October 7, 2025
Dear Friends of the 8th Congressional District,
Hopefully, you’ve seen the exciting news about our new initiative to reach and engage all underrepresented communities across our district.
We are starting this work because there is something we cannot ignore: while our doors may be open, not everyone feels at home. Too many communities—neighbors with unique stories, struggles, and strengths—are not yet meaningfully connected to the Democratic Party, and we want to change that, starting here in the 8th.
It’s not enough to be a place where all are welcome in theory. We must be a movement that actively seeks out every perspective, every experience, and every contribution. Inclusion is not just a belief—it’s a daily practice done with intention. And it’s on us to make sure that no one is left on the sidelines, wondering if they belong.
Our goal is to do more than simply invite people to attend events. We want to go where people are, in spaces where they feel comfortable. We want to build bridges and break down the barriers that exist.
Over the past month, we have held three meetings to begin shaping this vision.
Most recently, on September 27th, we hosted a mini-retreat with participants from Brown, Door, Outagamie, Oconto, Shawano/Menominee, and Waupaca counties. The purpose of this retreat was to lay a foundation—to take an honest look at identifying who the underrepresented groups are across the 8th Congressional District, why these groups have often not been engaged and explore how we can change that.
During the retreat, we spent time in work groups discussing what we could achieve collectively that we could not accomplish alone, the values and beliefs that will guide our work together, and the first actions we can take in the next sixty days.
We were energized by the voices at the table—people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals passionate about advancing equity for people with a variety of disabilities and income disparities. Their perspectives reminded us that our strength is in our diversity. As one participant said, “We want to partner and coordinate with coalitions and community groups—work together and celebrate together!” Another added, “It’s important to listen to what people need—not assume we already know.”
We also heard this wisdom: “It will be important to get comfortable with challenging conversations—listen more than speak.” And perhaps most powerfully, “The time is right. The current dissatisfaction in our country is motivating a lot of people to step up.”
Following the mini-retreat, we will present our initial work to the 8th CD Executive Board and lay out a roadmap for what comes next. We want our Board, and the community at large, to see where we are starting from and the exciting path ahead.
It’s important to us that voices from all the counties located in the 8th congressional district are involved.
This is about more than representation. It’s about building relationships that last, creating real opportunities for involvement, and ensuring every community has influence in the decisions shaping our future as a party. When we do this, our movement grows stronger, our policies become wiser, and our vision becomes something every person can see themselves in.
I’m inviting you to join us in this work—not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it will transform what we can accomplish together. We are thrilled that so many people have already expressed their interest in this mission!
Whether it’s by participating in upcoming events, referring someone you know to our work, or connecting us with community-based groups, you can help ensure that every person in the 8th Congressional District is seen, valued, and empowered.
Let’s make this a district where everyone has a seat at the table, where every story is honored, and where the future we’re building truly belongs to all of us.
NOTE: We are still looking for participation from Calumet, Kewaunee, and Marinette counties.
In solidarity,
Amy Trader, 1st Vice Chair of the 8th Congressional District
Rick Crosson, Chair of the Committee to Engage Underrepresented Communities