RACINE — In a way, the decision of the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice to hold its 17th annual Fall Assembly in Racine is a reward for the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice. The decision recognizes their strength as a peacemaking group, said Judy Miner, the network’s office coordinator.

"Their phenomenal work is known in Madison," Miner said. "Their work in Racine is consistently good. We wanted to come and say thank you to them because they’ve done great work."

The assembly is today at Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church, 625 College Ave. The public is welcome at the conference, Miner said, and scholarships are available if anyone needs assistance in paying the registration fee.

About 75 people from around the state have registered to attend the conference, which will focus on prison reform, immigrant rights and the war.

At noon the conferees will break for the Rally for Peace coordinated by the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice. The rally will be on Sam Johnson Parkway (6th Street) next to the Laurel Salton Clark Fountain.

The keynote speaker is the Rev. Simon Harak of Milwaukee. Harak will speak on "The Global War on Terror: Who Wins? Who Loses?" Harak, a Jesuit, has served as missionary in Jamaica and the Philippines.

Harak has been active in the peace movement and helped found Voices in the Wilderness which was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000, 2002 and 2003. Harak is currently working at Marquette University, where he is involved with establishing a Center for Peacemaking.

After a day devoted to issues of peace and justice the WNPJ will recognize people who have been active in the struggle for peace and justice, Miner said.

The Peacemakers of the Year awards and reception follows the conference. The Lifetime Achievement Award goes to John LaForge of Nukewatch in Luck, Wis.

The Peacemakers of the Year award recipients are: Sarah Quinn of Madison; the Rev. Jim Murphy of Portage; and Sue Ruggles of Glendale.

What:

17th annual Fall Assembly of the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice

Where:

Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church, 625 College Ave.

When:

Today 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Cost:

$25 nonmembers; $20 members

FYI:

The public is welcome at the conference and scholarships are available if anyone needs assistance in paying the registration fee.

At noon the conferees will take a break for the Rally for Peace coordinated by the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice. The rally will be held on Sam Johnson Parkway (Sixth Street) next to the Laurel Salton Clark Fountain.