Action Alert
This is Michele, covering the Action Alert for a few weeks while Carol is out of town.
It’s been an eventful August so far, politically and personally. Make sure that you’re taking time for fun and relaxation this month but get ready to get SERIOUS about preparations for the general election! We have a lot of work to do!
Good news
Compiled by Americans of Conscience Checklist
The Mi’kmaq Nation regains control of 2,400 acres of their land in Maine, doubling the tribe’s territory and providing “a place [to] pass down the traditions of our ancestors before they are forgotten.”
A federal appeals court upholds contempt of Congress convictions for a White House advisor’s involvement in attempts to overthrow the will of voters in the 2020 election.
The FDA approves a new gene therapy for sickle cell disease—a condition primarily affecting people of African heritage—for young children ages 2 and older.
CA allocates $26M to protect access to gender-affirming healthcare in the face of discriminatory federal funding cuts.
CO: A U.S. Court of Appeals rules in favor of the NAACP, the League of Women Voters, and Mi Familia Vota in their case challenging a door-to-door voter intimidation strategy.
FL: A federal appeals court affirms that restrictions in a state law barring certain viewpoints related to race, sex, and gender in college classrooms violate the First Amendment and academic freedom.
ID, OR, UT, and VA each pass legislation enabling construction of more wildlife crossings to protect animals and drivers.
MA ensures no-cost insurance coverage for HIV prevention medication for state residents.
MO: An estimated 40,000 people regain the right to vote under new legislation supporting the rights of people on parole or probation.
NY requires disclosures when advertisements include digitally created “synthetic performers,” including performers generated using AI or other software algorithms.
VA enacts a law to protect people taking HIV prevention medication from discrimination in the purchase of life, disability, and long-term care insurance.
VT takes steps to protect patients from unregulated use of AI in mental health diagnosis and treatment.
Following a federal court order, Maria Uzcategui-Castillo and her stepchildren Victor and Monserrat leave ICE detention and reunite with their family.
Portland General Electric charges data centers at higher rates rather than pass along the costs created by those data centers to residents.
In the first half of 2025, Baltimore experienced the city’s lowest number of homicides in 50 years.
New York City’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes funding for pet food pantries and expanding residents’ access to free or low-cost spay and neuter services.
Indianapolis International Airport installs additional solar-paneled canopies in parking lots to help power terminal operations.
Congregation members across the political spectrum at Trinity Moravian Church in North Carolina work together to raise money to wipe out medical debt in their community.
Investments in evidence-based methods to reduce homelessness result in the first overall reduction in U.S. homelessness rates since 2016.
Larry Bushart is awarded $835,000 in a settlement after being jailed for a Facebook post in violation of his First Amendment rights.
Melinda French Gates donates $215M to women’s health initiatives worldwide.
Kelsey Pfendler completes a solo row from California to Hawai’i, becoming the first U.S. woman to do so, breaking age and speed records in the process.
Nepal recognizes full marriage rights for same-sex couples.
Things you can do right now
1. VOTE in the Primary.
If you have not already voted early/absentee please vote in the primary. See attached Voting Information Poster for details if you are not sure where/how to vote. Encourage your friends, family, co-workers, and acquaintances to vote. Information about candidates can be found here vote411.org
2. Support Indivisible Sauk Prairie financially.
Donations to our Distributed Fundraising account are used for things like postcard campaigns, billboards, and other similar expenses. Throughout August, all donations will be matched up to a total of $300.
3. 765 KV Transmission Lines.
Learn more about this threat to our state. Two 765,000-volt transmission lines are proposed to cut across southern Wisconsin–built to move power across the region, not deliver it here. We would like to discuss at Thursday’s meeting whether/how we can assist with this effort.
4. Call your Members of Congress.
Go to 5calls.org, plug in your address/zip code and read up on the issues that jump out to you. Scripts and phone numbers are provided. Congress is on recess but their staffers will be working to tally our calls. Or call after-hours and leave a message. Just make sure to leave your full name and address on your voicemail.
5. Volunteer with Wis Dems.
A few hours can make a big difference! From now through the 2026 Mid-Term Election (November 3rd), we have volunteer opportunities for every interest, skill set, and schedule.
The largest need is for office help, but there are many other opportunities including Get Out the Vote (GOTV).
Email: saukdems@gmail.com
Announcements
Monthly Meeting: Indivisible Sauk Prairie
Thursday, August 13, 6 pm
Sauk Prairie Police Department community room
640 13th Street, Prairie du Sac
Just show up, or let us know you’re coming.
Social Event at C2 Juicery
Thursday, August 27, 5:30-7 pm
545 Water St, Prairie du Sac
Have coffee, food, and/or a drink from their extended evening menu. Socialize with members and friends and get energized for election season. Just show up or sign up:
Social Event at Culture on the River
Tuesday, September 15, 5:30-7:30 pm
Riverfront Green Space next to La Mexicana
846 Water St, Sauk City
Just show up or sign up here:
Songs of America: Music of Patriots and Protest
September 18, 7 pm
First United Methodist Church
615 Broadway St., Baraboo
If you were able to join us last November 1 for the first run of this concert, you know how inspirational and moving this music is. Email us at indivisiblesaukpr@gmail.com if you are interested in helping to make this another successful event. Singers, musicians, bakers, greeters needed. More details to come.
Yard Signs
If anyone wants yard signs, here is how to get them:
Pocan: Just pick on up fromEllen's front porch at 723 8th Street, PdS
Jesberger: email ryan@jesbergerforsheriff.com
DeSanto: email Shelley Mordini (shelleymordini@gmail.com) or text 608-963-2821. She will make deliveries.
Volunteer Opportunities
Sauk Prairie Area Food Pantry
4th Wednesday of the month. Sign up with Indivisible Sauk Prairie.
Postcard Campaign for Fall Elections
Email indivisiblesaukpr@gmail.com or contact Michele/Ellen.
Indivisible Sauk Prairie Table at Cow Chip
Email indivisiblesaukpr@gmail.com or contact Terri.
Culver’s Share Night
Raise funds for our Scholarship. Run orders out to cars, greet customers, or wipe tables. Two-hour shifts. A date in September or October is yet to be determined. Contact Michele at 4gooses@gmail.com if you are interested in helping.
Thank you for hanging in there. We’ve got this.
