Citizen Action Weekend 2025 Newsletter, Memorial Day Weekend
Happy Memorial Day Weekend.
Join Citizen Action Today!
Citizen Action of Wisconsin mourns the loss of long time Citizen Action leader, Guy Costello.
By Robert Kraig, Executive Director
Guy Costello, one of the most beloved leaders in the history of Citizen Action, passed away on May 15. Guy was an influential education leader and a long time Citizen Action board leader.
Guy was the Citizen Action c4 Board President when I was made Executive Director in the midst of the Great Recession, and an internal financial crisis that almost shuttered the organization. Guy’s strong support and his always wise and level-headed counsel played a critical role in getting us through the crisis and making us stronger. After his service as Board President, Guy was our c4 Board Treasurer for over a decade, providing strong financial oversight as we systematically built up reserves and built organizing co-ops across the state.
Guy is best known as an education advocate and organizer. A teacher in South Milwaukee, Guy became Vice President of WEAC. In his education advocacy, Guy inspired thousands of educators to fight for our public schools and was much loved and respected in union circles.
I will especially remember two things about Guy.
First, and foremost, Guy was an organizer. As a young man he organized with Ceasar Chavez and the United Farm Workers. I will always remember his rich stories about some of the hardest organizing ever done.
Second, I will remember Guy for his fundamental human decency. No matter what the situation, especially during those hard days when we were working together to make payroll during the Great Recession, he always helped move us towards the most humane and ethical response. Guy had a huge heart, and is one of the very best humans I have had the honor to know and work with!
Apply to the Citizen Action Movement Politics Academy by June 3rd
What is the Academy? It’s a space dedicated to giving every day folks the opportunity to learn how to run for office through values-based campaigns, and achieve bold reforms needed to make Wisconsin a more just and equitable place for all. We’re a space that won’t talk about what “electable” and “qualified” means – we want to prepare you to be involved as you are, not compromise your values, and make the most out of your time.
The academy will cover a wide range of both campaign and movement topics, including messaging, volunteer and time management, as well as political education around movement values like healthcare and climate justice.
This application is open to everyone ready to seriously commit to an inclusive community that advances bold reforms.
Women, trans, and nonbinary folks of color, youth, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the working class, Veterans regardless of discharge status, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
More info and application found here!
Reach out to CAW Political Director Priscilla Bort at priscilla.bort@citizenactionwi.org with any questions.
Attend Capitol Day of Action, Tuesday, May 27th
Citizen Action Southeast Organizing Co-op Update: Power, Protest & People Power Next Week!
🔥 LOBBY DAY IS ALMOST HERE – TUESDAY, MAY 27!
It’s almost time! Lobby Day is coming up this Tuesday, May 27, and Southeast Co-op is rolling deep. We’re headed to the Capitol in Madison with one clear message: We will not be ignored.
This day isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. It’s about showing up, speaking truth to power, and letting legislators know that southeast Wisconsin cares about Medicaid, climate justice, and making our government work for all of us—not just the wealthy few.
And yes, it will be fun. We’ll have powerful speakers, passionate community members, and plenty of chances to connect, share, and energize for the fights ahead. Whether it’s your first time lobbying or your fiftieth, you’ll leave feeling empowered.
🎯 Want to come with us? Fill out this form, reach out to me today or reply to this email to get on the list. Transport is available!
Ruben Aquino: 414-377-2995
✊ SPOTLIGHT MEMBER: JOSH SALAZAR
This week, we’re highlighting a rising voice in our movement: Josh Salazar, a Southeast Co-op member who brought both courage and creativity to a recent protest.
With his trusty flag and a steady voice, Josh stood up for justice in Milwaukee—calling out systems of oppression and showing what it looks like when young people take the lead.
Josh reminds us that resistance takes many forms, and each act of expression moves us closer to liberation. Keep shining, Josh—you inspire us all.
🤝 MEET & GREET – MONDAY, JUNE 3 @ 6 PM
Want to get involved? New to Citizen Action? Just want to hang out with some like-minded folks?
Come to our next Southeast Co-op Meet & Greet:
📍 Monday, June 3rd at 6 PM
📍 4716 W Vliet Street, Milwaukee
🔗 RSVP here
Whether you’ve been organizing for years or are just curious what we’re about—we’d love to meet you.
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