WNPJ member group events August 18th - 24th!

office62426
Aug 16
11 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

SING OUT with The Wisconsin Poor People's Campaign in Monroe and Madison this week! We have a special opportunity to learn from Jacob Butterly, a powerful organizer and song leader with the Poor People's Campaign and Nonviolent Medicaid Army in Pennsylvania who will be traveling to Wisconsin. Jacob will lead us in an evening filled with movement songs and learning about the role of music and the arts in our organizing work..wisconsin@poorpeoplescampaign.org Learn more in the events below.....

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In this week's e-bulletin: SING OUT! + WISDOM Prison Justice + Milw Walk Against Violence + Bridges for Immigrants + Guest Speaker at Friends Meeting +Fair Maps hearings + other statewide events

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Rally to close the failing prisons of Wisconsin - with WISDOM - Madison

Saturday, 23 August - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Meet at the Governor’s Mansion

99 Cambridge Rd

Nearly all of us in Wisconsin — Black, white, and brown, rural and urban, native and newcomer — want to live in safe, thriving communities where every person is treated with dignity. But today, our state’s prison system is in crisis.

On Saturday, August 23, directly impacted families, faith leaders, and advocates from all walks of life will gather outside the Governor’s Mansion in Madison to demand action.

We’re coming together to call on Governor Evers and state officials to close the failing prisons in Waupun, Green Bay, and Milwaukee, and instead invest in real solutions that make communities stronger: mental health care, treatment programs, and alternatives to incarceration.

For too long, a handful of politicians have tried to divide us — using fear and punishment to distract us from what really keeps us safe. But we know the truth: safety comes from opportunity, support, and care, not cages. Register in advance

office@wisdomwisconsin.org

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MILWAUKEE NEW DATE for this March!

Sat Aug 23, 9 am - 11th Annual - Victims of Violence Walk. Join the Walk from Barack Obama High School, 5075 N Sherman Blvd. For those of US who would rather ride than walk, we have something for you as well! We want to send a huge shout out to Bublr Bikes for theircontribution again this year. Scan the QR code for more information. We would love to see You there! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GpSc3f5a3/ Sent to WNPJ by Debra Gillispie - MAGV magv.wi@gmail.com

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Event in Green Bay sent to WNPJ by Amanda Ali

Digital Organizer at WISDOM

aali@wisdomwisconsin.org

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Monday, August 25, 2025, 6:30 pm The Illuminating “Other:” An Evening with Quanda Johnson”. At Madison Friends Meetinghouse 1704 Roberts Court

How do we see the “Other” as ourselves? Why is Blackness so often a point of contention, unreasonable fear, and disposability? When will the moral arc of the universe finally bend toward justice? Sponsored by Madison Friends Meeting - Quakers. Details at https://madisonfriends.org/the-illuminating-other-quanda-johnson-august-25/

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We’ve got fair maps—for now. But without real legislation, they could disappear after 2030. Join us to speak up, share your thoughts, and help shape the future of voting in Wisconsin. Register + learn more: bit.ly/MapsCommunityHearings 8/19 – Beloit....at 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM8/20 – Waukesha....6:00PM to 8:00PMLocations provided after you registerMore locations in September!For more information contact WNPJ Board member Mary Kay Baum marykbaum@gmail.com Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition https://www.fairmapswi.com/

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SAVE the DATE!

Echo Valley Hope Celebrates Int'l Peace Day

Sunday, Sept 21 from noon to 5 pm

Since 1981, worldwide celebrations of peace have taken place on Sept 21. This year Echo Valley Hope will host a gathering launching a year of initiatives cultivating peace and sustainability. It will be held at Echo Valley Farm, Wisconsin, County Rd F near Ontario....giving participants the opportunity to walk the trails, enjoy a meal together, and create community.

If you would like to bring your art, music, information, ideas and dreams to share, please contact Dena at dena.eakles@gmail.com

Guests are welcome to drop in throughout the day.

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WNPJ member group events….

Click here to see a listing and details of recurring Vigils across the state.

APPLETON

Sat Aug 23, 11 am – 12 noon Fox Valley Advocates for Peace Weekly Peace Vigil. Meets at Houdini Plaza, one block north on College and Appleton St across from the Children's Museum

and City Hall. We meet each Saturday morning to support the rights of Palestinians to life, self-determination and the protection of their homeland. We call for the withdrawal of IDF troops from Gaza and a cessation of military aid for Israel. Because we pledge to be transparent and accountable, we do not allow the wearing of masks. We are not pro-Hamas and we guard against antisemitism. This event is hosted by the Fox Valley Advocates for Peace. kent1952@live.com

BELOIT

Tues Aug 19, 5:30 – 7:15 pm Fair Maps Community Hearing. We will kick off the day at 5:30 PM with a presentation on the fair maps movement and a draft proposal that the Fair Maps Coalition has been crafting for months. We’ll have plenty of time for questions, and we want to hear your input. You can read the draft proposal here: bit.ly/FMCDraftProposal. No prior knowledge or experience needed! All are welcome. We suggest you bring a notebook and your love for Wisconsin. Seating will be provided. Share the registration link with your friends bit.ly/MapsCommunityHearings! If you have any questions or accessibility accommodations not previously indicated, please email iuscely at iuscely@FairMapsWI.COM For more information on Fair Maps -contact Mary Kay Baum marykbaum@gmail.com

GREEN BAY

Sun Aug 24, 1:30 pm “A Bridge is Stronger than a Wall” Interfaith Prayer Service in Support of Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers. At St. James Bandshell, 801 S Madison St. – Event sent to WNPJ by Amanda Ali, Digital Organizer at WISDOM aali@wisdomwisconsin.org. See the flyer above for details and rain venue.

JANESVILLE

Wed Aug 20, 4:30 – 5 pm Weekly Stand for Justice and Peace. Meet in front of Rep Steil's office at 20 S. Main Street. Contact: Norm Aulabaugh nra@ticon.net

Fri Aug 22, 4:30 – 5 pm Weekly Stand for Justice and Peace. Meet in in front of the main post office at 1818 Milton Avenue. Contact: Norm Aulabaugh nra@ticon.net

LaCROSSE

Thurs Aug 21, 12 noon – 12:30 pm Weekly Women in Black Peace Vigil. Meet at Main St & 4th Street South. Details at the Vigils list. Contact dbuffton@yahoo.com

MADISON

Tues Aug 19, 6:30 - 8:30 pm SING OUT with the WI Poor People's Campaign. At James Reeb UU , 2146 E Johnson. We have a special opportunity to learn from Jacob Butterly, a powerful organizer and song leader with the Poor People's Campaign and Nonviolent Medicaid Army in Pennsylvania who will be traveling to Wisconsin. Jacob will lead us in an evening filled with movement songs and learning about the role of music and the arts in our organizing work. wisconsin@poorpeoplescampaign.org

Tues Aug 19, 11:30 am to noon. Weekly Vigil for Peace with the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa. At the corner of Monroe St and Edgewood Ave. near Edgewood High School. Details at the Vigils list. . opjustice@sinsinawa.org

Tues Aug 19, 5 – 6 pm JustDane Reentry Service Fair. At Madison College Goodman South campus 2429 Perry St.. Plan to attend & connect with local vendors who are looking to help. There will be housing, treatment, support, education, employment, & transportation vendors available. kimw@justdane.org

Thurs Aug 21, 4:30 – 5:30 pm Vigil for Palestine & Beyond. Stand at northeast corner of Williamson & Blair Streets. Cry, "No, Not In Our Name! No War! No Genocide!"

Stand in witness Thursday afternoons in August. Join in resistance, sorrow, and solidarity as we continue to acknowledge Palestinian suffering and the suffering of so many at the hands of what MLK called “the giant triplets of racism, extreme materialism and militarism” that drive the U.S. resulting in both complicity and responsibility for unspeakable dangers and suffering.“Democracy-destroying forces thrive off militarism. We have to resist both.” - Norman Solomon Bring a sign (or just yourself, we'll have signs available), your rage, your broken heart and your determination to not be silent. Invite a friend or family member to join. Come for the whole time or for whatever time you are available. warabolition@gmail.com

Fri Aug 22, 12 noon – 1 pm Madison Weekly Vigil in support of Palestine. Meets near the entrance to the Memorial Library across from the Catholic student center. Signs not provided. Contact joel.garb@gmail.com (check with organizers on this holiday)

Sat Aug 23, 11 am – 12 noon Rally to close the failing prisons of Wisconsin - with WISDOM - Meet at the Governor’s Mansion, 99 Cambridge Rd See the SPOTLIGHT above on how to register and who to contact…..

Sat Aug 23, 6 – 9 pm Building Unity Gathering (BUGs): James Reeb UU 2146 E. Johnson St

One of the first steps towards creating a more united movement for peace, sustainability, justice, and a real participatory democracy, is to create and support regular family friendly, inclusive gatherings. By bringing people together in a regularly scheduled way we help to create a culture of mutual aid, activism, and solidarity.

At these gatherings, groups and individuals can find each other, share information, get to know each other, and explore the possibilities of united action.

Currently, efforts to get regular Building Unity Gatherings are only happening in Madison. With your help these gatherings could pop up all over Wisconsin. All we need is a place to gather where we can share food and fellowship. If you would like to support the creation of a Building Unity Gathering in your community or elsewhere in Wisconsin, please call Building Unity at 608-630-3633.At the August 23rd Madison Building Unity Gathering we will explore the possibilities of making these gatherings a monthly event. Please come if you can.

BuildingUnityWi@gmail.com

Sun Aug 24, 9:45 – 11 am "Hands in the Rice Paddy" - More than 3 decades of humanitarian work in Vietnam..... with Mike Boehm. At the Friends Room of the Madison Friends Meeting House, 1704 Roberts Court info@mqivietnam.org

Sun Aug 24, 2 - 4 pm Re-imagining Resistance Madison! Join Pat Calchina and others at Java Cat, 4221 Lien Rd....as they gather for poetry, music, speakers and conversation. 'We need each other now more than ever and we believe that together we can create a better vision for the future. Let's get together and have some fun while we share ideas and build community.'

patforpeace70@gmail.com

Monday, August 25, 2025, 6:30 pm The Illuminating “Other:” An Evening with Quanda Johnson”. At Madison Friends Meetinghouse 1704 Roberts Court

MILWAUKEE

Thurs Aug 21, 6 – 8 pm WISDOM Wisconsin Leadership Training. At Welford Sanders Enterprise Center, 2821 N Vel R. Phillips Ave. Rm 108 Ready to take action for justice in Wisconsin? Join us for a training led by WISDOM. Learn about the prison crisis, build your skills, and get ready for our big Day of Action.. FREE to attend Register now: bit.ly/tjaugusttraining Let’s fight for real safety, together. office@wisdomwisconsin.org

Thurs Aug 21, 12 noon – 1 pm ANTI-ROTC VIGIL. At Marquette U. Library, 1250 W Wisconsin Ave No Christian school should be teaching killing rather than loving the enemy. Close it! Vigil supported by Casa Maria Catholic Worker House in Milwaukee: don2roberta@yahoo.com

Sat Aug 23, 9 am - 11th Annual - Victims of Violence Walk….See the SPOTLIGHT above to learn more!.....

Sat, Aug 23, 11 – 11:30 am ---Vigil to stop solitary confinement at Detention Center, 9th & Highland. Vigil supported by Casa Maria Catholic Worker House in Milwaukee: don2roberta@yahoo.com

Sat Aug 23, 12 noon - 1 pm Peace Action WI - Weekly STAND for PEACE: Silver Spring/Santa Monica. Each Saturday, a different location. Details at the Vigils list. info@peaceactionwi.org .

MONROE

Mon Aug 18, 5 pm SING OUT with the WI Poor People's Campaign. At Payne's Family Coffeehaus, 921 15th Ave. We have a special opportunity to learn from Jacob Butterly, a powerful organizer and song leader with the Poor People's Campaign and Nonviolent Medicaid Army in Pennsylvania who will be traveling to Wisconsin. Jacob will lead us in an evening filled with movement songs and learning about the role of music and the arts in our organizing work. wisconsin@poorpeoplescampaign.org

RACINE

Sat Aug 23, 12:30 – 3 pm NO Weekly Stand for Peace today!We'll be having a special event:

Racine Coaltion for Peace and Jusitce Special event - picnic

Island Park, 1700 Liberty St. Contact https://racinepeace.wordpress.com

SUPERIOR

Sun Aug 24, 12 noon – 12:30pm Women in Black weekly silent vigil. Meet at Center City Park on the Corner of Tower and Belknap. Details at the Vigils list. Contact Christine christineolson3@gmail.com

VIROQUA

Sat Aug 23, 11 am - 12 noon Driftless Palestinian Solidarity Weekly Vigil. Meet at Decker and Main. Details at the Vigils list. Contact driftless.solidarity@gmail.com.

WAUKESHA

Weds Aug 20, 5:30 – 7:15 pm Fair Maps Community Hearing. We will kick off the day at 5:30 PM with a presentation on the fair maps movement and a draft proposal that the Fair Maps Coalition has been crafting for months. We’ll have plenty of time for questions, and we want to hear your input. You can read the draft proposal here: bit.ly/FMCDraftProposal. No prior knowledge or experience needed! All are welcome. We suggest you bring a notebook and your love for Wisconsin. Seating will be provided. Share the registration link with your friends bit.ly/MapsCommunityHearings! If you have any questions or accessibility accommodations not previously indicated, please email iuscely at iuscely@FairMapsWI.COM For more information on Fair Maps -contact Mary Kay Baum marykbaum@gmail.com

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The WI Network for Peace and Justice is the umbrella 501c3 non-profit organization

supporting the work of 89 member groups around Wisconsin. Click here to find past issues of this weekly e-bulletin.

Our network plays a vital role in Wisconsin grassroots organizing. We maintain awareness of member groups' activities and work to increase the number of people ready to take on "Good Trouble". Keeping us connected and helping each other in timely ways is a critical role of WNPJ.

Expanding our board will add more diverse voices and help keep the momentum towards peace and justice vibrant and relevant. If you or someone you know would like to become a board member of WNPJ, please let us know. info@wnpj.org And thank you for all you do.

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Tabling Opportunity at the Saturday Farmers Market in Madison

are here. Sign up your group now!

WNPJ enjoys public interface at a variety of locations. The Network shares the spots we reserve with interested member groups. We already have a spot reserved at the largest farmer’s market in WI at the state capitol in Madison on Saturday mornings. Site #15 at the King St corner of the Square. https://dcfm.org/

Click here for your member group to sign up to share the table!

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The Spring Network News is here! How are we continuing our peace and justice work in the face of rapid changes in our country? How do we resist violence and injustice, build stronger communities, and support healing in these times?

Our member organizations share their thoughts as they continue their vital work.

Click here to read the Spring 2025 Network News along with issues from the past 3 years!

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Videos of the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Spring Assembly are available!March 24-28, 2025

We gathered each evening for an hour this week to bring you the voices of Wisconsin activists as we championed our diversity and our unity.

Topics included:

Coalition and Community Building: Our Common Denominators · Immigration & Palestine: The Connections · Protecting All Our Rights · Environmental Justice · Anti-war / Anti-militarism / Abolition

Check here for videos and links to the speakers!

www.wnpj.org

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Join WNPJ! www.wnpj.orgWNPJ 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 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.

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If your group would like to get your events posted in the weekly e-bulletin – JOIN US! https://www.wnpj.org/membership

WNPJ has a YouTube Channel! Check it out here to view members videos!: