In 2011, my boyfriend Ron and I worked with a Republican couple to co-found a civil dialogue group called Reach Out Wisconsin. Our mission was “Fostering respect and understanding in Wisconsin politics.” We held monthly forums on hot political topics, encouraging community members to meet for civil discussion.
Ron and I moved out of state a few years later and are no longer involved with the group, although they’ve done excellent work since we left. But over the years, I’ve collected print, audio, and video news clips about them, and I’ve compiled them here.
Most of these are from the years when I was involved, although some have come to me later. They are listed below in reverse-chronological order.
(I’m sure some news mentions are missing here; please contact me if you know of any! Also many apologies for the broken links—I didn’t start compiling these till many years after we first started the group. Some records have gone missing or are no longer publicly available.)
Articles, Radio, & Video
“Solutions: Gun Violence, voters discuss Second Amendment divide.” Chuck Todd, March 25, 2018. Meet the Press, NBC. (Video.)
“Can everyone just chill? A local group tries to maintain social cohesion among political opposites.” Michael Cummins, February 8, 2018. The Isthmus.
“Nonpartisan forum allows open discussion on energy.” Sean Kirkby, July 29, 2013. Madison Commons.
Appearance on “Wisconsin Eye.” Steve Walters, January 15, 2013. Wisconsin Eye. (Video.)
“Can we talk? Local effort to foster civil political debate is working — kind of.” Pat Schneider, November 14, 2012. The Cap Times.
“Divided Wis. Voters Unite in Debate Viewing.” David Schaper, October 17, 2012. National Public Radio.
“Promoting Dialogue Across Party Lines.” Gilman Halsted, October 17, 2012. Wisconsin Public Radio.
“Chris Rickert: Heroes, villains and humans.” Chris Rickert, October 14, 2012. Wisconsin State Journal.
“Seeking healing in a state divided by politics.” Doug Erickson, June 8, 2012. Wisconsin State Journal.
“Post-election Healing in Wisconsin.” Joy Cardin, June 7, 2012. Wisconsin Public Radio.
“Wisconsinites ‘reach out’ to heal partisan divide.” David Schaper, June 4, 2012. National Public Radio.
“Citizen Dave: Ron & Katie and Scott & Carol.” Dave Cieslewicz, May 16, 2012. The Isthmus.
“Conservatives & liberals converge at Reach Out Wis. meetings.” May 15, 2012. ABC’s Channel 27 Madison: KWOW. (Video.)
“Ron Dolen: Recalls Good or Bad? Let’s Talk May 15.” Ron Dolen, May 10, 2012. The Cap Times.
Appearance on “Wisconsin Eye.” Steve Walters, January 25, 2012. Wisconsin Eye. (Video.)
“Reach Out Wisconsin Brings Respect Back Into the Conversation.” Mitch Teich, December 2011. (Listed incorrectly as November 14, 2011.) Lake Effect, Project Milwaukee. WUWM, National Public Radio.
“Challenges to Civility.” Marge Pitrof, December 15, 2011. Project Milwaukee. WUWM, National Public Radio.
“The People’s Mic.” ~December 13, 2011. WORT community radio. (Records missing.)
“Reach Out Wisonsin Aims to Bring Civility to Wisconsin Politics.” Paul Doro, December 20, 2011. Milwaukee Progressive Examiner.
“Reach Out Wisconsin’s Scott and Carol Grabins,” “Reach Out Wisconsin’s Katie Songer and Ron Dolen.” Paul Doro, ~Jan 2012. Milwaukee Progressive Examiner. (Records missing.)
“Challenges to Civility.” Marge Pitrof, December 15, 2011. Project Milwaukee, WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio.
“Reach Out Wisconsin Brings Respect Back Into the Conversation.” Mitch Teich, ~December 14, 2011. (Incorrectly listed as November 14, 2011.) Lake Effect, Project Milwaukee, WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio.
Interview on “The People’s Mic” December 7, 2011. WORT community radio.
“Group a great example of civility.” Dan Simmons, December 5, 2011. Wisconsin State Journal.
“Who’s Right?!” Sandra McFadden, November 29, 2011. Who’s Right?! (Video.)
“Big Question: Can we have civil politics talk?” Joy Cardin, November 23, 2011. Wisconsin Public Radio.
“Civility lost in political upheaval.” Patrick Marley, November 21, 2011. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
“Chris Rickert: Reaching out for thoughtful talk about politics.” Chris Rickert, November 17, 2011. The Wisconsin State Journal.
“Chris Rickert: I reached out with an invite, but who will show?” Chris Rickert, October 30, 2011. The Wisconsin State Journal.
“Political opposites reach out for better understanding.” Dan Simmons, October 25, 2011. The Wisconsin State Journal.
“Phil Haslanger: Fostering ways to reclaim the best of democracy.” Phil Haslanger, October 8, 2011. The Cap Times.
“Reach Out Wisconsin works to promote healthy political dialogue.” Katie Songer, September 12, 2011. Dane101.com.
“Madison liberals have no interest in opposing viewpoints.” David Blaska, September 8, 2011. The Isthmus.