WNPJ + Holiday Giving + Spotlight on a new WNPJ member group- Fair Wisconsin + Solstice and Longest Night Celebrations in Madison + Worker Justice WI event + other statewide events
The WI Network for Peace and Justice is the umbrella non-profit organization
supporting the work of 86 member groups around Wisconsin.
Learn more and contact information at https://palestinepartners.org/contact-us
Fair Trade Holiday Gift Boxes are Back for 2024!
Family Farm Defenders is proud to once again offer many gift boxes you can send to your family and friends over the holiday season. Learn more here.
Introducing a new member group of WNPJ – Fair Wisconsin
Mission: Advancing, achieving and protecting equality & liberation for LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites
Our work: Ending Discrimination
In 1982, Wisconsin made history by being the first state to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. This historic legislation has been protecting lesbian, gay and bisexual Wisconsinites from discrimination at their workplace, in housing, and in public accommodations for forty years. Our state law currently does not provide protections against discrimination based on gender identity or expression. At Fair Wisconsin we believe that it is equally important these protections be extended to protect all people based on their gender identity and expression as well. State of Wisconsin employees and contractors are protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression by Governor Evers Executive Order #1.
Currently the cities of Appleton, Cudahy, De Pere, Green Bay, Janesville, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Oshkosh (partial protections), Sun Prairie, Racine, and Verona provide these protections at the local level, with comprehensive gender-inclusive housing, employment and public accommodations protections against discrimination. In addition, Dane County and Milwaukee County have fair housing protections and personnel policies that prohibit LGBTQ+ discrimination and in 2023 passed trans sanctuary resolutions.
We continue to work to advance local nondiscrimination ordinances, statewide and in targeted communities as a way to increase protections while also educating the public about this issue and to underscore the need for comprehensive state and federal laws.
Contact information:
Abigail Swetz, 122 East Olin Avenue, Suite 100 | Madison, Wisconsin 53713 | 608.441.0143 | info@fairwisconsin.com https://fairwisconsin.com/
Upcoming event with Fair Wisconsin:
Tues Dec 17 @ 7 – 8 pm Webinar with Fair Wisconsin: Community Processing with Fair Wisconsin – “I’m just not sure what I feel…”
The presidential election is over, but the work of advancing, achieving, and protecting equality and liberation for LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites and Americans continues. While we continue to fight back and build a stronger movement for LGBTQ+ rights, our work must also involve rest, recuperation, time for community, and even creativity. Because we can only do the work if we care for ourselves and our community.
With this in mind, we invite you to join us at one or more virtual creative processing workshops, offering attendees the opportunity to process your thoughts and emotions as we pause and recuperate in community. Each workshop will follow the same format: centering introduction, a grounding art experience, some writing time, and time for communal sharing, and will leave us better positioned to build our collective power.
REGISTER HERE for the virtual event.
Water Protector Organizing Meeting - Ashland
Tuesday, December 17th @ 6:00-8:00 pm
Vaughn Library - 502 Main Street West, Ashland
In the Chequamegon Bay area, the Bad River Band has directed Enbridge to shut down and remove Line 5 from the Bad River Watershed. Instead of respecting the Band’s sovereignty to culture, Enbridge has initiated the permitting process to construct a new section of pipeline around the Reservation, putting an even greater portion of the watershed at risk for an oil spill. While thousands of people have spoken up in opposition to this project, the Wisconsin DNR just approved the permits for the project, one of the final pieces needed by Enbridge to proceed. As such, now is the time to organize together to stop this project and protect Lake Superior! Water is Life!
James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Winter Solstice Celebration
Friday, December 20th @ 7:00 pm
2146 E Johnson St, Madison
Join us for our annual celebration marking the Longest Night and the Return of the Light! The evening is a deep ritual and celebration of the light that shines within and between us, with reflections, silence, and candlelight, and music featuring Jennifer Hedstrom and the JRUUC Sacred Breath Choir. The service will be in person and also streamed via Zoom.
Learn more here: office@jruuc.org https://jruuc.org/
Longest Night Homeless Persons' Memorial Service
Saturday, December 21st @ 3 pm - we will gather on the Capitol Square at the intersection of East Main, South Pinckney Street and King Street.
We will hold a brief outdoor service and then proceed around the Capitol led by a horse drawn hearse. Our gathering place is near the bench where 38-year-old Dwayne Warren’s body was found on June 16th, 2009. Dwayne was experiencing homelessness, he died of sepsis, a blood infection that could have been treated with a simple antibiotic prescription. Dwayne’s death helped bring the community together to create this annual event. We thank First Congregational UCC , First United Methodist Church, Lakeview Lutheran Church, Congregation Shaarei Shamayim, Unity of Madison, MOSES and the Osterhaus Family for their continued collaboration. We are asking for donations of warm socks, long underwear, scarves, gloves, and hats. Donations can be dropped at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 1609 University Ave. Madison. Please enter through the rear door off of the parking lot. The church doors are open during the day as the daycare in the building is open. Individuals entering must wear a mask. info@justdane.org
Longest Night Interfaith Service
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 | 4-6 PM | PLAZA OF MONROE ST & WEST LAWN AVE, MADISON
The Longest Night is a service that has taken place in the Christian tradition on Winter Solstice, just a few days before Christmas. It began as a way to help those who are struggling during the Advent and Christmas season. This year, as we acknowledge 14 months of a genocide in Gaza, with no sense of hope that it will end, we are struggling to acknowledge the depth of our grief. The Longest Night vigil gives us permission to mourn amidst a time of celebration. If you wish to hold a vigil in your own community, see the Mennonite Action Longest Night Toolkit.
Co-sponsored by Mennonite Action, the Madison Friends Meeting and the Interfaith Peace Working Group. info@interfaithpeacewg.org
Town Hall on Immigrant Workers' Right to Organize
Wed Dec 18th @ 6 – 7:30 pm at the Labor Temple, 1602 S Park St UNIT 106, Madison
Representatives from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), DALE Center for Worker Justice Immigrant Justice Clinic, and Worker Justice Wisconsin will discuss immigrant workers' legal right to organize and protections such as deferred action for labor enforcement (DALE). The event will be held in Spanish, with a possibility of an English translator. For more information, contact robert@workerjustice.org.
WNPJ has a NEW website page on IMMIGRATION JUSTICE! Many WNPJ member groups are organizing around Immigration with webinar events and more. Send any events you're involved with to WNPJ info@wnpj.org and we'll add them to this developing page!
WNPJ Member Group Events
Click here to see a listing of recurring Vigils across the state!
Madison
12/16 @ 3:30pm-6:30pm: Mutual Aid Monthly Supper Club! At the WilMar Center, 953 Jenifer St. Organized by Madison MAN (Mutual Aid Network) Cooperative,
If you have any extra ingredients, bring them. We'll make a Stone Soup-style meal that will feature a healthy vegan entree plus other treats based on what's available. Email info@madisonman.coop. We'll host monthly through 2024, the third Monday each month. Hope to see you! Stephanie Rearick, President, Madison MAN Coop steph@at-home.coop
12/17 @ 11:30am-12pm: Weekly Vigil for Peace with the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa. At the corner of Monroe St and Edgewood Ave. near Edgewood High School. Tuesday Dec 4th marked a year since they started a weekly Prayerful Presence for Peace calling for a cease fire to the Gaza/Israel war. opjustice@sinsinawa.orgopjustice@sinsinawa.org
12/18 @ 4:00pm-4:30pm: Weekly Vigil for Gaza. Meet at the Southwest corner of East Washington Avenue & Fourth Street. You are invited to join this weekly vigil featuring a sign saying Honk for Gaza Ceasefire, just show up or email Helena at hspw@att.net for more information.
12/18 @ 6:00pm-7:30pm: Town Hall on Immigrant Workers' Right to Organize. At the Labor Temple, 1602 S Park St UNIT 106. Representatives from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), DALE Center for Worker Justice Immigrant Justice Clinic, and Worker Justice Wisconsin will discuss immigrant workers' legal right to organize and protections such as deferred action for labor enforcement (DALE). The event will be held in Spanish. For more information, contact robert@workerjustice.org.
12/20 @ 7:00pm: James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Winter Solstice - 2146 E Johnson St. Join us for our annual celebration marking the Longest Night and the Return of the Light! The evening is a deep ritual and celebration of the light that shines within and between us, with reflections, silence, and candlelight, and music featuring Jennifer Hedstrom and the JRUUC Sacred Breath Choir. The service will be in person and also streamed via Zoom. Learn more here: office@jruuc.org https://jruuc.org/ (see Spotlight above)
12/21 @ 1:30pm-3:00pm: End of Year Gathering with Dane County Poor People's Campaign. We will meet in Community Room 104 at the Madison Public Library-Central branch. Reconnect and meet new folks as we spend time reflecting on the year and share updates about local work that we can support in the year to come. Snacks will be provided. RSVP here to let us know you are coming! (not required to attend) Contact Megan 608-217-2022.
12/21 @ 3:00pm: Longest Night Homeless Persons' Memorial Service - We will gather on the Capitol Square at the intersection of East Main, South Pinckney Street and King Street. We will hold a brief outdoor service and then proceed around the Capitol led by a horse drawn hearse. Our gathering place is near the bench where 38-year-old Dwayne Warren’s body was found on June 16th, 2009. Dwayne was experiencing homelessness, he died of sepsis, a blood infection that could have been treated with a simple antibiotic prescription. Dwayne’s death helped bring the community together to create this annual event. We thank First Congregational UCC , First United Methodist Church, Lakeview Lutheran Church, Congregation Shaarei Shamayim, Unity of Madison, MOSES and the Osterhaus Family for their continued collaboration. We are asking for donations of warm socks, long underwear, scarves, gloves, and hats. Donations can be dropped at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 1609 University Ave. Madison. Please enter through the rear door off of the parking lot. The church doors are open during the day as the daycare in the building is open. Individuals entering must wear a mask. info@justdane.org
12/21 @ 4:00pm-6:00pm: Longest Night Interfaith Service. Meet at the Plaza of Monroe St and West Lawn Ave. The Longest Night is a service that has taken place in the Christian tradition on Winter Solstice, just a few days before Christmas. It began as a way to help those who are struggling during the Advent and Christmas season. This year, as we acknowledge 14 months of a genocide in Gaza, with no sense of hope that it will end, we are struggling to acknowledge the depth of our grief. The Longest Night vigil gives us permission to mourn amidst a time of celebration. If you wish to hold a vigil in your own community, see the Mennonite Action Longest Night Toolkit. Co-sponsored by Mennonite Action, the Madison Friends Meeting and the Interfaith Peace Working Group. info@interfaithpeacewg.org
Milwaukee
12/19 @ 12pm-1pm: Anti-ROTC Vigil. Meet at 1355 W Wisconsin Ave at the Marquette University Library. No institution should be training people to do evil to those who do evil. Love them instead. Organized by Casa Maria - don2roberta@yahoo.com
12/21 @ 12pm-1pm: Peace Action WI Weekly STAND for PEACE at St. Paul & Water. Join us and bring your signs. Questions? Contact: info@peaceactionwi.org
Racine
12/21 @ 12:30-1:30pm: An Eyewitness Report of Life in the West Bank Presented by Malik Otalla (NOTE: This event replaces the weekly Stand for Peace in Racine) Presentation at First Presbyterian Church 716 College Avenue. Palestinians living in Occupied West Bank are experiencing repeated Israeli government and settler harassment and violence. Since October 2023, more than 800 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed and more than 6,000 injured. Malik recently returned from visiting relatives in the West Bank. He will be sharing his firsthand observations and experiences from his visit. Join the conversation. All are welcome. Snacks will be provided Free will donations accepted Sponsored by the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice Contact: Sonali Knotek e-mail: rcpjpeace@gmail.com Website: https://racinepeace.wordpress.com/
La Crosse
12/19 @ 12pm-12:30pm: Weekly Women in Black Peace Vigil. Meet at Main St & 4th Street South. A weekly vigil for peace every Thursday. Questions? Email dbuffton@yahoo.com
Viroqua
12/21 @ 11am-12pm: 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!
Eau Claire
12/20 @ 5:00pm-6:00pm: Monthly Peace Stand. Meet at WI-93 Trunk & Golf Rd. The 3rd Friday of each month is Peace Stand time in Eau Claire, going on since 2004. We gather with signs, we visit one another and sometimes we sing. Stand and be counted. Contact for more information: helpsmeet@usa.net
Superior
12/8 @ 12 noon-12:30pm: Women in Black Weekly Silent Vigil. Meet at Center City Park on the Corner of Tower and Belknap. Our vigil is calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to Israeli blockade of Gaza, an end to genocide in Gaza, and an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. This will be a silent vigil. Many find this healing and powerful for continuing our work towards peace and justice. After the half hour of silence, there will be a group song and group reading of names and ages of some of those killed in Gaza. Anyone wanting to stay and stand longer with signs is welcome to do so! Please wear black (if you can) and a hat or scarf for head cover. Homemade signs are welcome. Contact Christine at christineolson3@gmail.com
Ashland
12/17 @ 6:00pm-8:00pm: Water Protector Organizing Meeting. Meet at Vaughn Library (2nd floor community room) - 502 Main Street West, Ashland. In the Chequamegon Bay area, the Bad River Band has directed Enbridge to shut down and remove Line 5 from the Bad River Watershed. Instead of respecting the Band’s sovereignty to culture, Enbridge has initiated the permitting process to construct a new section of pipeline around the Reservation, putting an even greater portion of the watershed at risk for an oil spill. While thousands of people have spoken up in opposition to this project, the Wisconsin DNR just approved the permits for the project, one of the final pieces needed by Enbridge to proceed. As such, now is the time to organize together to stop this project and protect Lake Superior! Water is Life!
Virtual
12/17 @ 7pm-8pm: Webinar with Fair WI - Community Processing with Fair Wisconsin – Confusion/Disappointment. The presidential election is over, but the work of advancing, achieving, and protecting equality and liberation for LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites and Americans continues. While we continue to fight back and build a stronger movement for LGBTQ+ rights, our work must also involve rest, recuperation, time for community, and even creativity. Because we can only do the work if we care for ourselves and our community. With this in mind, we invite you to join Fair Wisconsin at one or more virtual creative processing workshops, offering attendees the opportunity to process your thoughts and emotions as we pause and recuperate in community. Each workshop will follow the same format: centering introduction, a grounding art experience, some writing time, and time for communal sharing, and will leave us better positioned to build our collective power. REGISTER HERE for the virtual event. Announcement sent to WNPJ by Abigail Swetz abigail.swetz@fairwisconsin.com
Note: Fair Wisconsin is our newest 86th member organization!
12/17 @ 5:00pm-6:30pm: Online: Shifting the Narrative to Restore UNRWA Aid
Millions of Palestinians in Gaza and throughout the Middle East rely on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for humanitarian aid. Yet earlier this year, U.S. funding for UNRWA was cut off, driven in part by disinformation linking UNRWA to Hamas. It’s critical to counter these misconceptions to restore support for UNRWA’s vital work. Friends' Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) invites everyone to this hybrid in-person and online workshop providing tools and strategies to advocate for US support of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Register here!
12/19 @ 7:00pm: Circles of Support for justice impacted women and girls!
Hosted by FREE. Our definition of justice impacted applies to both directly and indirectly impacted individuals, as well as our allies within the community. In one way or another, our state's current system of (in)justice touches us all, and so we welcome any woman who is interested in joining us as we support one another on our individual and collective journeys of healing and growth. FREE has strived for years to meet women wherever they are at, and we have realized that means we need to find ways to overcome barriers of childcare, transportation, and demanding schedules. That is why we have opted to begin these virtual Circles, so we can reach more women across the state and build a sense of community, even when we are miles apart. We intend to keep these Circles going throughout the winter months, at the very least. Hope to see you at our first virtual Circle next week! Below is a registration link to complete if you plan to attend, and the Zoom link.
Join WNPJ - Individual members and groups welcome!
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!
Visit our website to find out more about the benefits of membership and join us!
We help our member organizations reach a wider audience by amplifying your peace and justice events and actions on our list-serve 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.
If your group would like to get your events posted in the weekly e-bulletin – JOIN US!
Interested in a yard sign? WNPJ has yard signs available! yardsigns@wnpj.org
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Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org
The WI Network for Peace and Justice is the umbrella non-profit organization
supporting the work of 86 member groups around Wisconsin.
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