SWWAP

While Wisconsin currently has fair voting maps, these are only in place until the 2030 Census, we need LEGISLATION to ensure fFair Voting Maps for future generations. This event will share where Wisconsin is and where we needs to be to ensure districts are created fairly. The Fair Maps Coalition wants YOUR INPUT. We hope to see you at this event. Many thanks to Brix Cider for hosting this community event! Fair Maps Poster.pdf

Political events can feel pretty scripted. The candidate has their talking points. People ask predictable questions. Everyone knows where to stand. It can feel a little stiff, right? Well, it’s hard to be stiff in the cozy old red chair at Brix. That’s where our candidates for governor will sit during Community Conversations @ Brix — a series of informal, curious, and hopefully revealing conversations with people asking for the chance to lead Wisconsin. Host Matt, co-owner of Brix, may or may not ask predictable questions as he tries to get a better sense of who these candidates are beyond the talking points. It might have its awkward moments, but maybe that’s the point. Maybe when things feel a little less scripted, people open up in a different way. Maybe we share a laugh. Maybe we feel something real and resonant. Maybe we get a glimpse of the person behind the campaign. For this event, we’ll be talking with Mandela Barnes, candidate for Wisconsin Governor, who is competing in the Democratic primary this August. Mandela Barnes is former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin and former state legislator from Milwaukee. We want Brix to be an uncommon stop on the campaign trail - one that shines a different kind of light on the candidates. This event is free and open to all. We’ll also make room for audience questions and topics, so bring your curiosity and a good question or two. Come meet Mandela Barnes, pull up a chair, and be part of the conversation. - Hosting this event does not constitute an endorsement by Brix, Main Street Action, or SWWAP. Our goal is to create space for thoughtful civic conversation, and we have invited gubernatorial candidates to participate in this series.

Political events can feel pretty scripted. The candidate has their talking points. People ask predictable questions. Everyone knows where to stand. It can feel a little stiff, right? Well, it’s hard to be stiff in the cozy old red chair at Brix. That’s where our candidates for governor will sit during Community Conversations @ Brix — a series of informal, curious, and hopefully revealing conversations with people asking for the chance to lead Wisconsin. Host Matt, co-owner of Brix, may or may not ask predictable questions as he tries to get a better sense of who these candidates are beyond the talking points. It might have its awkward moments, but maybe that’s the point. Maybe when things feel a little less scripted, people open up in a different way. Maybe we share a laugh. Maybe we feel something real and resonant. Maybe we get a glimpse of the person behind the campaign. For this event, we’ll be talking with Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, a candidate for Governor of Wisconsin in the Democratic primary this August. In addition to being Lieutenant Governor, Sara is a former health care professional, a previous representative of Wisconsin’s 13th Assembly District, and a mother of two kids. We want Brix to be an uncommon stop on the campaign trail — one that shines a different kind of light on the candidates. This event is free and open to all. We’ll also make room for audience questions and topics, so bring your curiosity and a good question or two. Come meet Sara Rodriguez, pull up a chair, and be part of the conversation. - Hosting this event does not constitute an endorsement by Brix, Main Street Action, or SWWAP. Our goal is to create space for thoughtful civic conversation, and we have invited gubernatorial candidates to participate in this series.

Political events can feel pretty scripted. The candidate has their talking points. People ask predictable questions. Everyone knows where to stand. It can feel a little stiff, right? Well, it’s hard to be stiff in the cozy old red chair at Brix. That’s where our candidates for governor will sit during Community Conversations @ Brix — a series of informal, curious, and hopefully revealing conversations with people asking for the chance to lead Wisconsin. Host Matt, co-owner of Brix, may or may not ask predictable questions as he tries to get a better sense of who these candidates are beyond the talking points. It might have its awkward moments, but maybe that’s the point. Maybe when things feel a little less scripted, people open up in a different way. Maybe we share a laugh. Maybe we feel something real and resonant. Maybe we get a glimpse of the person behind the campaign. For this event, we’ll be talking with Joel Brennan. Joel led the Wisconsin Department of Administration and previously led the Greater Milwaukee Committee and Discovery World, the state’s largest science museum. He’s a father of two, a little league coach, and a good cribbage player. We want Brix to be an uncommon stop on the campaign trail — one that shines a different kind of light on the candidates. This event is free and open to all. We’ll also make room for audience questions and topics, so bring your curiosity and a good question or two. Come meet Joel Brennan, pull up a chair, and be part of the conversation. - Hosting this event does not constitute an endorsement by Brix, Main Street Action, or SWWAP. Our goal is to create space for thoughtful civic conversation, and we have invited gubernatorial candidates to participate in this series.

Political events can feel pretty scripted. The candidate has their talking points. People ask predictable questions. Everyone knows where to stand. It can feel a little stiff, right? Well, it’s hard to be stiff in the cozy old red chair at Brix. That’s where our candidates for governor will sit during Community Conversations @ Brix — a series of informal, curious, and hopefully revealing conversations with people asking for the chance to lead Wisconsin. Host Matt, co-owner of Brix, may or may not ask predictable questions as he tries to get a better sense of who these candidates are beyond the talking points. It might have its awkward moments, but maybe that’s the point. Maybe when things feel a little less scripted, people open up in a different way. Maybe we share a laugh. Maybe we feel something real and resonant. Maybe we get a glimpse of the person behind the campaign. For this event, we’ll be talking with State Representative Francesca Hong, candidate for Wisconsin Governor, who is competing in the Democratic primary this August. Francesca is a chef, restaurant worker, single mom, and state representative from Madison. We want Brix to be an uncommon stop on the campaign trail - one that shines a different kind of light on the candidates. This event is free and open to all. We’ll also make room for audience questions and topics, so bring your curiosity and a good question or two. Come meet Francesca Hong, pull up a chair, and be part of the conversation. - Hosting this event does not constitute an endorsement by Brix, Main Street Action, or SWWAP. Our goal is to create space for thoughtful civic conversation, and we have invited gubernatorial candidates to participate in this series.

Political events can feel pretty scripted. The candidate has their talking points. People ask predictable questions. Everyone knows where to stand. It can feel a little stiff, right? Well, it’s hard to be stiff in the cozy old red chair at Brix. That’s where our candidates for governor will sit during Community Conversations @ Brix — a series of informal, curious, and hopefully revealing conversations with people asking for the chance to lead Wisconsin. Host Matt, co-owner of Brix, may or may not ask predictable questions as he tries to get a better sense of who these candidates are beyond the talking points. It might have its awkward moments, but maybe that’s the point. Maybe when things feel a little less scripted, people open up in a different way. Maybe we share a laugh. Maybe we feel something real and resonant. Maybe we get a glimpse of the person behind the campaign. For this event, we’ll be talking with State Senator Kelda Roys, a candidate for Governor of Wisconsin in the Democratic primary this August. Kelda is an attorney, small business owner, and mom/stepmom of five who currently represents part of Madison in the Wisconsin State Senate. We want Brix to be an uncommon stop on the campaign trail — one that shines a different kind of light on the candidates. This event is free and open to all. We’ll also make room for audience questions and topics, so bring your curiosity and a good question or two. Come meet Kelda Roys, pull up a chair, and be part of the conversation. - Hosting this event does not constitute an endorsement by Brix, Main Street Action, or SWWAP. Our goal is to create space for thoughtful civic conversation, and we have invited gubernatorial candidates to participate in this series. See less

Political events can feel pretty scripted. The candidate has their talking points. People ask predictable questions. Everyone knows where to stand. It can feel a little stiff, right? Well, it’s hard to be stiff in the cozy old red chair at Brix. That’s where our candidates for governor will sit during Community Conversations @ Brix — a series of informal, curious, and hopefully revealing conversations with people asking for the chance to lead Wisconsin. Host Matt, co-owner of Brix, may or may not ask predictable questions as he tries to get a better sense of who these candidates are beyond the talking points. It might have its awkward moments, but maybe that’s the point. Maybe when things feel a little less scripted, people open up in a different way. Maybe we share a laugh. Maybe we feel something real and resonant. Maybe we get a glimpse of the person behind the campaign. For this event, we’ll be talking with Mandela Barnes, candidate for Wisconsin Governor, who is competing in the Democratic primary this August. Mandela Barnes is former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin and former state legislator from Milwaukee. We want Brix to be an uncommon stop on the campaign trail - one that shines a different kind of light on the candidates. This event is free and open to all. We’ll also make room for audience questions and topics, so bring your curiosity and a good question or two. Come meet Mandela Barnes, pull up a chair, and be part of the conversation. - Hosting this event does not constitute an endorsement by Brix, Main Street Action, or SWWAP. Our goal is to create space for thoughtful civic conversation, and we have invited gubernatorial candidates to participate in this series.

Unfair trade and economic policies, long embraced by both parties, have failed us. We need real alternatives that strengthen unions, fight corporate power, and offer a fair deal to working people. MT HOREB, if trade and tariffs are impacting your job, industry, or community, this is a space to speak up and be heard — and to help shape what comes next. Join us with Rep. Mark Pocan, Amb. Katherine Tai, Kriss Marion of the Wisconsin Farmers Union and Shawn Phetteplace of Mainstreet Alliance.

BUILDING UNITY IN MT. HOREB WHERE: Liberty Park When: June 21, 2026 @ 12:30 - 1-30 pm On Juneteenth, Building Unity and partners will launch a 20-week tour around Wisconsin promoting a unified approach to educating and activating voters and strengthening and expanding our state’s movement building infrastructure. We are honored that SWWAP and Mount Horeb will serve as the first whistle stop on this inspiring journey. The Mount Horeb Unity Rally will feature local music, community speakers, and a special Buildng Unity bus-decorating project that allows participants to add their own messages of hope, unity, and civic engagement. The event is designed to bring neighbors together, celebrate our shared values, and demonstrate the strength that comes from working across differences. Following the rally, attendees will gather to cheer on the Building Unity Tour as it continues its journey across Wisconsin. Those who wish to stay involved are invited to join a caravan to the tour's next stop in Dodgeville, helping carry the spirit of unity and democratic participation from one community to the next.

YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS THEATER PRESENTATION! AN EVENING OF SONGS, STORIES AND SOLIDARITY PERFORMED BY TOM KASTLE, SINGER, ACTOR, STORYTELLER This event is free and open to the public (donations appreciated) Joe Hill was a labor organizer and songwriter for the Industrial Workers of the World, founded in 1905. He believed in the IWW mantra that men and women of all races and nations could work together to “change the unequal conditions of society through legitimate direct action.” His tool for uniting people was music and the power of song. He was one of the most influential protest artists of the 20th century, and if Joe Hill were around today, he’d still find plenty to protest. Folksinger Tom Kastle’s performance of the musical play, Joe Hill, Alive as You and Me, celebrates the legacy of the martyred poet and labor leader. The tone is set by the script’s opening lines: On November 19, 1915, a man named Joe Hill was shot by firing squad in Salt Lake City, Utah—his crime? Writing songs! What follows, described by the show’s creator as “an evening of songs, stories, and solidarity,” is a remarkable 70-minute collective experience. See less

Ken Lonnquist began performing professionally in his college days. He won a national audition and became “Minstrel for the Environment”, traveling widely and addressing environmental concerns in concerts. Ken Lonnquist writes about nature with passion and purpose, performing in nature centers, folk clubs, colleges and conferences about issues related to water, woods, animals, energy, and more. His environmental education songs are sung worldwide. Ken also has a keen eye on what's happening in America, and writes topical songs for the times we endure. Expect to be inspired, enlightened and entertained at this special SWWAP sponsored concert. Ken will be joined by his talented friend Henry Boehm. There is a $15 Suggested donation at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. See less

On Saturday, March 28, we need to show up in world-historic numbers to send a message: NOT IN OUR NAME! We the people of the US reject Trump’s brutality at home and abroad and we say in one voice: NO WARS OF AGRESSION! NO TERRORIZING OUR COMMUNTY OR YOURS! NO TYRANTS, NO CONQUESTS AND NO KINGS! Join us from 1-3 PM, at the Mount Horeb Liberty Park Shelter, located at 1201 Cox Dr, for a peaceful & powerful assembly. The event will feture uplifting music and inspiring speakers, (TBA). We will then have a sign brigade on well traveled Springdale Street. Communities across the region are joining this historic event, and we will keep you informed in our upcoming newsletter of all the opportunities to engage on March 28. This is America, a land of hope and justice! Together, we will shake off the chains of oppression and find a way forward for a brighter, more inclusive future. Your presence matters—let's make history together!

Let's stop letting our future be determined for us by the powers that be. Real change starts from the grassroots and it starts with people getting engaged. Wisconsin's 17th Senate District is newly competitive with redrawn electoral maps, making it a swing district in a swing state, likely to have an outsized impact on the politics of our entire state. Let's make our voices heard in picking the right candidate - someone who can help lead us out of the political cesspool we have been living in Brix will be hosting a candidate forum for the Democratic candidates involved in this race. Many of us (including the author of this post) are eager to reshape the Democratic Party. Engaging with candidates, hearing their perspectives, asking questions, and sharing thoughts and concerns is a great way to start. This event is free and open to the public, and it is part of our Reimagine Resistance event series. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the bar.

On Saturday, November 15, those traveling through Mount Horeb will be reminded of the signs of fascism. We have developed a series of messages which will outline the signs and dangers of fascism. Those who view the display will recognize the signs and how fascism has taken root at the highest levels of American government.  *Liberty Park is located east of the Military Ridge Trail overpass on Cox Drive. There are restrooms. Please be prompt. There will be a special display which will call for 21 people.

There will be a special afternoon of Tex-Mex music with Cris and Ann Plata! They are volunteering their talents on behalf of Judge Susan Crawford for Wisconsin Supreme Court. The event will be at Mount Horeb's idyllic District #1 Schoolhouse, located at 110 N. Second Street. Check out Cris's website at https://crisplata.com/home to find out more about this dynamic duo. There will also be a Supremely Special Guest at the concert. Don't you dare miss it.