APPLETON, WI – (WISS and WGBW) – The Wisconsin Grassroots Network (WGN) presents the 15th Annual Grassroots Festival at Lawrence University on Saturday, May 4th. Jane Benson says there will be over 50 organizations with tables at the event in hopes of connecting with people who want to get involved.

“The Sierra Club, Wisconsin Conservation Voters, Medicare for All; all kinds of different organizations are setting up tables,” said Benson. “Then all the attendees come in, and they are looking to connect with those organizations.”

The Wisconsin Grassroots Network supports community-based grassroots organizations, helping them grow. The Grassroots Festival encourages networking among these organizations. WGN says it provides these services to promote democracy, justice, and equality throughout Wisconsin.

The Grassroots Festival is a one-day event featuring six keynote speakers, 18 breakout sessions, food, and entertainment. Speakers include Alan Minsky, the Executive Director of Progressive Democrats of America, Kristin Lyerly, Ted Auch, Michael Crute of the Devil’s Advocates Radio Show, Beverly Hamilton-Williams, and John Nichols of The Nation. Entertainment will be provided by Tom Kastle, The Raging Grannies, Our Wisconsin Revolution’s Live Music, and Garrison Keillor. 

The event will be at the Warch Campus Center on the Lawrence University Campus, starting at 8:00 a.m. Saturday. Tickets for the event are available on the website at wigrassrootsnetwork.com and at the door. Many tickets include lunch as well as participation in the event.