From Kitchen Table to Community Waterfront: Building Northern Door Activism

When the Dobbs decision came down, Emily Kraynak and Sarah White weren't seasoned activists—they were working professionals with young families trying to make sense of a rapidly changing world. What began as a response to that pivotal moment has blossomed into Northern Door Activism, a Wisconsin-based community organization that's redefining what grassroots engagement can look like. In this conversation, Emily and Sarah share their journey from concerned citizens to skilled community builders, revealing how they and their neighbors have created space for others to find their own path into civic engagement. Rather than following traditional activist playbooks, they've crafted something uniquely their own—blending community building with advocacy in ways that reflect the character of their little corner, peninsula really, of Wisconsin. Featured Guests Emily Kraynak - Co-founder of Northern Door Activism Sarah White - Co-founder of Northern Door Activism Key Topics Discussed How the Dobbs decision catalyzed the formation of Northern Door Activism Balancing community building with political advocacy Creative approaches to grassroots organizing in small-town Wisconsin Making civic engagement accessible to busy families and working professionals Growing from a small group of concerned citizens to a thriving community organization Unique events and initiatives that reflect their local community Lessons learned from building something from scratch Featured Music by: Dorothy Scott & the Peacekeepers highlight the best of Pop, Folk, and Blues. About Northern Door Activism Northern Door Activism is a grassroots community organization based in Wisconsin that emerged in response to the 2022 Dobbs decision. The group focuses on blending traditional activism with community building events, creating accessible pathways for civic engagement while fostering meaningful connections among community members. Connect To learn more about Northern Door Activism or get involved in their initiatives, visit them on IG @northerndooractivism or www.northerndooractivism.com Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share with others who might be interested in grassroots organizing and community building. Guests: Sarah White, Emily Kraynak, Dorothy Scott and the Peacekeepers