Meeting Recap 2/7

Hi everyone,

Thank you to everyone who joined our February meeting. It was an energizing and thoughtful conversation, and we’re grateful for the honesty, care, and commitment people brought into the room.

A reminder we opened with, and one worth repeating: Do what is sustainable for you.

The moment we’re in can feel overwhelming, and that’s intentional. Staying connected, choosing where to plug in, and supporting one another is how we keep going.

Below is a recap of what we discussed and the opportunities moving forward. Resources shared at the meeting are also included.

Why People Are Here

Many folks shared what gives them hope and why Hands Off Kenosha matters to them. Common themes included:

• Wanting to protect future generations

• Feeling a need to be involved and not stay silent

• Finding community, camaraderie, and acceptance

• Wanting to do something worthwhile with their time

• A shared sense that this moment requires engagement at the local level

This continues to be a space where people are welcomed, heard, and encouraged to step in at the level that works best for them.

Connecting Voters with Candidates

We talked about the importance of face-to-face voter engagement and building informed voters.

Recent Meet & Greet

• Strong turnout and interest despite cold weather

• Welcoming venue and meaningful conversations

• Reminder that Hands Off Kenosha is nonpartisan when engaging voters

Looking Ahead

• Future meet-and-greets and moderated forums

• Expanding outreach west of I-94

• Printing flyers in Spanish

• Posting school board and congressional candidate information on our website

• Recording future events when possible

A reusable candidate profile form has been created to support future efforts.

Upcoming Event

Hang with Hong (Francesca Hong)Join us for a casual, welcoming opportunity to connect.

RSVP here:https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/898367/

Working Groups & Volunteer Opportunities

🤝 Mutual Aid & Community Support

• Volunteer opportunities with local partner organizations

• Small groups needed for sorting, restocking, and giveaway days

• Ongoing collection of reusable and plastic grocery bags

🗳️ Voter Registration & Engagement (West of I-94)

Community voter engagement efforts continue.

Important voting reminders:

• Online voter registration is temporarily unavailable; new registrations must be completed in person at municipal clerk offices during this period

• A Real ID is not required to vote

• Recently expired licenses may still be valid for voting purposes

🎓 High School Voter Registration

• Registration tables planned at all six Kenosha high schools

• All volunteer slots for this effort have been filled

• Background checks are required for participation

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🎉 Parade & Festival Team – St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 14 | 11:00 AM

• Participation with banners (no protest signs during the parade)

• Green clothing encouraged

• Post-parade gathering details to be shared

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📣 No Kings 3

Saturday, March 28 | 12:00–2:00 PMCivic Center Park

• Safety marshal training coming soon

• Additional safety vests will be ordered

• Continued coordination with local authorities

• Theme to be announced

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🔜 Looking Ahead to the Next Meeting

At our next meeting, we’ll be looking ahead to and discussing:

• Hands Off Kenosha 1-Year Anniversary (April 5)

• Summer festivals and community-building events

More details and ways to plug in will be shared.

📅 Next Meeting

Saturday, March 7 | 12:00–2:00 PM (Additional space is reserved if more time is needed.)

Getting Involved

If you’re interested in:

• Joining a working group

• Serving as a safety marshal or support volunteer

• Helping with voter engagement

• Planning or supporting a specific effort

Please connect with a meeting facilitator or Volunteer Coordinator, and we’ll help find a good fit.

Thank you for showing up, for caring about this community, and for being part of Hands Off Kenosha.

In Solidarity,

The Hands Off Kenosha Team