They were shaped democratically — through community meetings, surveys, one-to-one conversations, and debate — and ratified by members at GROWW Fest 2023 in Ellsworth, Wisconsin.
This is a living document: it evolves as our communities and world change. Together, we shape GROWW — and our vision will carry us forward.
We are proud to live and work in Western Wisconsin — the place we call home. We stick together, even when things get tough.
We envision communities where everyone can lead their best life: where every person has a safe home, a meal on the table, and work that sustains them; where every voice counts — not just on election day, but in school boards, city halls, county boards, and the state capitol; where every child grows, learns, and plays in supportive, safe spaces; where healthy land and clean water nourish the food we grow; where small businesses and family farms thrive; and where no one is left to struggle alone in the face of illness, addiction, or hardship.
We believe this vision is possible — but only if we build power together to challenge corporate greed and political corruption, and create a democracy that truly serves all of us.
Community
We focus our work on our communities. We stand with the people who give our lives meaning and sustain us through trust, understanding, and care.
Stewardship
We take care of what is most valuable — people, community, land, and water — so that it can be shared with our children and our children’s children.
Solidarity
We act together across race, gender, income, ability, and geography, leaving no one behind.
Listening
We build connection and resist division by listening to understand one another — our values, interests, hopes, and fears.
Power
We create lasting change and write our own futures by building, organizing, and wielding power together.
Our platform lays out the actions and priorities we believe will make our shared vision real. It rests on three pillars: Democracy, Economic Justice, and Environmental Justice.
Democracy
We support building a political system that is fair, accessible, and responsive to all of us.
Our priorities include ending gerrymandering, supporting reforms like final-five voting, ensuring everyone can run for office — not just the wealthy — and protecting the right and freedom to vote.
We believe in returning decision-making power to local governments stripped of authority by state preemption, and defending truth-seeking efforts to combat misinformation and restore trust in democracy.
Economic Justice
We support building a robust economy where everyone’s basic human needs are met.
That means ensuring safe, affordable housing for all; fully funding public schools; expanding BadgerCare and mental health services; and investing in childcare providers and working families.
We believe in protecting workers’ rights to organize, holding corporations accountable to pay fair taxes, and strengthening local business development and sustainable food systems.
Environmental Justice
We support all people having equal access to a healthy, safe, and sustainable environment.
We are committed to conserving regional landscapes, promoting regenerative agriculture, guaranteeing clean, safe water for everyone, and investing in renewable energy, weatherization, and local climate resilience.
