WNPJ + Celebrate Earth Day in Fond du Lac + Spotlight on WISDOM and ‘Solitary Confinement’ Day of Action + Network News Deadline! + SAVE the date May 18th for WNPJ’s Spring Meeting + other statewide events
***********************************
The WI Network for Peace and Justice is the umbrella non-profit organization
supporting the work of 85 member groups around Wisconsin.
***************************
Earth Day Spotlight on CSA in Fond du Lac
Celebrate at the Earth Day Fair with the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes –
Sat April 27th - 10 am to 3 pm
320 County Rd K in Fond du Lac
The Earth Day Fair features five 45-minute presentations throughout the day, 18 Earth-focused exhibitors in Founders Hall, and a raffle. Various guided tours will be offered over the course of the day, including solar array tours, a bird walk, and a two-hour in-depth tour of the land including the escarpment. Food truck on site for lunch! An hour-long adopt-a-highway clean up will take place just prior to the fair for those looking for a service opportunity. See website for all the details! https://www.csasisters.org/
Contact: Dusty Krikau dkrikau@csasisters.org
*****************************************
SPOTLIGHT on WISDOM
WISDOM, The National Religious Campaign Against Torture, and National Unlock the Box Campaign and state legislators will host a Solitary Confinement Day of Action on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 1-4pm at the State Capitol, 2 E. Main Street Madison, WI 53703.
From 1-2pm the event will feature testimonies from survivors of solitary confinement and a presentation on national best practices by leaders of the Unlock the Box Campaign. After the presentation in the North Hearing Room on the second floor of the Capitol, WISDOM members will be meeting with state legislators.
WISDOM's campaign to end the use of solitary confinement is an important part of our statewide Transformational Justice Campaign. This campaign aims to advance racial justice, decarcerate Wisconsin, and redirect resources to build safer, stronger, and healthier communities. The campaign also strives to restore the rights of people with conviction records and shift narratives that dehumanize formerly incarcerated people.
Register in advance at: https://bit.ly/solitaryconfinementdayofaction. For inquiries about the event, you can email WISDOM Transformational Justice Campaign Coordinator Mark Rice at ricermark@gmail.com.
In Solidarity,
David Liners office@wisdomwisconsin.org
******************************
We’re inviting your ideas and stories for the 2024 Spring issue of Network News! Tom Boswell is the new editor of our WNPJ newsletter. Send what you have to tomboswell2002@yahoo.com by the May 1st deadline!
********************************************
Join WNPJ for the 2024 Spring Assembly! Our 2024 theme will be "Environmental Justice - Confronting Extreme Extraction and Ending Resource Wars on Indigenous and Frontline People".
Connect on your own, or meet with a group to connect to Zoom at one of the satellite locations in Superior, Keshena, Milwaukee, and Madison. Some locations may offer social/potluck/networking opportunities.
It's free, and open to all! Register here ---> https://tinyurl.com/WNPJSPRING24
Saturday, May 18th @ 1-3pm - Virtual option, too!
Madison: Madison Friends Meeting House
Milwaukee: TBD
Keshena: College of the Menominee Nation
Superior: Ball Room at the Old Post Office, 1401 Tower Ave
The purpose of this annual Spring meeting is to offer a program to set our WNPJ goals and vision for the year ahead, with input from our member groups and allies.
"Reports from the Field" will allow member group contacts to give a five minute update on their activities. Let us know if you want to speak for your member group on the registration form.
We will be choosing a nominating committee for new board members to begin their term in the Fall. If you're interested in serving on the board or nominating committee, let us know at info@wnpj.org.
*******************************************************************
WNPJ member groups and affiliates issue Statements, Events, Action Alerts on Hamas/Palestine/Israel
See the developing list here: https://www.wnpj.org/post/statements-from-wnpj-groups-and-their-national-affiliates-on-palestine-israel-hamas
Petitions to sign https://www.change.org/p/sign-and-share-this-urgent-petition-calling-for-a-ceasefirenow-in-gaza-and-israel and phone calls to make.
Go to the Madison Rafah Sister City sites: http://madisonrafah.org/ and/or https://www.facebook.com/madisonrafah to learn more.
********************************
Upcoming Events this week for WNPJ groups:
FITCHBURG Mon Apr 22, 10 am. UN in the News discussion group. Meets at the Fitchburg public library the 4th Monday of each month - We'll be discussing several important foreign policy topics and concerns for 2024. These include the Israeli war on Gaza, climate change, the continuing war in Ukraine, migration trends and major elections in 2024. Also continuing our discussion about ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Congo. And more......Questions? Contact Sam Romano of the UNA USA Dane County chapter. sromano@charter.net
MADISON Mon Apr 22, 12 noon – 1 pm Monday Noon Vigil for Peace – Meet at the corner of MLK, Jr. Blvd and Doty St. For more information, call Tim at 608-630-3633.
MADISON Mon Apr 22, 4 – 9 pm Earth Day Every Day. Meet at the Garver Feed Mill. Join Wisconsin Food Forest and others for a Unity Building Earth Day! BuildingUnityWi@gmail.com . Schedule for event at Garver: 4pm - 6pm - Music and socializing. 5:45pm - Join us near front doors for an outdoor “Earth Circle” 6 - 9pm - Indoor program with music, speakers, and more. Share these Facebook Events: https://fb.me/e/6CHza7UHe https://fb.me/e/67B58VkU0
MILWAUKEE Mon Apr 22, 5 pm Peace Action WI Hosting Annual Earth Day March. Meet at Dontre Hamilton (Red Arrow) Park! As one of the greatest contributors of pollution around the globe, the U.S. war machine is responsible for irreparable damage to the environment. We are holding local defense conglomerates such as the Wisconsin Defense Industry Council (WDIC) accountable for their crimes; profiting off the genocide in Palestine, proxy wars around the world, and ravaging finite resources for war instead of human needs. The struggle for climate justice is a struggle for justice everywhere! Join us Monday!#earthday #antiwar #milwaukee
MADISON Tues Apr 23, 1 – 4 pm WISDOM’s Solidarity Confinement Day of Action – at the State Capitol….see more information in the Spotlight above.
MAUSTON Tues Apr 23, 3:45 – 4:45 pm VIGIL AGAINST THE DRONES OUTSIDE THE GATES OF VOLK FIELD, Camp Douglas. We hope to see you at the vigil. If you can’t come this time, mark your calendar. We usually vigil on the 4th Tuesday of every month. If you have any questions please call or email Joy at 608 239-4327 or joyfirst5@gmail.com or Bonnie at 608-256-5088 or blb24@earthlink.net Wisconsin Coalition to Ground the Drones and End the Wars
MILWAUKEE Tues Apr 23, 7 pm CHAPTER MEETING of Veterans for Peace #102. At ST. JOHN'S ON THE LAKE. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND OTHER BUSINESS. vfpchapter102@gmail.com
FOND DU LAC Apr 23. 6 – 8 pm Special Earth Day watch party! Screening of “Common Ground” - In Founders Hall in the CSA Motherhouse. Common Ground, is a powerful follow-up to Kiss the Ground. Common Ground provides hope for future generations with concrete ways to fix a broken planetary system. The film explores how regenerative agriculture can help heal the soil, our health, and the planet. “By fusing journalistic expose’ with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy – before it’s too late.” Free screening. CSA Justice tabler@csasisters.org
VIRTUAL Wed Apr 24, 6:30 – 8 pm Save the Date - Poor People's Campaign Statewide Meeting. Registration link available through the organizers. ppcdaneco@gmail.com
LaCROSSE Thurs Apr 25, 12 noon - 12:30 pm Weekly Women in Black Peace Vigil. Meet at Main St & 4th Street South. A weekly vigil for peace every Thursday. Contact Deborah. dbuffton@yahoo.com
MILWAUKEE Thurs Apr 25, 12 noon – 1 pm Monthly Anti-Gun Vigil - Dunham's Sports, South 108th Street. Assault weapons are made to kill or maim, not to protect others. Sent to WNPJ by Casa Maria Catholic Worker House – www.casamariacatholicworker.weebly.com
MADISON Thurs Apr 25, 7 – 8:30 pm Beyond Lesser Evils: Rethinking the Importance of Elections w/ Author & Professor August H. Nimtz; Program with the Madison Democratic Socialist group. Landmark Auditorium at First Unitarian Society Meeting House•900 University Bay Drive. What role do elections play for the revolutionary left? How can we participate in electoralism without succumbing to what Professor Nimtz terms "electoral fetishism"? Addressing concerns about the "lesser evil" and "spoiler" phenomenon, we explore the possibility of building a party for the working and oppressed classes without falling prey to opportunism or distractions of the bourgeoisie. Contact: dsamadison@gmail.com Register here.
GREEN BAY Thurs Apr 25, 5 – 8 pm Clean Water Action Council of Northeast Wisconsin Annual Banquet – Riverside Ballroom, 1560 Main Street. Join us at our annual banquet for an evening of education, music, and fundraising benefiting CWAC's work protecting our environment. The program includes our Environmental Citizen Award and introduction of board members. The featured speaker is Amanda Smith, an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Biologist for the DNR. Her work covers northeast Wisconsin including coordinating responses to high-profile AIS, leading AIS prevention efforts and is the point of contact for the public and partners. Originally from North Hudson, she has a BS from UW-Stout and a MS from UW-Madison. She values creativity and forward thinking inspired by the Seventh Generation. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clean-water-action-council-annual-banquet-and-fundraiser-tickets-852962853857?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm-source=cp&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing
VIRTUAL Fri Apr 26, 1 – 2 pm WAVE ZOOM Discussion: Safer Spaces, Stronger Communities: Supporting Community Violence Intervention. Community violence intervention programs reduce gun violence by fostering meaningful relationships with those most heavily impacted and ensuring people have access to vital resources. Register now, and you’ll receive a Zoom link on the day of the webinar. https://secure.everyaction.com/0_E_OEUvH0yy96YhWK7imQ2?emci=ae973e54-01fc-ee11-aaf0-7c1e52017038&emdi=86f54453-89fd-ee11-aaf0-7c1e52017038&ceid=77169
This virtual gathering will feature Wisconsin’s top violence prevention advocates, including Reggie Moore (Director of Violence Prevention Policy and Engagement for the Medical College of Wisconsin Comprehensive Injury Center) and Anthony Cooper (CEO and founder of Focused Interruption). You'll hear what violence intervention work looks like on a daily basis, and have a chance to take action in support of these programs right away. Contact Nick Matuszewski admin@waveedfund.org
FOND Du LAC Sat April 27th - 10 am to 3 pm Celebrate at the Earth Day Fair with the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes – 320 County Rd K. See more in the SPOTLIGHT above….
MILWAUKEE Sat Apr 27, 12 noon - 1 pm Peace Action WI - Weekly STAND for PEACE: Capitol and Humboldt. Each Saturday, a different location. Join us. Bring your signs. info@peaceactionwi.org https://www.peaceactionwi.org/stand_for_peace
VIROQUA Sat Apr 27, 11 am - 12 noon Driftless Palestinian Solidarity Weekly Vigil. Meet at Decker and Main. Action Alert: The Driftless Palestinian Solidarity group has a petition to demand that Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and end financial aid to Israel's military. If your group is interested in getting signatures, please email driftless.solidarity@gmail.com. Thank you for your help!
MADISON Sat Apr 27 11 am – 4 pm 2024 Madison Print and Resist Zinefest! Madison Central Public Library, West Mifflin Street. Join dozens of regional artists, writers, print-makers and advocates for a day-long festival of transformative, and transgressive DIY publishing and printmaking. Various makers will be present and ready to share their work with the Madison area community. Drop in throughout the day to see their work and learn more about this long-standing art form. The event is free to attend and open to the public, keeping in mind that artists will not be censored and some content may not be suitable for children. Madison Print & Resist will comply with all public health recommendations active on the date of the event, even if not mandated at the time, there will be strong encouragement for social distancing and mask wearing. More info, visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MadisonPrintandResist/ Sent to WNPJ by Madison Infoshop - peckjohne@gmail.com
MADISON Sat Apr 27 6:30 – 9 pm , Screening of “Common Ground” . First Unitarian Society of Madison 900 University Bay Dr. This showing is free of charge - the sequel to the acclaimed regenerative agriculture documentary ‘Kiss the Ground’. It is an awe-inspiring, cinematic follow-up that lays bare the ways industrial agriculture has degraded the health of planet and people, while also telling the stories of farmers who regenerate the land, and why the techniques they use work. Be sure to get your free ticket, available on eventbrite.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-film-common-ground-change-in-date-tickets-863273924547?aff=oddtdtcreator&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=2b4501aa-c6aa-475a-ba82-67020b67be95 There will be desserts and refreshments before the film, starting at 6:30, with the film running from 7:00 - 8:30 and half an hour of discussion after. contact@350wisconsin.org
MADISON Sat Apr 27, 6:45 pm Celebrate Earth Day with a Screening of “Wild El Salvador”. At the Catholic Multicultural Center, 1862 Beld Street . Co-sponsored with Madison Arcatao Sister City Project. It'll be a fun movie for all the family and a chance to buy stunning embroidered crafts from El Salvador, have some snacks (again free!), and learn more about the work of MASCP. Though only the size of New Jersey, El Salvador is home to 20 volcanoes, 23 species of hummingbirds, a cloud forest, monkeys, anteaters, and a plethora of birds with names like resplendent quetzal, chacalacas and their national bird, the turquoise-browed motmot. You’ll get to feast your eyes on many of these during the movie! We need a couple of volunteers to help set up and clean up for 20-30 minutes before and after. If you and your kids volunteer, it’ll take even less time! Let us know by registering below if you can help out. We hope to see many of you there! https://forms.wix.com/877ed2cd-3633-4d43-982c-4e82f7695a1b:19cd5602-7666-4baf-8388-acf139a49db4
MILWAUKEE Sat Apr 27, 7 pm Folk musician Tom Neilson with a night of music, satire and social commentary. Linneman’s Riverwest Inn.1001 E. Locust St. Benefit for Milwaukee Veterans For Peace. Suggested donation $20-30. MILWAUKEE CHAPTER 102, BOB HANSON, PRESIDENT Vfpchapter102@gmail.com contact: Bill Christofferson, 414-587-6477
RACINE Sat Apr 27, 12:30 – 1:30 pm Weekly Stand for Peace. At NW corner of Highways 31 and 20. Park in the SW corner of the Kohl's parking lot, near the AT&T store. Supported by the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice. We have signs, banners and flags available for all. Check out our website, http://racinepeace.wordpress.com for weather concerns. Free Palestine!
MADISON Sat Apr 27, 5 – 7 pm Passover Seder and Potluck with Jewish Voice for Peace. At Arboretum Cohousing, 1137 Erin Street. Passover is the Jewish celebration of moving from slavery to freedom and from the dark, narrow places to freedom and liberation. As we watch and work against the horrors meted by Israel on the Palestinian people, we will dedicate this Seder to an end to the genocide and the start of rebuilding Gaza, returning people to their homes and fields in the occupied West Bank, and a world where Palestinian and Israelis can live side by side with equal rights and dignity for all.
Our theme, "Resistance is Fertile", acknowledges a century of Palestinian resistance against colonial violence. As Jews, friends, and allies working towards collective action with Palestinians, our resistance against the ongoing genocide is bringing us more deeply in community with each other across Madison and beyond. We assert that resisting militarism, occupation, and supremacy will lead us toward a more fruitful future. With the coming spring as a time for new growth, we center land as the heart of justice for Palestinians as well as our Indigenous neighbors here in the Great Lakes, and celebrate botanical symbols of resistance, such as the watermelon, olive tree, and cactus. This will be a shorter and, to us, a meaningful seder. We hope you join us. Please RSVP at bit.ly/JVPpesach2024 to let us know how many people will be coming and what you will bring for the potluck. You, yours, your friends and neighbors of all faiths and traditions are welcome to join us. We are looking forward to marking this commemoration with you! There will be an online option for those who can't attend in person. Sent to WNPJ by Madison for a World BEYOND War warabolition@gmail.com
VIROQUA Sat Apr 27, 6 – 10 pm Grassroots to Gaza Benefit event. Landmark Center, East Jefferson Street. All proceeds go to Middle East Children's Alliance for immediate humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Sponsored by Madison-Rafah Sister City Project and WORT. Learn more about Middle East Children's Alliance or make a donation at http://Tinyurl.com/madisontogaza . Sent to WNPJ by chrepairs@gmail.com http://madisonrafah.org
NATIONAL Sat Apr 27 “Ready to Walk! Walk for Peace with Veterans for Peace - from Augusta Maine to Washington DC https://peacewalk2024.org/?emci=34f942a1-d592-ee11-8925-002248223f36&emdi=3da8f0ce-a196-ee11-8925-002248223f36&ceid=10475162
*******************************************************
Join WNPJ!WNPJ welcomes individual members and groups!
For individuals, join at a sliding scale rate of $35/year – or whatever fits your budget!
For between $50 - $75/year, a WNPJ membership keeps your group connected with peace and justice efforts and helps keep the Network going - and growing!https://www.wnpj.org/membership
We help our member organizations reach a wider audience by amplifying your peace and justice events and actions on our listserve and Facebook page. Membership also provides access to our community tabling opportunities, our online toolbox of peace and justice resources, and a community that cares about your peace and justice journey.
********************************************
Here's an opportunity for WNPJ member groups!
WNPJ member groups can sign up for a Saturday opportunity to TABLE at the Dane County Farmers Market – this Spring and summer at the Capitol Square. The Farmers Market opening date is April 13th – 7 am to 1 pm …and runs through Nov. 9th on Saturdays.
Bring your own table and hand-outs to the King Street corner of the Square, site #10, next to the VFP #25 table! You can't sell anything at the non-profit table, but donations to your group are acceptable.
Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org
***************************************************
If your group would like to get your events posted in the weekly e-bulletin – JOIN US! https://www.wnpj.org/membership
Join WNPJ – www.wnpj.org
****************************************
Interested in a yard sign? WNPJ has yard signs available! yardsigns@wnpj.org
See our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WisNPJ
"Like" us and follow us!
Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org