Note: The following message is a guest post from Ryan Sendelbach, Chair of the Dane County Democrats and a guest at our January meeting.

It was such a joy and an honor to speak at the last meeting of the Western Dane Democracy Project. It is my job as the chair of the Dane County Democratic Party to reach out to allied groups like this, but I also really enjoy it. It was inspiring and energizing to see so many people fired up and ready to defend our democracy. I know I speak for the entire County Party when I say that we stand with you. I write today to ask that you stand with us, too.

The Democratic Party is not some exclusive club for the well connected. It is a vehicle for advancing progressive policies nationwide. For too long, this vehicle has been driven by a small set of people with little to no input from the greater big-tent coalition. It would be convenient if we could blame that on some shadowy cabal plotting against us, but the sad truth is that people just aren’t showing up.

Nearly 274,000 people in Dane County voted for Kamala Harris in 2024, yet the County Party only had 1,400 members last year. And only a fraction of that number actually shows up. Last year, Dane County was allocated 371 delegates to the state convention. Only 200 people signed up. We have six standing committees, but only two people have asked to join them.

Democracy is not something you have; it’s something you do. Become a member, show up, and we WILL make a difference.

~ Ryan Sendelbach, Chair, Dane County Democrats

Action: Tell our electeds to stop funding ICE

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is only funded through January 30—giving us a critical window to take action to restrict ICE. We plan to do that putting pressure on our electeds—especially Democrats—to oppose any appropriations bill that fails to restrict ICE’s ability to conduct dragnet arrest operations, end Border Patrol deployments to our cities, and stop DHS from continuing to move money around to fuel ICE and Border Patrol lawlessness.

Take 5 minutes to call—and then ask 3 friends to do the same. You can use the 5 Calls App or check out Indivisible’s information and scripts.

Use the 5 Calls App

Indivisible resources

Resource: Hotlines and Text Lines for local ICE Activity

If you suspect ICE activity—or hear about it through social media—call Voces de la Frontera’s Emergency Hotline: 1-800-427-0213. Voces has trained responders to track and verify ICE activity. Please do not circulate unverified reports on social media, and ask others to do the same.

To stay informed, we encourage you to sign up for ActWisconsin’s Action Text Line (Signal and SMS options are available).

Sign up for the Action Text Line

(Editor’s Note: This is just a portion of our weekly member newsletter. For the full note, which includes upcoming events and meeting details, please subscribe!)

Resource: WDDP Fliers

Unable to display a yard sign? One of our members created a printable flier to encourage others at her workplace to join our efforts—and we’re already seeing results. Hop on over to our Resource Library to print your own copies to display at work, community spaces, or any other place where people are ready to protect our democracy (i.e., everywhere).

We are rapidly expanding our Resource Library. While you’re there, be sure to check out some of our latest examples, including resources for data security, local journalism, and Red Cards for immigrant rights.

Take action: ICE funding deadline, new resources & ways to make an impact

Action: Tell our electeds to stop funding ICE

Resource: Hotlines and Text Lines for local ICE Activity

Resource: WDDP Fliers

Discover more from Western Dane Democracy Project