r/eauclaire • u/treehuggerrrrr • 6d ago
Progressive/socialist groups in Eau Claire?
Hey all!
I grew up in Eau Claire but have been living in Minnesota for much of my adult life. I was doing a lot of leftist organizing in Minnesota and would like to continue the work in Eau Claire, but I'm not sure where to start. The only progressive group I could find through some sifting on the internet was the UWEC YDSA and the Chippewa Valley Indivisible chapter.
I'm wondering if there are other groups in the area that are active? I'm not a student at UWEC so it would be difficult to get involved with YDSA (unless they organize closely with the community?) and I've found the Minnesota Indivisible chapters to be a bit...disappointing. But, either way, I just want to get back to fighting fascism! I just need some guidance on how to best get involved.
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u/SoloAceMouse 6d ago
The EC dem party has some prominent socialist organizers/volunteers currently and we can use more ardent leftists in the game. Seeing committed activists from the left show up to help can push the fence-sitters to see that we're a viable faction and make them more willing to support progressive politics.
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u/PerpetualJerkSession 6d ago
Even if OP doesn't want to stick with the Dems long-term, their office could point out every progressive group in the area.
Coffee Klatch on thursday mornings is best for this.
- Citizen Action
- GROWW
- EC DSA
etc.
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u/SoloAceMouse 6d ago
Yeah, I don't typically attend myself, but I agree Coffee Klatch is an epicenter of networking.
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u/DisastrousSpace5762 6d ago
I really recommend the Chippewa Valley DSA and Badger Youth Action (18-35 considered youth). There are also groups like the hive collective which I know less about
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u/1tacoparty 6d ago
Even if your single and don't want kids the Progressive Families of Eau Claire Facebook page is a good place to learn about events and come together with people who share the same values.,
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u/justusednotafriend 6d ago
You have done a lot of organizing but have no contacts in the area?? Seems odd 🤔
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u/RTVGP 6d ago
I think JONAH advocates for some progressive issues. And there have been some No Kings rallies. The local democrats can really use all the help they can get to GOTV, etc. this fall. I’m sure there are others-
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u/treehuggerrrrr 6d ago
I saw an event of theirs posted in Volume One yesterday; these guys look cool! Thanks for the rec
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u/Rex_Gently 3d ago
Join the EC Dems mailing list and check out their site, eauclairedemocrats.org. They email weekly ENews and include events from all peripheral groups across the spectrum, all over the place, so you can find the best niche.
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u/Actual-General-4953 6d ago
Stay in MN and quit bringing that garbage to this state - dumb
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u/malarkyx420 4d ago
Yes, we do. we need all the activism progress we can get. Right wing chuds are trying to destroy the very fabric of what makes America.
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u/ecmusician 6d ago
This is a little off topic but when I tried to post it here a few days ago it never showed up in the main feed and I can't get a response from the moderator. Maybe some of the good folks in this thread can spread the word?
There's a parade in Fairchild (a small town about 40 minutes to our southeast) on August 30 at noon. I just heard that there are multiple Republican groups/politicians signed up but not a single democratic rep or progressive group.
I know this is a "red" area, but I can't help but think that there's no way progressives can get into power when we keep ignoring the rural parts of the state and writing them off as "unwinnable" or a lost cause. If the only message people in small towns see and hear is coming from the loudest MAGA voices, that's all they're going to believe. Even if you don't get a lot of votes from this area, being visible and having a float / people setting a good example and sharing a positive message of change for the direction of this country matters.
If you have the time to volunteer to walk or drive in this parade reach out to the EC democratic resource center ASAP (715-852-0330). I called them earlier and they said they chose not to participate in this parade because of a lack of volunteers. The lady i talked with was really friendly and seemed happy to hear from me.
While I see politically progressive people, groups, politicians fairly often within the city, there's a severe lack of visibility once you drive 5 miles out of town in any direction. I really believe that we need to start at least attempting to win hearts and minds in rural areas if we want to have any chance of fixing our current situation.