Wisconsin Progress Alumni Giving Program

Why Alumni Engagement Matters

At Wisconsin Progress, our alumni are at the heart of our mission. By staying connected, alumni strengthen our institution’s reputation, fundraising potential, and capacity to support the next generation of progressive leaders. This work goes far beyond one-off meetings or endorsements — it’s about fostering long-term partnerships with people who share our values, offering value to our progressive community at-large, and building a powerful network to advance the progressive candidate pipeline up and down the ballot.

Engaged alumni:

  • Provide vital financial support through annual giving, monthly contributions, or other donor support.

  • Expand our reach by promoting Wisconsin Progress through their social and professional networks.

  • Serve as organizational ambassadors who enhance our reputation and bring positive visibility to our work.

  • Offer mentorship, expertise, and skills to support our strategic goals.

  • Benefit themselves through networking, professional development, and lifelong connections.

Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive progressive movement across Wisconsin and beyond.

Goals of Our Alumni Engagement Program

Our alumni program is designed to:

  • Support Fundraising: Encourage alumni giving to sustain and expand our training programs and candidate services. 

  • Strengthen Connections: Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

  • Enhance Our Reputation: Showcase alumni achievements and the impact of our programming.

  • Build Networks: Connect alumni with current candidates, campaigns, and elected leaders for mentorship and collaboration.

  • Offer Value: Provide resources, career guidance, networking, and mentorship opportunities.

  • Uplift Diversity: Ensure engagement efforts reflect Wisconsin Progress’s diverse community of leaders.

Who Our Alumni Are

Wisconsin Progress alumni are leaders who have received a candidate endorsement approved through our Advisory Council and who embody the values at the core of our organization. They are committed to advancing progressive policy, action, and community organizing at both the local and state levels.

Our alumni are:

  • Candidates and Elected Leaders who have stepped up to run for office and lead with integrity.

  • Progressive Champions who uphold Wisconsin Progress’s mission and values in their work, no matter the arena.

Together, our alumni represent a growing network of progressive leaders working to strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and create a more just and inclusive Wisconsin.

How We Engage Alumni

We use a mix of strategies to keep alumni informed, involved, and inspired:

  • Celebrating alumni achievements through stories and features.

  • Hosting events—both virtual and in-person—including reunions, networking, and professional development.

  • Creating giving opportunities like “Adopt a Candidate” and “Pay It Forward.”

  • Offering mentorship opportunities between alumni and current candidates.

  • Consistent communications via newsletters, social media, and alumni updates..

Wisconsin Progress Alumni

  • Rep. Lee Snodgrass, AD-52

    "Wisconsin Progress is unmatched when it comes to candidate training and support. I saw this as a county party chair and I experienced this as a candidate and incumbent. It is an exaggeration to say I could not have performed so well and won without the support of Wisconsin Progress and their secret weapon, Becky Rasmussen."

  • Rep. Deb Andraca, AD-23

    “I have relied on Wisconsin Progress in one way or another in all of my campaigns. They help to level the playing field against deep-pocketed opponents and give first time candidates the kind of support and smart advice usually reserved for those who can afford expensive campaign consultants. I highly recommend Wisconsin Progress to anyone considering a run for office.”

  • Ben Delie, District 10 Alderperson, Green Bay

    “Positive change in a community isn’t accomplished without the support of people and organizations that push you and believe in you. That’s why I worked with Wisconsin Progress in my first campaign for Green Bay city council. I can’t wait to work with them again in the next campaign cycle!” 

  • Fmr. Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes

    “Wisconsin Progress has been with me every step of the way in my political career, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the deep and diverse group of Wisconsin Progress alumni across the great state of Wisconsin.”

  • Rep. Angelino Tenorio, AD-14

    As a proud Wisconsin Progress alum, I’m deeply grateful for the training, support, and community that helped shape my path as a public servant. Wisconsin Progress empowers everyday people to step up, run for office, and fight for a better future. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them!

There’s a place for you in the Wisconsin Progress Alumni Giving Program! Together, we can strengthen progressive leadership across the state and ensure that the next generation of candidates has the tools, mentorship, and support they need to win.

For more information, please reach out to our Executive Director, Kristina Sandherr.

Get Involved