Michigan. Wisconsin. Illinois. Three states, one urgent mission.

With the 2026 midterms approaching and voting opening soon across the Midwest — Michigan on September 24, Wisconsin on October 20 — the window to act is shorter than it looks. And this region may well decide what kind of country we live in.

Mindful of the stakes, Third Act Wisconsin, Third Act Michigan and Third Act Illinois have embarked on a Midwestern collaboration. We invite you to join our kickoff event on Thursday September 10 (at 7 Pm Central Time) to discuss strategy, solidarity, and action.

We are thrilled to welcome Ben Wikler — Former Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party and author of the newly published This Is the Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy — to share what he has learned from years on the front lines of battleground state politics. Ben will share actionable strategies for grassroots organizing and community-level engagement that directly align with our mission. Ben knows what works, what doesn't, and what this moment demands from all of us.

But this evening is not just about inspiration — it is about getting to work together.

After hearing from Ben, we will plan concrete, coordinated efforts across our Midwestern states — canvassing, phonebanking, election protection, and more. We will move into action-oriented breakout rooms focused on electing pro-climate, anti-authoritarian candidates in Michigan and Wisconsin, where every vote matters.

The Midwest is the margin. We have no time to waste. Find out what you can do - and how it matters! Join us.