THE AMERICAN PROMISE DINNER

Celebrating 250 years of our great democracy, during our annual fundraiser dinner.

We can’t wait to see you this Sunday, June 7th!

We’re going to be honest: with Pride and the state convention all happening next weekend, our leadership team is stretched thin and without your help we won’t be able to participate in this year’s Flag Day Parade.

Do you have a truck (and trailer) that you would be willing to drive in the parade as you pull our float? Email us at chair@outagamiedems.org ASAP!

We understand that our community wants to see our presence in this parade, but we really need you to make this happen. Reach out if you can help!

We’re talking to our neighbors, folks!

There is no one as powerful as Y-O-U when it comes to breaking through misinformation and changing the minds of your friends and neighbors.

That’s why we want you to join us during our next weekend of action – we’ll be heading out in Appleton, Grand Chute, Heart of the Valley, Hortonville, and New London! We will be launching on both Saturday and Sunday at various times. Trainings and buddies provided!

The AMERICAN PROMISE DINNER on June 7 is our best and biggest event of the year!  Not only will you enjoy a great time celebrating recent accomplishments but you will also help raise funds to propel us to victory in the fall. Get more info, volunteer or buy tickets, link below.

Events & Opportunities galore requiring your help

Third Saturday at DPOC office, (under 40’s)

Plan to attend the next young dems meeting, aimed at under 40’s. Current initiatives include tiny pantry project, community based volunteering, canvassing, and more.

Visit our Events Page find out everything that’s coming up

Join an OAT (Outagamie Action Team), Canvass, Collect Signatures, and more.

Member Meeting June 8

DPOC Meets on the 2nd Monday each month

See you at our next member meeting, sign up at the link below and if you can’t make it in person follow the steps in your email day-of for a virtual option.

Featured speaker is Rick Crosson (candidate, CD8)

Volunteer Opportunities

How do I spell Demcrotat?

Proofreaders needed

Work with the PR committee virtually

CALLING ALL CREATIVES

Artists needed

NO AI art please

Outagamie County Fair June 24-28

Democrats need to show up!

WisDems State Convention June 13-15

Have a say in the state party progress!

The State of the Dem Gubernatorial Primary

Per the DPW Constitution we are not allowed to officially get involved in the primary – but encourage you all to check out the candidates and support your favorite! Past the August 11 primary, we will be full steam ahead in our support of whoever comes out on top!

The Democratic Party of Outagamie County
📍 516 W. College  Appleton WI 54911

920-939-2065

Hours: (11 AM–5PM) TUE | THU | FRI | SAT

Meet Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and Get out the Vote

Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez will be kicking off the 3 p.m. canvass on Tuesday, April 7th at the Outagamie County Dems office

Not only did Outagamie County show up in record numbers for the last No Kings – community members showed up to help offset the cost for the permit and security! On behalf of the many volunteers and local organizations who planned this event,

THANK YOU!

Here’s what you’ll
need to know:

You will be voting for the Supreme Court, local judges, county and city positions, and the school board.  Since this is a nonpartisan election, there is no R or D after the candidate’s name. Vote your values. Suggested candidates HERE

.Absentee Ballots are still being accepted, if you have one fill it out according to ALL the directions it came with (or check https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/ for details) Then take it to your assigned polling place between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 7. 

Lets watch the results of the election together:

The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  To find your polling location or to see what is on your ballot, check https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/ 

Appleton Beer Factory Join us downtown at the Appleton Beer Factory starting at 7: 30 p.m. on April 7. Grab something on tap or just an appetizer from the bar while you hangout with fellow Dems to watch as election results roll in. 

Bring a friend or make one when you arrive!

Former State Assembly Representative Penny Bernard Schaber and other members of the Fair Map Coalition will present their latest efforts to end gerrymandering in Wisconsin.

The state is on the verge of fairly redrawing Congressional districts. There are also efforts underway to create an Independent Redistricting Commission. Democracy depends on ending gerrymandering.

Learn all the details and how you can help on May 6 at 6:30 p.m. in Room C of the Mary Beth Nienhaus Room of the Appleton Public Library. 

Contact @kellyfenton8@gmail.com for more information

PANCAKES PORKIES & POLITICS

Join us April 18, 9:30-11 a.m. at the DPOC office. Candidates invited to circulate nomination papers.

Third Saturday at DPOC office, (under 40’s)

Plan to attend the next young dems meeting, aimed at under 40’s. Current initiatives include FVYD internal spring elections, tiny panty project, community based volunteering, canvassing, and more.

Save the date

June 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. This is the event of the year and you don’t want to miss it.

Look for details as they become available at the DPOC events page

Volunteer of the Year

 We all worked hard; who do you think stood out and is deserving of recognition for their efforts? (Exec board members from the last year are not eligible).

Member Meeting April 13

DPOC Meets on the 2nd Monday each month

See you at our next member meeting, sign up at the link below and if you can’t make it in person follow the steps in your email day-of for a virtual option.

Volunteer Opportunities

How do I spell Demcrotat?

Proofreaders needed

Work with the PR committee to help with such things as grammar, spelling, QR codes, fact checking, etc. Volunteers should be comfortable on the computer and work independently to submit comments via Google doc comment and Canva doc comments, training provided if needed.

CALLING ALL CREATIVES

Artists needed for DPOC Swag Project!

Put your creativity to work design yard signs, T-shirts, buttons and more. Get in touch below to get started, no AI generated submissions. All creation processes are welcome, but we will need print ready digital files & artwork release to use.

DPOC Constitution Updates

As mentioned at the last meeting our Constitution and Bylaws are getting a refresh. The document will be read at the member meeting, then will go to a vote. Guest meeting attendees please note, voting is for members only. New or renewing members can sign up at: OutagamieDems.org/membership

The Democratic Party of Outagamie County
📍 516 W. College  Appleton WI 54911

920-939-2065

Hours: (11 AM–5PM) TUE | THU | FRI | SAT

It’s as important as canvassing itself

Without canvassing we can’t win. And without canvassers we can’t canvass. Join us every Thursday to recruit these vital volunteers, just bring your phone and laptop. Its always an enjoyable and low-key night with friends!

DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OUTAGAMIE COUNTY
RECOMMENDED CANDIDATE

The choice in this ever-critical State Supreme Court race is between a woman who has dedicated her life to protecting our freedoms – from voting rights to reproductive rights to victims’ rights and more – and a candidate who has aligned herself with the most fringe factions of the extreme right.

Find out more about progressive SC candidate Chris Taylor, then talk to your neighbors and urge them to vote for our rights. 

With the federal government growing ever more intrusive in our lives, our Supreme Court will be called on as a guardrail for our freedoms.

Crafty Gathering 3/4

First Wed 6:30-8:30 Knit/ Crochet a self led project.

Thanks to the various community groups for organizing!

Plan to attend the No Kings Rally on March 28 and the Palm Sunday Rally the next day, March 29. Bring your sign, plan to march. Those interested in marshaling reach out and we can get you in touch with the right groups for each event.

Early Voting
starts March 24

 Find out where and what’s on your ballot, click the button below for MyVote.Gov

SAVE THE DATES

We’ll have more info to follow:
June 7, Annual Fundraiser
Corn Roast, Aug. 23 

See you Monday 3/9

Come to the member meeting on Monday early to enjoy pie and an early PI day fundraiser celebration. Suggested donation $5. Get in touch to donate a pie.

DPOC Constitution Updates

As mentioned at the last meeting our Constitution and Bylaws are getting a refresh. The document will be read at the member meeting on 3/9 (after pie), then will go to a vote. Guest meeting attendees please note, voting is for members only. New or renewing members can sign up at: OutagamieDems.org/membership

The Democratic Party of Outagamie County
📍 516 W. College  Appleton WI 54911

920-939-2065

Hours: (11 AM–5PM) TUE | THU | FRI | SAT

Your next opportunity is Feb. 14-15.

Use links below to sign up!

Canvassing remains one of the most powerful tools in a political “ground game” because it facilitates direct, face-to-face interaction between a campaign and the electorate. Unlike mass media advertisements, personal contact can break down social barriers and create emotional resonance with voters.

• Boosts voter turnout by up to 8% to 10% and in close elections like in WI this is critical. 

• Persuades undecided voters. In a low turnout election like we have coming up in Spring, we identify who our Democrats are since there are no R’s or D’s behind local candidate names. A canvasser can also answer questions that a flyer cannot.

• Gathering Critical Data. Canvassing is an “information-gathering strategy” that helps campaigns refine their overall approach allowing campaigns to allocate resources efficiently. It also tells campaigns about which issues are resonating with voters.

• Humanizing the Campaign. Canvassing puts a “human face” on a candidate, which builds trust and credibility that social media ads often lack. Neighbors canvassing for candidates in their community carries a lot of weight. 

• Individual Empowerment. For the volunteer, canvassing offers a sense of agency and participation in the democratic process. 
  

Not up to date on the Spring Election? We will have you covered with all the important info.

Bookmark the DPOC website for the latest details as we post them. 

Primary Election: Feb. 17

General Election: April 9

We’re here to help you get started
Feb. 12 and Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.  

We will prepare you to talk and, more importantly, listen to neighbors about voting for local candidates that share their values. This training will provide you with all the tools you need to be an effective canvasser.

February 9 from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Join the Outagamie Dems at the monthly meeting to stay informed, share ideas, and get involved in events, campaigns, and community outreach.

Coffee & Conversation!

The perfect place to share your thoughts about the news with like-minded people. Come enjoy coffee with old friends or make some new ones. Of course, bring a snack if you wish.

2nd & 4th Wed 9:30-11 a.m.

(Feb. 11 & 25) DPOC Office

Knit-IN & Crochet ICE Away

Join fellow crafters to knit or crochet your own MELT THE ICE HAT, or make one for someone else. Please purchase the pattern in advance and bring your materials. One site to purchase from is Ravelry, $5.

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Feb 4 DPOC Office

Join our PR Committee

Love capturing powerful moments on camera? Good at the behind-the-scenes editing or design work? We need volunteers for design, writing, photography, videography and editing to help tell the story of local Democratic organizing.

Volunteers keep DPOC going. Join a committee. Choose from PR, Membership, Events & more. 

Progressive Play Date

Progressive Parents, looking for mom-friends, dad-jokes, or guardian-pals? Balancing it all is a lot, come let the littles work out their wiggles. While they play, you can meet like-minded parents who are feeling the weight of raising a young family in this pivotal political climate, too.

Volunteers needed to coordinate this event and keep it going after Feb.

The Democratic Party of Outagamie County
📍 516 W. College  Appleton WI 54911

920-939-2065

Hours: T (11-5) | THU (11-5) | SAT (11-5)

Friends,

Renee Nicole Good should still be alive.

Renee was a 37-year-old American citizen. She was a mother, daughter, a neighbor, a member of a community. Her life mattered. Her death did not happen in a vacuum.

She was killed amid a political climate that has normalized fear, chaos, and dehumanization, particularly toward immigrants and marginalized communities. That climate was created by policy — by rhetoric and directives that treat people as expendable and communities as collateral damage.

The Trump administration’s direction to ICE to operate with zero regard for restraint or community safety has fueled instability and incited violence. This was not accidental. It was reckless.

In the wake of this tragedy, ICE refused to pause operations, choosing escalation over de-escalation and intimidation over accountability. That is not public safety. That is not law enforcement.

When agencies operate as an occupying force rather than accountable public servants, families are torn apart, communities are destabilized, and lives are lost. This is the human cost of cruelty masquerading as strength.

We reject the lie that this is about “law and order.” We abhor the blatant falsehoods and propaganda being spewed by this administration. There is nothing lawful or orderly about policies that terrorize communities and put lives at risk.

We mourn Renee Nicole Good. We stand with her loved ones. And we refuse to stay silent.

It is more important than ever to do our duty as Americans: to stand against oppression, to demand accountability, and to protect the dignity and safety of our neighbors. While we can’t change all that’s happening nationally, we must do everything we can to protect and safeguard our neighbors here in Outagamie County.

In solidarity,
Democratic Party of Outagamie County Leadership Team

We don’t want to take away from the gravity of this moment or the stress and sadness so many of us are feeling over what we saw transpire in Minneapolis and have been witnessing across the country over the last several months. We, as a county party, remain more dedicated than ever to supporting and protecting our communities and neighbors in the ways we can from this administration and the harm it seeks to do. Below you will find opportunities to engage and work alongside us in our regularly scheduled newsletter – and we hope that you’ll join in. Stay safe and take care of one another and yourselves.

HEAR FROM GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES

At our Monday, January 12 member meeting, we’re excited to welcome Kelda Roys, who will speak with members about her vision for Wisconsin and connect with grassroots Democrats in Outagamie County.

You can also hear from Milwaukee County Executive  David Crowley, who is also running for governor. David will host a casual meet and greet on Saturday, January 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Copper Rock Coffee Co. To attend, please RSVP to info@crowleyforwi.com or via this link

VOLUNTEER FAIR
Sat, Jan 24 at 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Join the Outagamie County Democrats for a Volunteer Fair focused on getting people plugged into real work happening right here in our community. This is a chance to see where your time and skills can actually make a difference, whether you have a few hours to give or want to get more involved long term.

Stop by on January 24 from 11 am to 2 pm at the county party office to meet folks from across the organization, learn what different committees are working on, and find opportunities that match your interests. No experience required and no pressure. Just come curious, ask questions, and see where you might want to jump in.

Coffee & Conversation

9:30 am 01/14 and 01/28
at the DPOC Office

Don’t forget absentee ballots for upcoming elections

Make sure you are registered and prepared to vote

To be eligible to vote, you must –

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be registered, by presenting proof of residency.
• Show an acceptable photo ID when voting.

All voters must be registered to vote –

Acceptable proof of residency is required to register.  Check or update your registration information at myvote.wi.gov. Wisconsin voters can register on election day at the polls but it is recommended to register at least two weeks ahead of the election, either online or at the clerk’s office.

If you prefer to vote by mail –

Any Wisconsin voter may request an absentee ballot starting January 1. The request must be made ANNUALLY at myvote.wi.gov.

If you prefer to vote early –

Early in person voting hours are available two weeks prior to an election. Registered voters must present an acceptable photo ID to vote.  Check your local municipality for days and times. 

If you prefer to vote on election day –

Registered voters must present an acceptable photo ID to vote. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Wisconsin voters can register on election day at the polls but it is recommended to register at least two weeks ahead of the election, either online or at the clerk’s office.

NONPARTISAN ELECTION
Tues 04/07

PARTISAN PRIMARY
Tues 08/11

GENERAL ELECTION
Tues 11/03

The Democratic Party of Outagamie County
📍 516 W. College  Appleton WI 54911

920-939-2065

Hours: T (11-5) | THU (11-5) | SAT (11-5)

By DPOC chair Emily Tseffos

I’m proud to be a Democrat. But I’m also furious. Furious at the complacency, the calculation, and the careerism that treats politics like a game…while people’s lives hang in the balance … Read More of Emily’s essay.

DPOC OFFICE NEWS

The office will be closed for the holidays from December 19 through January 5. Inclement weather or volunteer availability may also affect open hours. If in doubt, please call the office at 920-939-2065. Regular office hours are Tue., Thur. and Sat. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additional volunteers will be needed as we gear up for elections. The office volunteer’s main responsibility is to be the positive, welcoming face of the Democratic Party of Outagamie County. Basic computer knowledge and some light cleaning duties may be involved. Training is provided. To set up a time to meet and learn more, email Carol at dpocoffice@gmail.com.

We have books! Check out the many books in our Blue Lending Library in the front of the office. Feel free to check out several for the long winter days ahead.

**PLEASE NOTE EARLIER START TIME**
Mon, Dec 8 at 5:30pm

ScroogeFest ’25
Join us for Scrooge Fest 2025 — the Democratic Party’s annual holiday bash for those who still have a sense of humor (and outrage) left. We’ll raise a glass, roast a few villains, and share a few good laughs (and maybe a grievance or two) before we dive back into saving democracy. Bring a dish or dessert to pass, we’ll provide the drinks, and we’ll all create the kind of camaraderie that keeps us from turning into total Scrooges ourselves. Come for the catharsis. Stay for the cookies. Leave with a little hope.

DPOC Monthly Meeting
ScroogeFest ’25 will take place instead of our normal December meeting.

Normal meetings will resume in January ’26.

Coffee & Conversation

9:30 am 12/10
at the DPOC Office

Still thinking about running for office? Talk to Trisha.

SPRING CANDIDATES NEED HELP WITH SIGNATURES

To get on the 04/07 ballot, all candidates, from school board to supreme court justice, must collect nomination signatures by 01/06/26. Any qualified voter in the district may sign, voters can sign for one candidate per position. To be counted as valid, all information must be accurately filled out. Signing does not commit you to voting for that person.

Help a candidate by collecting signatures on their behalf. The person collecting the signatures MUST witness each one. Please carefully follow the directions. Chris Taylor will need help collecting signatures (candidate for WI Supreme Court). Sheets can be downloaded from her website, due by 12/19.  

Local candidates may bring their nomination papers to Scrooge-Fest on Dec. 8.

DPOC Office
Closed 12/20— 01/5

JAN MONTHLY MEETING
Mon 01/12

7pm, DPOC Office

PRIMARY ELECTION
Tues 02/17

The Democratic Party of Outagamie County
📍 516 W. College  Appleton WI 54911

920-939-2065

Hours: T (11-5) | THU (11-5) | SAT (11-5)

**PLEASE NOTE EARLIER START TIME**
Mon, Nov 10 at 6:00pm

Hear from 8th congressional district candidate Rick Crosson, state senate district 19 candidate (and our chair!) Emily Tseffos, and meet a local community team advocating for Appleton Area School District 

Join local Democrats at our monthly meeting to stay informed, share ideas, and get involved in events, campaigns, and community outreach. Open to all of those interested in supporting our work to move Wisconsin forward.

Packer tailgate after. Bring a snack to share, if you are able. Water and soda provided—otherwise BYOB.

Coffee & Conversation is the perfect place to share your thoughts about the news with like-minded people.

9:30 am, 2nd/4th Wed at the DPOC Office

Fox Valley Sierra Group

Thurs, Nov 13 at 7:00pm

American Association of University Women (AAUW)

Wed, Nov 19 at 6:00pm

Do you think Wisconsin should have Fair Maps for Legislative Districts?

Do you think your vote should count and your voice heard by your elected officials?

If you do then these programs are for you!

Thurs, Nov 13 at 7:00pm

A perfect event for an individual interested in volunteering with the Outagamie Democrats but unsure what is available. We will show you all of the impactful ways you can make your community a better place to live through service and by electing Dems. This time is also for those who are unsure about how our government works and want a refresher.

Sat, Nov 15 at 4:30pm

Join us for the Appleton Holiday Parade watch party! There will be food, drinks, and a place to warm up. We would love to see you there.

Tues, Nov 25 at 6-8 pm, DPOC Office

Bah-Humbug!  But, we are going to have fun anyway.  Bring a dish (that doesn’t need to be heated) or dessert to share.

NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME!

Mon, Dec 8 at 5:30-7pm, DPOC Office

The Democratic Party of Outagamie County
📍 516 W. College  Appleton WI 54911

920-939-2065

Hours: T (11-5) | THU (11-5) | SAT (11-5)

Some hard work behind the scenes in tech at DPOC leads us to some exciting developments. More social pages are now active and our new website is in the works. Stay tuned for updates as we are able to role them out, and a big thanks to the all volunteer team making the beeps, the boops, and the whiiirrrrs all harmonize to the same tune.

Follow us on BlueSky, Instagram, and more in addition to the existing Facebook. Spread the message by being active (and respectful) in our comments sections, clicking the links we share, and encourage the algorithm to keep pushing us to new screens by sharing our posts to your stories and in private messages. 

Bookmark our site below, and get ready for the new look coming Nov 2025!

All forty and under are invited. 

Check out the Fox Valley Young Dems meeting every 3rd Saturday at 1:00 at the DPOC office. Because of the No Kings Rally that day, this gathering may be cut short. The future depends on you!

Questions?
Contact Linnea at fvyd.chair@gmail.com.

Get ready for the Weekends of Action ahead.  Learn how to have effective (and fun) conversations with voters about the issues that concern them most.

Attend one of our canvass trainings on Saturday, Oct. 25, at noon or Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 at the DPOC office.

To get ready for our 1Y2W (above), we need canvassers, of course! Please join us on October 23 or October 30 for a text bank or phone to encourage some of our past volunteers to sign up.  It’s easy copy a text and follow up on responses. Charge your phone and join us starting at 6:30.

Join your fellow Democrats to commiserate, vent, or simply to share the company of like-minded still sane Americans and find out what the Democratic Party of Outagamie County has planned for the near future and beyond.

We will share updates on federal and state matters, the NO Kings rally, spring election candidates, and safety and security information.  Mark Scheffler, candidate for the 8th Congressional District, will speak. 

Virtual option available.

Come for the good food and good conversations, starting at 9:30 at the DPOC office.

Meet some of our spring candidates for local office.  A suggested minimum donation of $5 per person is requested.

Let us know you are coming by signing up below!  If you can help with set up/cook/clean/donate food, contact dpocoffice@gmail.com.

Time for a change of pace!  Calling all Progressive Players for some less-than-serious board, card, and dice gaming.

Friday night has never been so much fun, plus you’re in good company. Feel free to bring a game or snack to share.

Fill out the form to express interest in a game, or let us know which games you want to bring.

6 – 9 p.m. Oct. 17 at the DPOC office

Parents, looking for mom-friends, dad-jokes, or guardian-pals?

Balancing it all is a lot, come let the littles work out their wiggles. While they play you can meet like-minded parents who are feeling the weight of raising a young family in this pivotal political climate. All ages are welcome, trains and cars theme toys/mats available for floor play on this first meetup. 

11 am – 1 pm Oct. 19 at the DPOC Office

The Democratic Party of Outagamie County
📍 516 W. College  Appleton WI 54911

920-939-2065

Hours: T (11-5) | THU (11-5) | SAT (11-5)

Stop in and take a look! There are four designs in “Hands off” and “No Kings” themes, sizes for kids thru adult 2x. 

We ask for a $28 per shirt minimum donation (cash discount: $25 exact change only please). Your donation supports our local party, bringing you information on candidates, actions such as the protests, and the many DPOC office activities mentioned above.

Pick your new shirt up during regular office hours or during the monthly meeting next Monday, ahead of the Oct. 18 protest.

Okay now the email is really over, thanks for reading!

The Democratic Party of Outagamie County
📍 516 W. College  Appleton WI 54911

920-939-2065

Hours: T (11-5) | THU (11-5) | SAT (11-5)