“We’re Still Here: Love in the Wisconsin Uprising” Kickstarter Campaign in Full Swing

November 20, 2014 by Leslie Amsterdam

The Wisconsin Citizens Media Cooperative formed in 2011 to report on legislative and political activities in Governor Scott Walker’s Wisconsin. The tireless efforts of a small, but dedicated group of reporters, writers, photographers and editors produced countless news stories on diverse subjects that were largely ignored by mainstream corporate media.

Wisconsin Uprising February 19, 2011

As a founding member of the Wisconsin Citizens Media Cooperative, I was fortunate to able to cover many events and provide images and articles to the media cooperative which in turn used the images and stories to inform the public. Currently all co-op members volunteer their work and time.

My new side project is a collection of documentary photographs of the love and community of Wisconsin activists entitled We’re Still Here: Love in the Wisconsin Uprising . Many of these images appeared first in WCMC articles and posts. There is a newly launched Kickstarter campaign to raise the necessary funds to print a full color premium photo book in a Union shop. View the Kickstarter video or visit our Facebook page. Here are some memorable photographs from the collection:

July 23, 2011 2:04 pm Balloon brigade decorates Our House.

Three of these citizens received citations for holding up signs and t-shirts during a Red Cross blood drive in September. Signs and t-shirts are extremely protected First Amendment speech and all have requested jury trials. Photo credit: Leslie Amsterdam

Occupy Madison and Overpass Light Brigade joined forces on the lawn of Dane County Human Services Saturday night to highlight the plight of Madison’s homeless community. The determined group of campers known as Occupy Madison plans to stay at Lake View Park until a better solution is offered by county officials.

WI State Capitol Police arrest three members of the Raging Grannies of Madison for singing in the Capitol rotunda without a permit in August 2013.

Assistance is needed to secure enough backers for the Kickstarter campaign to be successful and provide the funding necessary for this project to move forward. The project needs to raise $9,600 by December 10. You can also check our progress on the website at www.werestillherewi.com. Many thanks for your help in sharing this link and supporting our efforts! Donate to the photo book project here: http://kck.st/1Ex0YHt . All images  ©Leslie Amsterdam.

Donations to Wisconsin Citizens Media Cooperative can be made here: http://wcmcoop.com/ .