the All City People’s Parade and Pageantry website.
May 15, 2010 – Speakout: Community brainstorms for the All City People’s Parade and Pageantry
Woodland Pattern Book Center, 720 E Locust St., 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., Milwaukee
Inspired by the May Day Festival developed by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre in Minneapolis, this project is a collaboration among Milwaukee Public Theatre, the Milwaukee Mask and Puppet Theatre and numerous community organizations including the ACLU of Wisconsin, funding sources, individual artists, and most importantly, the participating public. Brainstorm sessions are a great opportunity for people of all cultures, ages and abilities to make their voices heard and see their ideas come to life with giant puppets, floats and masks at the Labor Day Parade in 2010. For more information on this community project, visit the All City People’s Parade and Pageantry website.
May 11, 2010 – Speakout: Community brainstorms for the All City People’s Parade and Pageantry
City Hall, 200 E Wells St., 4:45 p.m., Milwaukee
Inspired by the May Day Festival developed by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre in Minneapolis, this project is a collaboration among Milwaukee Public Theatre, the Milwaukee Mask and Puppet Theatre and numerous community organizations including the ACLU of Wisconsin, funding sources, individual artists, and most importantly, the participating public. Brainstorm sessions are a great opportunity for people of all cultures, ages and abilities to make their voices heard and see their ideas come to life with giant puppets, floats and masks at the Labor Day Parade in 2010. For more information on this community project, visit the All City People’s Parade and Pageantry website.
May 10, 2010 – Speakout: Community brainstorms for the All City People’s Parade and Pageantry
Urban Ecology Center, Riverside, 1500 E Park Pl., 7:00 p.m., Milwaukee
Inspired by the May Day Festival developed by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre in Minneapolis, this project is a collaboration among Milwaukee Public Theatre, the Milwaukee Mask and Puppet Theatre and numerous community organizations including the ACLU of Wisconsin, funding sources, individual artists, and most importantly, the participating public. Brainstorm sessions are a great opportunity for people of all cultures, ages and abilities to make their voices heard and see their ideas come to life with giant puppets, floats and masks at the Labor Day Parade in 2010. For more information on this community project, visit the All City People’s Parade and Pageantry website.
May 7, 2010 – Fox Valley Civil Liberties Union annual meeting
Primo’s Restaurant, Oshkosh
ACLU of Wisconsin’s Renee Crawford, featured speaker.
May 6, 2010 – Event: ACLU of Wisconsin Meet and Greet with Executive Director Chris Ahmuty
Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Ave., 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., free and open to the public
ACLU of Wisconsin Executive Director Chris Ahmuty will be in Superior, WI to meet with local ACLU members to discuss current civil liberties topics in the state such as data privacy, women’s health, youth rights in schools and more. Contact liberty@aclu-wi.org for more information on the event.
May 4, 2010 – Speakout: Community brainstorms for the All City People’s Parade and Pageantry
Core El Centro, 611 W. National, 6:00 p.m., Milwaukee
Inspired by the May Day Festival developed by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre in Minneapolis, this project is a collaboration among Milwaukee Public Theatre, the Milwaukee Mask and Puppet Theatre and numerous community organizations including the ACLU of Wisconsin, funding sources, individual artists, and most importantly, the participating public. Brainstorm sessions are a great opportunity for people of all cultures, ages and abilities to make their voices heard and see their ideas come to life with giant puppets, floats and masks at the Labor Day Parade in 2010. For more information on this community project, visit the All City People’s Parade and Pageantry website.
April 29, 2010 – Performance: Rally Against Hip-Hop Profiling
On Wisconsin Room, Red Gym, UW-campus, 7:00 p.m., Madison
Presenter: Erik Guenther, criminal defense attorney and ACLU of Wisconsin Board President, on racial profiling and hip-hop profiling in Wisconsin. Performance: First Wave poets, DJs and emcees including Phonetic One, Stereotype and others. Special host, Dakota Alcantara-Camacho, a spoken word artist who has worked with the ACLU in Seattle. The event is a part of the Hip-Hop as a Movement Week at UW-Madison and is sponsored by the ACLU Student Alliance.
April 28, 2010 – Speakout: Community brainstorms for the All City People’s Parade and Pageantry
True Skool/Urban Underground, 4850 W Fond du Lac Ave., 6:00 p.m., Milwaukee
Inspired by the May Day Festival developed by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre in Minneapolis, this project is a collaboration among Milwaukee Public Theatre, the Milwaukee Mask and Puppet Theatre and numerous community organizations including the ACLU of Wisconsin, funding sources, individual artists, and most importantly, the participating public. Brainstorm sessions are a great opportunity for people of all cultures, ages and abilities to make their voices heard and see their ideas come to life with giant puppets, floats and masks at the Labor Day Parade in 2010. For more information on this community project, visit the All City People’s Parade and Pageantry website.
April 28, 2010 – Hearings: Racial profiling and traffic stop data collection hearings conducted by the Office of Justice Assistance (OJA)
UW-Milwaukee, 2419 E Kenwood Blvd., Zelazo Center, Room 250, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Milwaukee
This public hearing will be conducted by the Office of Justice Assistance regarding the proposed rule on traffic stop data collection and racial profiling. The public is encouraged to attend and provide personal stories regarding racial profiling to help the OJA determine the extent to which people of different races may receive different treatment by law enforcement. Learn more about the hearing online.
April 27, 2010 – Film: Sergio
Oriental Theatre, 2230 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee
The film Sergio is a look into the historic life of Sergio Vieira de Mello who was an important fighter for international human rights. Free tickets are available at the Oriental Theatre Box Office starting at 4:00 p.m. for the 7:15 p.m. screening. Director Greg Barker will be present for a Q&A after the film. Please visit the ACLU of Wisconsin table at the event for more information on the American Civil Liberties Union’s work to protect human rights in the United States and abroad. Learn more about the film by visiting the Milwaukee Film website where you can watch the trailer and see interviews with the filmmakers or visit the event page on Facebook.
April 26, 2010 – Hearings: Racial profiling and traffic stop data collection hearings conducted by the Office of Justice Assistance (OJA)
Madison College/MATC, 3550 Anderson St., Room 142 C (Student Lounge), 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Madison
This public hearing will be conducted by the Office of Justice Assistance regarding the proposed rule on traffic stop data collection and racial profiling. The public is encouraged to attend and provide personal stories regarding racial profiling to help the OJA determine the extent to which people of different races may receive different treatment by law enforcement. Learn more about the hearing online.
April 23, 2010 – Speakout: Community brainstorms for the All City People’s Parade and Pageantry
UW-Milwaukee, 1915 E Kenilworth Pl., Kenilworth #492, 10:00 a.m., Milwaukee
Inspired by the May Day Festival developed by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre in Minneapolis, this project is a collaboration among Milwaukee Public Theatre, the Milwaukee Mask and Puppet Theatre and numerous community organizations including the ACLU of Wisconsin, funding sources, individual artists, and most importantly, the participating public. Brainstorm sessions are a great opportunity for people of all cultures, ages and abilities to make their voices heard and see their ideas come to life with giant puppets, floats and masks at the Labor Day Parade in 2010. For more information on this community project, visit the All City People’s Parade and Pageantry website.
April 22, 2010 – Workshop: Know Your Rights with Law Enforcement
Kilmer High School, 4807 S 2nd St., 11:30 a.m – 2:30 p.m., Milwaukee
ACLU of Wisconsin staff will facilitate a Know Your Rights workshop for high school students and staff who preregister for the Overcoming Obstacles program. For more information on this workshop or to schedule a workshop for your school or community group, contact ACLU of Wisconsin Youth and Program Coordinator Emilio De Torre at (414) 272-4032 x 23.
April 20, 2010 – Workshop: Know Your Rights with Law Enforcement
UW-Madison Humanities Room 3650, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Madison
The ACLU Student Alliance at UW-Madison will host a Know Your Rights workshop with local criminal defense attorney and ACLU of Wisconsin state board president Erik Guenther. Students will learn about interacting with law enforcement and the basics of individual rights in the criminal justice system. Special 4/20 edition during Greek Week and before the Mifflin St. Block Party! For more information, contact the ACLU Student Alliance at UW-Madison.
April 20, 2010 – Workshop: Know Your Rights with Law Enforcement
Southeastern Education Center, 4050 N 34th St., 10:00 a.m., Milwaukee
ACLU of Wisconsin staff will facilitate a Know Your Rights workshop for middle school students and staff who preregister for this event. For more information on this workshop or to schedule a workshop for your school or community group, contact ACLU of Wisconsin Youth and Program Coordinator Emilio De Torre at (414) 272-4032 x 23.
April 17, 2010 – Workshop: Know Your Rights with Law Enforcement
North Division High School, 1011 W Center St. 2:00 – 6:00 p.m., Milwaukee
ACLU of Wisconsin staff will facilitate a Know Your Rights workshop for high school students and staff who preregister for this event. For more information on this workshop or to schedule a workshop for your school or community group, contact ACLU of Wisconsin Youth and Program Coordinator Emilio De Torre at (414) 272-4032 x 23.
April 15, 2010 – Meeting: ACLU Student Alliance at UW
Student Activities Center Room 4210, 5:00 p.m., Madison
The ACLU Student Alliance at UW Madison engages UW students on civil liberties issues through educational workshops, films, speakers and activism. Contact aclusauw@gmail.com for more information or join the group on Facebook.
March 27, 2010 – Forum: Immigrants’ Rights and Police Encounters
Union de Trabajadores Immigrantes, 2300 Park St. lower level UW classroom, 1:00 p.m., Madison
The Immigrant Workers Union (UTI) will host a community forum on immigrants’ rights and will discuss current efforts to reform drivers licensing, immigration law and educate the community about individuals’ rights with law enforcement. The ACLU of Wisconsin will be there along with attorneys to answer questions people have about traffic stops, immigration law and families’ rights. Visit the UTI website for more information.
March 27, 2010 – Panel: Greater Milwaukee Human Rights Network – Committee on Gender Equality Architecture Reform
UWM Center for Continuing Education, 161 W. Wisconsin Ave. (Plankinton Building), Room 7220, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
A presentation on ACLU and CEDAW will be included in the Greater Milwaukee Human Rights Network program which will recognize the launching of a new unit within the United Nations to advance gender equity globally and locally. The event will be moderated by Elizabeth Olson, former Secretary of the Committee on Women and the Economy (UN meetings in Beijing and Geneva).
March 23, 2010 – Meeting: Madison ACLU Community Action Team
122 State St. #201, 6:00 p.m., Madison
The Madison Community Action Team of the ACLU of Wisconsin is a core group of volunteers and ACLU members in the Madison area who are planning a spring event on current Wisconsin civil liberties topics. To volunteer for the ACLU in Madison, contact community advocate Stacy Harbaugh at sharbaugh@aclu-wi.org to get involved.
March 22, 2010 – Performance: Clarence Darrow comes to Oshkosh
Oshkosh Senior Center, 200 N. Campbell Rd. 6:30 p.m., Oskhosh
Famous ACLU attorney, Clarence Darrow, comes to life in this in-character performance by Dr. Peter Baker. Baker will tell Darrow’s story of the attorney’s work to defend civil liberties in the historic ACLU case of the Scopes “Monkey Trial” featured in the film “Inherit the Wind.” Darrow also defended three strike leaders of the 1898 Oskhosh woodworkers’ strike, the McNamara brothers, California union leaders and Leopold and Loeb. Dr. Baker is a retired pediatrician now living near Omro and has been performing as Darrow for fifteen years in Illinois and Wisconsin. The event is being sponsored by the ACLU of Wisconsin Fox Valley chapter. For more information contact John Allen at (920) 303-0660 or Dr. Martin Gruberg at (920) 235-9822.
March 21, 2010 – Discussion: Pub Politico discussion on Internet and data privacy featuring UW Milwaukee Assistant Professor from the School of Information Studies, Michael Zimmer, Ph.D.
Brocach Irish Pub, upstairs, 7 W. Main, 2:00 p.m. Madison
The ACLU of Wisconsin is co-sponsoring the March installment of Pub Politico, a monthly discussion group on current political topics. Note that the March event is not scheduled for the second Tuesday, per the event organizers. Dr. Michael Zimmer will discuss "Failures in Self-Regulation in Online Privacy." Join Dr. Zimmer and the ACLU of Wisconsin for a chat about privacy rights in the electronic age and what trends are ahead to try to reign in digital information sharing abuse. Learn more about Dr. Zimmer’s work on his blog.
March 18, 2010 – Meeting: ACLU Student Alliance at UW
Student Activities Center 4th floor hearing room, 5:00 p.m., Madison
The ACLU Student Alliance at UW Madison engages UW students on civil liberties issues through educational workshops, films, speakers and activism. Contact aclusauw@gmail.com for more information or join the group on Facebook.
February 26, 2010 - Marquette Law School's 2010 Public Service Conference
ACLU of Wisconsin Senior Staff Attorney Karyn Rotker will be a panelist at Marquette Law School's 2010 Public Service Conference "Water and People." Attorney Rotker will speak at 1:15 on "Water for All? Water Ethics in the Context of Environmental Justice". Information on the full conference (which runs all day on Feb 26, and includes a reception) is available on-line.
February 25, 2010 – Forum and Broadcast: 4thStreet Forum topic “Bad Habits, Medical Costs and Individual Responsibility” with ACLU of Wisconsin Executive Director Chris Ahmuty
Medical College of Wisconsin, Alumni Auditorium, Noon
Broadcast dates: February 26 (10:00 p.m.) and 28 (9:00 a.m.) on Milwaukee Public Television, Channel 10.1, or stream past episodes on mptv.org.
ACLU of Wisconsin Executive Director Chris Ahmuty will be among the panelists to talk about trends in government mandates in health care. The ACLU will address concerns about governmental requirements for immunizations, health insurance, quarantines and other challenges to freedom in the name of reform or public health. Forum is free and open to the public.
February 25, 2010 – Workshop: Know Your Rights and Take Action on Racial Profiling
UW Madison Campus (Check TITU)
Since basic education on how the right to privacy, to be free from unreasonable searches and how the right to remain silent works is not a regular part of our daily lives, ACLU Student Alliance Know Your Rights workshops give people the basics on individual rights when encountering law enforcement. With the help of local criminal defense attorney and ACLU of Wisconsin Board President Erik Guenther, students can get questions answered about racial profiling and how to protect their rights in the home, in the car or on the street. Read more about Know Your Rights workshops at UW Madison on the Cap City Liberty blog. For more information on this event contact the ACLU Student Alliance at UW or to schedule a workshop for your Wisconsin community group, contact the ACLU of Wisconsin in Madison or in Milwaukee.
February 23, 2010 – Workshop: Integrating Social Networking Into Non-Profit Communications Strategies
Bethel Lutheran Church, Borgwardt Hall, 10:00 a.m.
ACLU of Wisconsin Community Advocate Stacy Harbaugh will present a model for non-profits to use social networking and media tools to increase the visibility of their activities and reach out to younger audiences. If you would like to hear more about how the ACLU of Wisconsin is successfully using social networking strategies in communications, contact Stacy via email.
February 20, 2010 – Workshops: “Out of the Closet, Into the Classrooms” and “DIY Media: Basic Skills and Tools from the Net to Get Your Message Out”
Monona Terrace, 8:00 – 10:15 a.m.
The Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference 2010 is an annual conference held to promote leadership, activism, networking, diversity, health, and empowerment among GLBTIA students, staff, and faculty from across North America. ACLU of Wisconsin staffers Emilio De Torre, Jason Hargis and Stacy Harbaugh will collaborate with other groups and student leaders for these two workshops on student leadership development skills. For registration and details about the MBLGTACC conference, please visit their website.
February 20, 2010 – Fundraiser: ACLU of Wisconsin annual Bill of Rights Celebration featuring national blogger and commentator Ana Marie Cox
Hotel InterContinental, 6:00 p.m.
This annual event and fundraiser for the ACLU of Wisconsin will feature Ana Marie Cox as our speaker as well as honor some outstanding civil liberties activists in Wisconsin. For more information on this event or to purchase tickets for the dinner, visit our event’s webpage.
February 18, 2010 – Meeting: ACLU Student Alliance at UW
Student Activities Center Room 4210, 5:00 p.m.
The ACLU Student Alliance at UW Madison engages UW students on civil liberties issues through educational workshops, films, speakers and activism. Contact aclusauw@gmail.com for more information or join the group on Facebook.
November 6, 2009 - Conference: Youth Social Justice Forum
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
For a review and photos of the 2009 Forum, please visit our post on the Cap City Liberty blog. The Youth Social Justice Forum is an annual day of learning and social justice the engagement for students in the greater Milwaukee area. The Forum is a unique approach to teaching about the functions of government, civil liberties and how individuals can make effective grassroots change by using realistic role-play, hands-on workshops and hot topics from local to international levels that directly affect young people. Students participate in a mock election using actual voting machines supplied by the City of Milwaukee Election Commission. In 2009, the election debate topic focused on the timely issue of Mayoral control of MPS. Community leaders with a wealth of professional experience were on hand to guide high school participants through the activities and workshops. For more information or to participate in next year’s Youth Social Justice Forum, please contact Youth and Program Director Emilio De Torre at (414) 272-4032 x 23.
Milwaukee, WI 53202