In May 2025, the LWVUS launched the Unite & Rise 8.5 initiative.  Running from May 2025 to the November 2026 election, this campaign has one goal: to activate 8.5 million people to rise up and take action through civic engagement, not violence. 

Backed by research from the Carr Ryan Center for Human Rights at Harvard Kennedy School, we believe that movements with strong civic engagement—and sustained nonviolent action—are the most effective path to lasting change. Across Wisconsin, local Leagues are leading the movement to protect our democracy.