Community is our strength.
We’re going to build the future we deserve.
Many of us are grappling with a deep sense of fear and loss as guardrails break, and heroes haven’t emerged to save us.
Now, we must face the fact that the only way out is through—together. Because what lies ahead is a shared struggle, one that can only be won through authentic connection and sustained engagement across race, class, gender, ethnicity, and ability.
Who are we?
We’re three women who forged friendships through our collective work on political campaigns in battleground Wisconsin. We’ve run for office, directed field campaigns, built digital infrastructure, and knocked tens of thousands of doors. But we know we can’t vote our way out of this.
This moment demands that we build strong, diverse communities and embrace creative approaches that seed democracy.
So, we gathered at our favorite local spot and hatched Project 3.5 over hot honey pizza, and we launched it from a garage under the watchful gaze of an eight-foot robed alien named Becky. That seems just right for a scrappy little rebellion, doesn’t it?
So, what does Project 3.5 look like in action?
There’s not a moment to lose, so we’re building this plane in the air. We have a framework, and now we’re working through the details. Here’s how we see this effort shaking out.
Neighborhood gatherings
We’ll build connections with our neighbors across the street, around the block, and down the lane. Gathering to support one another, we’ll process what’s happening, share ideas for nurturing resilience, engage in mutual aid, and find opportunities to create hope and change.
Interest groups
We all have a superpower. Collaborating with those who share our passions, interests, and expertise, we'll put our gifts to work for the public good—whether we're sharing mindfulness practices, public health guidance, agitprop, or something else entirely.
County-wide sharing sessions
We’ll come together to share the change-making ideas bubbling up in our neighborhood gatherings, interest groups, and with our coalition partners. Strengthening connections across our communities, we’ll help each other stay encouraged and motivated.
Workshops
Led by trusted, local experts, we’ll learn new skills that help us stay safe and strong in this new reality—learning how to protect our mental health, secure our data, and talk to our kids, for starters.
Social events
From grill-outs and happy hours to community theater performances, local hikes, and ballgames, we’ll find temporary reprieves from the chaos. We must be present, awake, and clear-minded, and caring for ourselves and each other is how we’ll do it.
Does this sound overwhelming?
If showing up for a local chat and feeling connected to your neighbors is all you have the capacity for right now, that’s okay! Simply being part of your community is enough.
“
I see you, Fear. I hear you. I know you.
I’m not mad at you and I don’t believe you.
Fear, you are like my teenage child. Sibling. Self.
You flinch and you protect. You warn. You need rest.
Let me relieve you, guard you while you sleep.
I see you still and breathing.
I gently close the door
and step away.
ATENA O. DANNER