Search Results
389 results found
- Immigration in the News Today!
The Press Release below was sent to WNPJ by: Rabbi Bonnie Margulis Executive Director Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice and member of the Dane Sanctuary Coalition 608-513-7121 rabbibonnie@charter.net On the Day Title 42 is Lifted, National Faith Organizations Tell Biden to Welcome Asylum Seekers May 11, 2023 Contact: media@interfaithimmigration.org Washington DC: National faith organizations from the Interfaith Immigration Coalition are celebrating the lifting of Title 42 after several years of it being misused under a false pretense of public health from both the Trump and Biden administrations; wherein the clear objective of this arcane health code was to expel asylum seekers in an unprecedented and unjust way. Now as this administration finally lifts Title 42, faith organizations across the country have grave concerns that the policies the Biden administration will implement in its place will have severe consequences, through the recent asylum ban, sending troops to the border, expedited removal, expansion of detention, and the apprehensions outside houses of worship. Representatives and leaders of the IIC member organizations are sending a strong message consistent with our faith traditions, calling on President Biden to welcome asylum seekers with dignity and reverse these policies that will only cause more harm to migrants seeking safety and make it more difficult for people to claim asylum. Giovana Oaxaca, Program Director for Migration Policy for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and co-chair of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition said: “Tensions are running high with Title 42 finally coming to an end. Yet today’s announcement on an asylum rule that will deny protection to families with children and individuals simply because they traveled through another country and did not first seek protection there, with very few exceptions, will add to the distress of beloved children of God. In addition to navigating their survival, asylum seekers will need to maneuver this complex array of exceptions or try their luck with the CBP One app. The finalization of the asylum rule simply overshadows some of the positive steps taken ahead of this moment, like the establishment of regional processing centers. Why welcome asylum seekers? Because: “the love of God is for all people”, without exception, regardless of their race, national origin, immigration status, or faith tradition. Lutheran teaching understands the role of government to be to serve the common good and to protect people. To honor the dignity God creates in every person, migrants must be treated with dignity, mercy, fairness, and justice. We recall that Jesus calls us to “love our neighbors as ourselves.” Sadly, these dangerous policies across federal and state legislative bodies speak for the increasing intolerance of our migrant siblings. Deterrence destroys our ability to relate to one another. An effective approach to irregular migration recognizes that our policies urgently need to address the reasons people flee their communities and focus on humane solutions.” “We welcome the end of Title 42, a policy that has forced asylum seekers and refugees — people seeking safety — into inhumane and unsafe conditions,” said Rabbi Jill Jacobs, CEO of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. “But it must not be replaced with an asylum ban and other dangerous policies or legislation. Seeking asylum is a fundamental, protected human right. We have a moral obligation to welcome asylum seekers with a dignified, just, transparent, and timely system to gain legal entry into the United States. The Torah teaches the obligation to extend love and care to people from outside our home society: ‘You shall love this person as yourself, for you were gerim [foreigners] in the land of Egypt.’ (Leviticus 19:34). As Jews, many of our own families fled danger to find refuge in the U.S., and we know from experience that immigration policy can be a matter of life and death.” “For more than three years, the U.S. government has cast out those desperate for peace and safety. The message to vulnerable communities was clear: your lives aren’t worth protecting.” said Anika Forrest, Legislative Director for Domestic Policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation. “The end of Title 42 comes with jaded relief as the Biden Administration and Congress propose violent policies that would bar the right to asylum and forcibly expel families and children to potential death. Loving thy neighbor means ensuring refuge. We call on policymakers to seek measures that secure the right to asylum, support community-based migration management programs, provide basic services and respite to at-risk populations, and initiate systems and pathways for people to establish stable, prosperous lives.” “The rights of migrants to move with dignity must be upheld. As the conditions that force people to migrate worsen, the US must recognize its international obligations to provide protection for those who seek it. The Biden administration’s restrictions on accessing these protections impact our global credibility as a welcoming nation while creating impenetrable barriers for migrants who are unable to follow the mandated procedures. As a Quaker organization, the American Friends Service Committee urges the administration to rethink these divisive proposals and instead build compassionate systems that create stronger and more sustainable communities,” said Amy Gottlieb, US Migration Director, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) “We at UUSJ have been unequivocal in our opposition to the use of Title 42 to limit access to asylum seekers. While we are pleased Title 42 is finally ending, we are deeply concerned that the policies announced to replace it are not an acceptable or humane alternative,” said Pablo DeJesús, Executive Director of Unitarian Universalists for Justice. “Our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to ‘respect the inherent worth and dignity of every person’ and that includes the belief that ‘no human being is illegal.’ Coupling new pathways toward legal status for too few, while arbitrarily barring other migrants from similar opportunities and also increasing deportations, and also adding new militarization at the border, is not an acceptable trade-off. That is too close to systemic curtailment of legal pathways. We can, and must, do better. The United States can do better.” “Finally, we see the end of Title 42, but danger lurks. Since President Trump co-opted this section of law and President Biden continued it, the world has become more perilous and its citizens more threatened. Wars have erupted. Economies have cratered. Governments and private industries have plundered. The innocent have been taken hostage by these threats and are seeking refuge and safety in our country where freedom reigns and dreams can become reality,” said Fran Eskin-Royer, Executive Director of the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. “So what is next? What do we do? Mr. President, we welcome these migrants and asylum seekers. We also must streamline and update our asylum and immigration laws and expand the paltry numbers of asylees we welcome. We are relieved that Title 42 is coming to a close. We hope that as America turns this corner, we all remember our common dignity and we see the face of a friend in all we meet and welcome.” "At LIRS, we recognize that we are one human family and we are called by God to stretch our hands to support people in need. The sunset of Title 42 is long overdue and ends a shameful period in our country's history,” said Jill Marie Bussey, director for public policy at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. "We unequivocally affirm the legal right of individuals to seek protection at our borders and stand in solidarity with those who are most vulnerable, including children and families. We call on the Biden administration to rethink the expanded use of expedited removal and repeal their misguided Asylum Ban. Instead, the administration should provide a humanitarian response that dignifies human life and acknowledges people’s suffering — not one that turns away people fleeing persecution.” “As an organization rooted in Catholic values, we affirm the words of Pope Francis when he calls for the welcome, protection, promotion and integration of refugees and asylum seekers," said Joan Rosenhauer, Executive Director of JRS/USA. “While we agree with the termination of Title 42, we are concerned about the new measures being implemented by the Biden Administration that will have an impact on the safety and well-being of asylum seekers. We urge the U.S. government to renew our commitment to asylum seekers by providing pathways to protection that welcome and offer safety for the most vulnerable." “I am discouraged that after all the advocacy efforts calling for the end of Title 42, the administration has simply replaced it with worse policies that continue to ban the human right to seek asylum, detain more asylum seekers and militarize the U.S.-Mexico border. The harms and suffering migrants endured during the implementation Title 42 cannot be addressed with other restrictive policies like the asylum ban –which makes it almost impossible for any non-Mexican asylum seeker to seek protection from persecution in our nation,” said Elket Rodríguez, CBF Field Personnel and Team Leader of the Advocacy Team for Immigrants and Refugees. “I also do not see the same energy, commitment, and effort from the administration to address the root causes of migration and to roll out the new pathways for refugees to enter the United States, as I see with the implementation of these restrictive anti-immigrant policies. Jesus commands his followers to welcome the strangers. As Christians, we are called to do just that, regardless of the immigration policies of the times. Those who respond to a higher call than politics will continue to welcome and advocate for migrants today and tomorrow, just like yesterday. New policies, same commitment.” “We are grateful to see the end of Title 42 as we know it, a racist, harmful, and ineffective policy applied by the previous administration and continued in the current administration until now. However, we express our grave concern over the administration post-Title 42 plans to implement an asylum ban and new legal pathways for a select few”, said Rev. Kendal L. McBroom, Director of Civil and Human Rights of the United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society. “Our Social Principles and Christian faith remind us to welcome the sojourner in our midst as if we were welcoming Christ Jesus into our homes. We call on this administration to develop more humane, inclusive, and just policies that do not pit asylum seekers against one another but rather provide a safe and fair option for those seeking safety and security.” “We rejoice that the unjust and immoral Title 42 broad expulsion policy is finally ending. After years of faith communities advocating for this moment we should be celebrating, however, we now mourn the introduction of harsh and punitive asylum policies that will prevent the people fleeing persecution from finding needed protections. Today's asylum ban was initiated by the Biden administration, but it follows in the footsteps of what the Trump administration attempted to do. Faith communities continue to lift a prophetic voice against any anti-asylum policy proposed by any administration or Congress,” added Rev. Noel Andersen, National Field Director for Church World Service. “We have a moral obligation to welcome migrants fleeing persecution and will continue to open our congregations to people seeking safety. We ask the Biden administration to rescind these harmful policies and expect the federal government to increase the support needed to create a humane reception infrastructure so that we can welcome people with dignity.” "Immigration policy has become a political flashpoint and not at all about the migrants and asylum seekers who desperately need humanitarian protection,” said Susan Gunn, Director, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns. “The problem we face as a nation is not the number of migrants on our border. The problem is that we as a nation have forgotten the commitments we made after World War II, to protect people fleeing for their lives by offering asylum. This is our contribution to our shared humanity and peace in the world. We all are better for it. We are a nation that has always thrived on the creative contribution and the hard work of migrants." “While Franciscan Action Network (FAN) welcomes the expiration, finally, of harmful Title 42, we regret that the Biden administration has not done more to set a more compassionate, just, and orderly direction for U.S. migration policies,” said Sister Marie Lucey, OSF, Associate Director of FAN. “We appreciate ways to expand legal pathways, establish regional processing centers, and expand family unification efforts so people can migrate safely, but the asylum ban steers the country away from being a hospitable, safe haven for asylum seekers. Yes, the administration is under great pressure to secure the border, and yes, the overhaul of our broken immigration system is up to Congress. However, we ask if the administration has really listened to why migrants are desperate to seek safe asylum in the U.S., and to faith-based and other organizations committed to welcoming and assisting families and individuals who seek asylum? Overemphasis on deterrence and enforcement run counter to our belief that migrants are our sisters and brothers, and to this country’s moral value of welcoming people fleeing violence, persecution, oppression, or extreme poverty for which this country bears no little responsibility.” “Even though Title 42 is ending, Columbans still fear for the safety of migrants because under the Biden administration's new policy they will be subject to further violence and even death in Mexico," said Cynthia Gonzalez, US Advocacy Coordinator for the Missionary Society of St. Columban. "This new asylum rule is yet another policy in a long line that continues to put people in danger. We call on the Biden administration to take a new approach to immigration policy, one founded on welcome and compassion, that respects each migrant's rights to a thriving life." “Even though Title 42 is ending, the Biden administration is implementing new policies that continue to punish and deport and imprison migrants," said Cristina Coronado Flores, the Director of Migrant Ministries in Ciudad Juárez for the Missionary Society of St. Columban . "The US feels like it can criminalize whoever it wants, but this will not stop people from seeking to enter through other ways. US policies will continue to create conditions where smugglers, organized crime, gangs, and human trafficking grow. We are going to see people disappeared, kidnapped. That is already happening, but it will be to a greater extent.” The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of over 55 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants. Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm ### -- Ellie Hutchison Cervantes, MDiv (she/her) Digital Communications Manager | Interfaith Immigration Coalition
- WNPJ member group events and action alerts for the week of May 7th! Check them out! Lots going on...
WNPJ + Peace Action Annual Mother’s Day Celebration, with WNPJ Board member Debra Gillespie as speaker + Volunteers needed for Madison ‘Memorial Mile’ VFP Display + other statewide events… *********************************************************** SPOTLIGHT on Peace Action Wisconsin PEACE ACTION WI Mother’s Day Peace Event - Milwaukee Sunday, May 14, 3 - 4:00 pm Art Bar, 722 E Burleigh St. (near Fratney St) Featuring: Singer Dorothy James & Debra Gillespie of Mothers Against Gun Violence on creating a more peaceful Milwaukee. $25.00 per person- Make your reservations today for the buffet lunch. Call 414-269-9525 or email pamrichard35@gmail.com ********************************* Volunteers Welcomed! MADISON VFP'S MEMORIAL MILE. This year Madison Veterans for Peace "Memorial Mile" tombstone display will move to South Park Street, on the lawn of the South Central Labor Temple. If you are interested and able to help set up and/or take down the tombstones, please come help! Installation will be Saturday May 27 at 9 am and we should be done by 11 am. Take-down will be Saturday June 3 at 9 am. Thank you. John Fournelle 608-438-7480. https://madisonvfp.org/ ************************************************ Upcoming Events this week for WNPJ groups: (Read about more upcoming events here: https://www.wnpj.org/event-calendar) MADISON Mon May 8th, 7 pm Free Screening of the film ‘The Right to Read’ - Madison College, Goodman South Campus Rm 205, 2429 Perry St. Sponsored by MOSES. We also invite you to partner with us in the work of ensuring that all children in Madison and surrounding communities receive screening for dyslexia. Whether or not you can attend the film screening please reply to let the Education Advocacy Group of MOSES know if you would like to be a part of the collective effort we are building. Contact: Shel Gross <shelgross3@gmail.com .More about this program: The Education Advocacy Group of MOSES invites you to join us in the work of improved literacy education in our community. We have made literacy and specifically the issue of dyslexia a top priority. The reason we have determined this to be our top priority is, in part, because of statements like the following: When a child can’t read, their chances of incarceration, homelessness, and unemployment increase. That’s why Oakland-based NAACP activist Kareem Weaver believes literacy is one of the greatest civil rights issues of our time and is fighting for better reading instruction. “What good is winning the right to vote if we can’t even read the ballot?” Fed up with the bleak reading scores in his own community, Kareem files a petition with the Oakland Unified School District demanding change. You can learn more about MOSES here: https://mosesmadison.org/ Note: This event sent to WNPJ by Shel Gross, a member of Madison Friends Meeting VIRTUAL - MADISON Tues May 9th, 7 pm May Distinguished Lecture Series Event - UNA USA Dane County. Please join us for a very timely discussion/lecture on the issue of gun violence. Lizzy Weber, Students Demand Action Midwestern Organizer and Megan Egstad, Students Demand Action Leader will present on the scope of gun violence in Wisconsin and its impact on various communities. They will speak about how Students Demand Action work towards ending gun violence in Wisconsin and nationwide and give an overview of the group's accomplishments thus far. Finally, they will offer some options for how to get involved with the gun violence prevention movement. https://www.facebook.com/unadaneorg zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88119820715?pwd=Ym1UR0o3NThsc01YY0hJNW82TVpJZz09&fbclid=IwAR2pvTehDrKivwbFW3KMnNX3aw-3C7a0rMk6d1q-IQ9DPQa_Qrt8t3uUvVg#success VIRTUAL Tues May 9th, 7 - 8 pm Building Unity Evening “Drop-in” meeting. Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/99245031795 Meeting ID: 992 4503 1795. Contact: Timothy Cordon BuildingUnityWi@gmail.com MADISON Wed May 10th, 6 - 7:30 pm Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Annual Gathering and Celebration. Lussier Family Heritage Center, Lake Farm Road. Did you know Executive Director Matt Rothschild is retiring from the WI Democracy Campaign? Come hear Matt speak one last time about the fight to save our democracy, and to wish him well. Also, we will hear Madison Poet Laureate Angie Trudell Vasquez! Go here to register by no later than Sunday, May 7: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxJbW439riT-9uEayJuD6AmtA8l-UGMYqwU_YlZn4kfaHHeg/viewform VIRTUAL Sat May 13th, 10 - 11:30 am UNA USA Milwaukee webinar: “Foreign Policy, International Peace, & the Role of US Military Spending” with Dr. Joseph Gerson. The United Nations Association of Greater Milwaukee invites you to participate in an informative virtual Zoom forum. Co-sponsored by Peace Action WI & the Milwaukee Chapter of the Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom Free & Open to the Public. Participate virtually through the following Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87829732649?pwd=Tmg0amRBUnE5eGFta09MRE4rZWNWQT09 Dr. Joseph Gerson is President of the Campaign for Peace, Disarmament, & Common Security (CPDCS), Co-chair of the Committee for a Sane U.S.-China Policy, and Co-Convener of the International Peace & Planet Network. He was co-founder of the National United for Peace and Justice. Dr. Gerson helped to launch the 1980s Nuclear Weapons Freeze movement and is currently coordinating peace movements planning to impact the November 2023 Second Meeting of States Parties in New York City to the Treaty for Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. His books include: Empire and the Bomb: How the US Uses Nuclear Weapons to Dominate the World; The Sun Never Sets – Confronting the Network of U.S. Foreign Military Bases; The Deadly Connection: Nuclear War and U.S. Foreign Military Intervention; and With Hiroshima Eyes: Atomic War, Nuclear Extortion and Moral Imagination. For more information, contact: Pam Richard at 414.269.9525 or pamrichard35@gmail.com GREEN BAY Sat May 13th, 11 an - 1 pm Planning Meeting: Creation Walk planned for May 27 - 29 in Green Bay. Meet at Women Gathering Place at 641 Comanche Ave. #H. This is a potluck lunch. Calling all Water Walkers and Water Protectors to the Creation Water Walk on May 27-28-29 (Memorial Day weekend)! Donations are needed and greatly appreciated. Please see the donation link on the Wise Women Gathering Place website at: www.wisewomengp.org. * WE DO THIS FOR THE WATER 📷 * CHASEBURG Sat May 13th, 12 noon - 3 pm Erosion and Water Management Field Day and Farmers Union Potluck. At Coon Creek Watershed, Seelow Farm,E5052 Embr Ln. (street formerly known as Schultzs Lane - nearby intersection of Hwy B and Hwy KK near Esofea Park). Potluck Lunch-and-Learn starts at noon and will feature WFU staff discussing state policy and organizing efforts around water quality, and Forest Jahnke of Crawford Stewardship Project will talk about the effects of the Driftless region's unique hydrogeology and topography. During the field walk, starting at 1pm, we will view cover crops on the Seelow Farm in addition to structures that were built in the 1930s by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) to help slow down water flow and prevent erosion. Incredibly, those structures are still in operation and helping manage water 90 years later! Structures include five water drops with two side drops from levees that control the water flow, and a dam that has a cement water tunnel that drops 20 feet and is 60 feet long. After the field walk, guests are welcome to join the Vernon-Crawford WFU Chapter Meeting at 2pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/263650322872081/?ref=newsfeed VIRTUAL Sat May 13th 3 - 4:30 pm Wisconsin Working to End the War in Ukraine! Invitation to the 2nd WI Organizing Zoom call. We invite you to a statewide zoom meeting for WI peace people to discuss the war in Ukraine, get the latest news on negotiations, and see what we can do to "stop the bleeding" ASAP. Please share this with your friends. We hope participants will come away with ideas they can use for local action. Please register in advance for this meeting at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclc-qhrzwsE9axmZgIhFn6zzxeO2wok-AB The zoom meeting will feature WI folks who can describe lobbying Congress, organizing public events such as stands and marches for peace, petitioning, speaking to groups, supporting national media work, actions at political party meetings, statewide communications, and more. We are seeking people to describe what peace tactic worked for them. We will have an update from a resource person who can answer detail questions. Former CIA officer turned political activist Ray McGovern had this role on the first zoom 4/15. Our place in the peace movement is that we want the U.S. government to change policy to promote peace talks now and mutual ceasefire, and to take no actions to escalate or prolong the war. We will discuss the thorny issue of what to say about sending more U.S. weapons. This project, "Uniting Wisconsin to End the War in Ukraine," is sponsored by the Milwaukee End the Wars Coalition and Peace Action-WI, and co-sponsored by the WI Network for Peace and Justice, Building Unity WI, the Interfaith Peace Working Group, Madison for a World BEYOND War, and Veterans for Peace Madison Chapter. Thanks for assistance from the Fellowship of Reconciliation. The need: the war in Ukraine grinds on with daily death and destruction, plus danger of nuclear escalation, while voices for peace have not yet moved U.S. policy toward serious negotiating and de-escalating. To make our contribution to peace, WI activists need to find some unity and then organize more work on Congress, public opinion, the media, etc., and not just in Milwaukee and Madison. Organizers of this project also support humanitarian aid to victims of the war, U.S. acceptance of refugees, the brave individuals in Ukraine and Russia who use non-violent tactics to oppose this war, and funding for our domestic needs instead of war. To endorse or help with this effort, or ask questions, please contact Steve Watrous at wius.senateforum@gmail.com or 414-429-7567. More info at Peace Action WI - info@peaceactionwi.org CUSTER Sat May 13th, 9 - 5 pm Move Some Earth! Volunteer Day at MREA. Midwest Renewable Energy Association, Deer Road. This annual event invites volunteers to help prepare the grounds for The Energy Fair. Join us for this all-day, energizing outdoor event. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Tasks may include: •Washing windows•Tending to the gardens•Landscaping •Organizing or preparing Energy Fair materials. RSVP here: https://www.midwestrenew.org/volunteer-rsvp-form/ APPLETON Sat May 13th, 9 am - 2 pm Indigenous Peoples Blanket Exercise. At First English Lutheran Church, 6331 N. Ballard Road. Sponsored by First English Lutheran Church’s Racial Equity Team, The Green Sanctuary Justice Action Team of the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, the Indigenous Peoples’ Allies Committee (IPAC) of the First Congregational United Church of Christ and ESTHER. The blanket exercise is a kind of simulation designed to help participants understand how colonization of the land we now know as the United States of America has impacted the people who lived here long before Columbus and other settlers arrived. A traditional Talking Circle is included in the exercise to allow participants to debrief. In addition to the exercise, a traditional indigenous meal will be served. Register here: Cost per person is $30 which includes the meal. See more on the Facebook event page MILWAUKEE Sat May 13th, 12 noon to 1 pm Weekly Peace Action "Stand for Peace". Meet at Wisconsin/Prospect (by orange sunburst): Focus on Palestinian rights . Each week, a different vigil site in Milwaukee. Bring your signs for peace! Questions? Contact Peace Action WI - info@peaceactionwi.org or see https://www.peaceactionwi.org MILWAUKEE Sun May 14th, 3 pm PEACE ACTION WI Mother’s Day Peace Event - See the SPOTLIGHT above for details! *************************************************************** And if your group would like to get your events posted in the weekly e-bulletin – JOIN US! https://www.wnpj.org/membership WNPJ member groups can sign up for a Saturday opportunity to TABLE at the Madison Farmers Market – this Spring and summer at the Capitol Square. The Farmers Market opening date is April 15th – 7 am to 1 pm …and runs through the Fall on Saturdays. Sign up for your spot today! Bring your own table and hand-outs to the King Street corner of the Square, next to the VFP #25 table! Questions? Contact info@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! A special thanks to volunteer Kathy Esposito for her volunteer work each week, to put our e-bulletin together for WNPJ!
- Annual WNPJ Spring Assembly & Steering Committee
The meeting was held on Saturday, May 06 10:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center S3661 Wisconsin 131 La Farge, Wisconsin and via Zoom* Our annual WNPJ Spring Steering Committee Meeting! Almost 20 WNPJ member groups were represented at this annual event. People gathered to share their social justice & just transition success stories! The recording of the meeting will be available here soon. Watch for it! We met at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve near LaFarge (and provided a zoom event option). Board host Dena Eakles gave a bit of history of the Driftless area where we met and about the issues here. Guest speaker Samantha Laskowski presented an overview of local energy concerns. Sam is part of Vernon County energy district, involved in helping rural people understand the IRA/ the government's financial support for solar installations. Another guest, Spark,spoke to the possibility of a nuclear micro plant in Vernon county. https://www.vced.energy/ Board member Tynnetta Jackson facilitated WNPJ member groups providing short 'reports from the field' about the work their groups are doing. WNPJ treasurer Vicki Berenson led a discussion of how best to move forward from our current all-volunteer status. We are still looking for volunteers to form a Nominating Committee to seek new Board members for next Fall. Share on Facebook
- Make plans now to be in D.C. June 19 - 22 as part of the Moral Poverty Action Congress
This June, a diverse delegation from Wisconsin will join other leaders from across the country in Washington, D.C. for the Moral Poverty Action Congress. Are you interested in getting more involved with the Wisconsin Poor People’s Campaign and possibly taking on a leadership role in your area? Are you part of an organization that is led by impacted people and/or is building the movement to end the interlocking evils of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy and our distorted moral narrative? Are you an impacted person, a young person, clergy, or a musician? If so, please consider applying HERE to be a part of the Wisconsin delegation. Wisconsin Poor People's Campaign
- Four things YOU can do to save Healthcare Coverage!
Over 300,000 of our neighbors are at risk of losing their healthcare coverage with the upcoming Medicaid cutoffs, yet a bill that would make it even more difficult to access these life-saving benefits is currently passing through our state legislature. As the 4 million Wisconsinites who support Medicaid expansion, we need to use our voices and call on the Joint Finance Committee to do their job and truly represent the people. ACTION ONE Call 1-2 members of the Joint Finance Committee and email at least one of their staff, asking them to support Medicaid/BadgerCare expansion in the upcoming budget. JFC members and their staff, along with contact information, are listed below: Rep. Born (Co-Chair, Assembly District 39) -- 608-237-9139 Kelly Elmes - Kelly.Elmes@legis.wisconsin.gov Patrick Gehl - Patrick.Gehl@legis.wisconsin.gov Sen. Marklein (Co-Chair, Senate District 17) -- 608-266-0703 Katy Prange - Katy.Prange@legis.wisconsin.gov Connor Buss - Connor.Buss@legis.wisconsin.gov Rep. Katsma (Vice Chair, Assembly District 26) -- 608-237-9126 Suzy Geroux - Suzy.Geroux@legis.wisconsin.gov Anna Knocke - Anna.Knocke@legis.wisconsin.gov Sen. Stroebel (Vice Chair, Senate District 20) -- 608-266-7513 John Soper - John.Soper@legis.wisconsin.gov Eric Brooks - Eric.Brooks@legis.wisconsin.gov Sen. Felzkowski (Senate District 12) -- 608-266-2509 Collin Driscoll - Collin.Driscoll@legis.wisconsin.gov Rachel Drost - Rachel.Drost@legis.wisconsin.gov Sen. Ballweg (Senate District 14) -- 608-266-0751 Bethany Rasmussen - Bethany.Rasmussen@legis.wisconsin.gov Drew Hanstedt - Drew.Hanstedt@legis.wisconsin.gov Sen. Testin (Senate District 24) -- 608-266-3123 Jason Knack - Jason.Knack@legis.wisconsin.gov Christina Nelson - Christina.Nelson@legis.wisconsin.gov Sen. Wimberger (Senate District 30) -- 608-266-5670 Zachary Stollfus - Zachary.Stollfus@legis.wisconsin.gov Bill Kloiber - Bill.Kloiber@legis.wisconsin.gov Sen. L. Johnson (Senate District 6) -- 608-266-2500 Lacy Fox - Lacy.Fox@legis.wisconsin.gov Brett Halverson - Brett.Halverson@legis.wisconsin.gov Sen. Roys (Senate District 26) -- 608-266-1627 George Gillis - George.Gillis@legis.wisconsin.gov Cecely Castillo - Cecely.Castillo@legis.wisconsin.gov Rep. Zimmerman (Assembly District 30) -- 608-237-9130 Mark Austinson - Mark.Austinson@legis.wisconsin.gov Al Colvin - Al.Colvin@legis.wisconsin.gov Rep. Rodriguez (Assembly District 21) -- 608-237-9121 Calvin Stoflet - Calvin.Stoflet@legis.wisconsin.gov Kaitlyn Wender - Kaitlyn.Wender@legis.wisconsin.gov Rep. Kurtz (Assembly District 50) -- 608-237-9150 Joseph Severance - Joseph.Severance@legis.wisconsin.gov Danielle Zimmerman - Danielle.Zimmerman@legis.wisconsin.gov Rep. Dallman (Assembly District 41) -- 608-237-9141 Ryan Ring - Ryan.Ring@legis.wisconsin.gov Cassidy Sommer - Cassidy.Sommer@legis.wisconsin.gov Rep. Goyke (Assembly District 18) -- 608-237-9118 Ryan Knocke - Ryan.Knocke@legis.wisconsin.gov Elena Kruse - Elena.Kruse@legis.wisconsin.gov Rep. McGuire (Assembly District 64) -- 608-237-9164 Dan Housh - Dan.Housh@legis.wisconsin.gov Quinn Marita - Quinn.Marita@legis.wisconsin.gov ACTION TWO Write to your Senator and encourage them to OPPOSE SB 245. This bill would hugely alter the process of re-enrollment for BadgerCare by: requiring individuals to requalify every 6 months rather than every year cutting automatic re-enrollment prohibiting prefilled forms fining and/or barring people from being eligible for 6 months if they miss a reporting deadline for any reason creating a data sharing agreement with any source that maintains financial and personal information about residents of Wisconsin Click here to join the letter campaign. ACTION THREE Watch the recording our recent People's Voice on Healthcare virtual forum to hear the stories of our neighbors who are directly impacted by the for-profit healthcare system. ACTION FOUR Tell YOUR story! Using our voices is one of the most powerful things we can do in this movement. If you have a healthcare story you would like to share, please reply to this email (wisconsin@poorpeoplescampaign.org) and a member of the coordinating committee will reach out. Contact us to GET INVOLVED Email wisconsin@poorpeoplescampaign.org
- On this International Workers Day let us stand with WNPJ member group Worker Justice Wisconsin
Support human dignity in the workplace. Worker Justice Wisconsin will hold its annual faith labor fundraising breakfast on Thursday, May 4 at 8 am in Madison. Enjoy homemade tamales and baked goods from JustBakery and learn about worker struggles and victories in Wisconsin. Can’t make it? Donations are welcome. Since the inception of International Workers Day, the United States has used the fear of socialism to keep workers from unionizing and organizing for fair working conditions. That decades old fear is slowly dying and it is incumbent upon all of us to shed this divide and conquer tactic and step up to our humanity. The first Labor Day took place in New York City on September 5th, 1882 as a demonstration for worker’s rights. Twelve years later, it was signed into a law as a national holiday to celebrate and honor the working class. World-wide people celebrate May 1 as International Workers Day. Everyday is Labor Day!
- WNPJ Sign on Letter - by May 8th
There are moments in time when horrible acts of violence can be turned into nonviolent actions towards justice. This is such a moment. As we learned of the Israeli settler attack on our WNPJ member and friend, Cassandra Dixon, we were also made aware of the mistreatment of the Palestinians, mostly children, living in Masafer Yatta, the South Hebron Hills region of the occupied West Bank. Senator Tammy Baldwin took swift action and contacted the State Department urging investigation and consequences to the settler who harmed Cassandra. We applaud her efforts, and with this sign on letter, we thank her and ask her to continue to seek justice. It is our hope that our united voices will demonstrate that eyes are on what is happening there and that we are weary of United States dollars being used in support of an apartheid system. Please sign on to this letter to Senator Baldwin and urge your members and friends to do the same. We would like to send this to her by April 17th. Please make your best effort to reach as many people a possible. Thank you for all you do. Questions? Contact the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice at info@wnpj.org
- First week of May for WNPJ member groups! Lots going on - join in!
WNPJ + Weaving the Web Virtual Drop-in Hour + WNPJ’s Annual Organizational Meeting + Vicki’s Pottery Benefit + video of “Stop the F35s” + other statewide events… *********************************************************** VIRTUAL Thurs May 4th 12 noon - 1 pm Weaving the Web - WNPJ virtual drop-in Hour. All are welcome to drop in the first Thursday of each month - ....no agenda, just people who care about peace and justice showing up to connect. Board members Mary Kay and Dena hosting! Contact office@wnpj.org with questions, Zoom Meeting Information: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89361313008?pwd=UmxCOUcxL3ZFb244aXp0SnBVTFRSZz09. Meeting ID: 893 6131 3008 - Passcode: 797041 - +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) ******************************************** Saturday, May 6th from 10 am to 1 pm This is our Annual WNPJ Spring Assembly! All welcome to come share their social justice & just transition success stories! We'll be meeting at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve near LaFarge or you can join us via ZOOM!. This is our chance to hear about the activities of Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice member groups; form a nominating committee for Officers and WNPJ Board member recruitment; and to conduct any necessary Network business. Snacks provided. Please rsvp here! https://forms.gle/5cM11pDV1BBatQp36 It's an outreach event, too, as we will be inviting Driftless area member groups and their affiliates to speak about environmental and other issues they share in common. More details here! Questions? Contact WNPJ at info@wnpj.org. ******************************************** Pottery by WNPJ Board Member Vicki Berenson Sunday, May 7, 2023, 11:00am – 5:00pm, 1834 Rutledge Street, Madison Look for Vicki at the Marquette-Atwood Neighborhood Art Walk! ceramicantics.com Proceeds from Vicki’s sales will benefit the Wisconsin Network for Peace & Justice ************** The F35s are due to arrive in Madison on Tuesday, May 2nd. There's a new 12-minute "Stop the F35" film available for you to learn more from Safe Skies Clean Water WI: https://youtu.be/SZxLkZbgkxY ************************************** Upcoming Events this week for some of our 75 WNPJ groups: (Read about additional future events here: https://www.wnpj.org/event-calendar) MILWAUKEE Mon May 1st, 11 am MAY DAY MARCH WITH VOCES DE LA FRONTERA. Meet at the Voces de la Frontera Offices on Mitchell St near 6th St. PEACE ACTION WI will have a solidarity contingent. Contact info@peaceactionwi.org VIRTUAL Mon May 1st, 7 - 8:15 pm 350.org Meeting - Learning from Water Protectors in Minnesota. Join 350 Wisconsin to hear two volunteers from Waadookawaad Amikwag (Anishinaabemowin for Those Who Help Beaver) talk about efforts to monitor and document the ongoing damage done by the construction of the Line 3 replacement pipeline (now operating as Line 93). 7 - 8:15 pm Learn how Indigenous respect for water and community science have come together in this grassroots effort to uncover what Enbridge is trying to hide in Minnesota. Our speakers, Victoria McMillen and Jami Gaither, will share findings of damage to lands and waters far beyond what is reported by Enbridge and the state agencies charged with protecting the environment and controlling pollution. The hope is to hold polluters like Enbridge and all responsible state and federal agencies accountable for remediation of our watersheds. VIA ZOOM: Register in advance for the meeting here: https://350wisconsin.org/monthly-meetings/ MADISON Wed May 3rd, 6pm Radicals & Progressives Meet & Eat. At the Maharani Restaurant 380 W. Washington. The public is welcome, bring your concerns, insights and projects. Some on-street parking and two nearby parking decks available. For more info email amagavioion@gmail.com or call Allen at 608-231-3015. https://maharanimadisonwi.com RACINE Wed May 3rd, 7 - 8 pm An Evening with Matt Rothschild: Campaign Finance Laws.....at the Racine Peace and Justice Coalition Meeting. Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church Office, 6th Street. Matt Rothschild has been the Director of the non-profit group - Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. Day care available, if you contact the group before April 18th. Contact: sareynolds42@gmail.com VIRTUAL Wed May 3rd, 8:30 am Core Team Building Unity meeting (Steering Committee) - First Wed. of the Month VIRTUAL Tues May 9th 7 pm Monthly Evening Building Unity “Drop-in” meeting - Second Tues of the Month - Same Zoom link for all of our meetings: https://zoom.us/j/99245031795Meeting ID: 992 4503 1795 One tap mobile: +13126266799,,99245031795# US (Chicago) Any phone: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Contact: Timothy Cordon * BuildingUnityWi@gmail.com MADISON Thurs May 4th, 8 – 10 am Worker Justice WI Annual Faith Labor Breakfast. Christ Presbyterian Church (944 E Gorham St) Learn about organizing workplaces. We’ll share homemade tamales and baked goods from JustBakery as we build the power of the coalition! We’re looking forward to seeing you on May 4th! If you’re a union, faith, or social justice organization, contact rebecca@workerjustice.org to learn how to become a WJW sponsor! GET TICKETS ➡️ classy.org/event/annual-faith-labor-breakfast/e474477🎟 www.workerjustice.org www.facebook.com/workerjusticewi MADISON Sat May 6th, 10 - 11 am "No More Police" Book Discussion - Linden CoHousing 107 Sutherland Ct. Join Families for Justice, Allies for Black Lives, and the Women's International League for Peace & Freedom for an exploratory but facilitated discussion of this new book by abolitionist thought leaders Mariame Kaba and Andrea J. Ritchie. Everyone welcome, even if you don't read the book! More info? Visit the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/475116031333727/. To get the zoom link, reply to: wilpfmadison@gmail.com. 608-609-7961 http://wilpfmadison.org/ APPLETON Sat May 6th, 11 am to noon. Fox Valley Peace Coalition monthly vigil. Houdini Plaza, West Lawrence Street. Bring your signs! Organizer: Ronna Swift - ronnajean61@gmail.com MILWAUKEE Sat May 6th, 7:30 - 9:30 pm Benefit Jam for Casa Maria - The Coffee House. 2717 East Hampshire Street. Bring your voice, instrument, a poem - to benefit Casa Maria Catholic Worker casamariamke@gmail.com SINSINAWA Sun May 7th, 3 - 4 pm Sounds of the Soul Concert - Sinsinawa Mound Center, County Road Z. Enjoy an hour of music from various traditions such as Muslim, Catholic and Jewish. These sounds will be coupled with some brief comments and explanations. A freewill offering is greatly appreciated. Contact Arrangements at 608-748-4411 or visit our website at www.sinsinawa.org/moundcenter for more information. Sinsinawa Mound, the motherhouse for the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, is located in southwest Wisconsin on County Road Z, off Highway 11, about five miles northeast of Dubuque. MADISON May 8th, 7 pm Free Screening of the film ‘The Right to Read’ - Madison College, Goodman South Campus Rm 205, 2429 Perry St. Sponsored by MOSES. We also invite you to partner with us in the work of ensuring that all children in Madison and surrounding communities receive screening for dyslexia. Whether or not you can attend the film screening please reply to let the Education Advocacy Group of MOSES know if you would like to be a part of the collective effort we are building. Contact: Shel Gross <shelgross3@gmail.com .More about this program: The Education Advocacy Group of MOSES invites you to join us in the work of improved literacy education in our community. We have made literacy and specifically the issue of dyslexia a top priority. The reason we have determined this to be our top priority is, in part, because of statements like the following: When a child can’t read, their chances of incarceration, homelessness, and unemployment increase. That’s why Oakland-based NAACP activist Kareem Weaver believes literacy is one of the greatest civil rights issues of our time and is fighting for better reading instruction. “What good is winning the right to vote if we can’t even read the ballot?” Fed up with the bleak reading scores in his own community, Kareem files a petition with the Oakland Unified School District demanding change. You can learn more about MOSES here: https://mosesmadison.org/ Note: This event sent to WNPJ by Shel Gross, a member of Madison Friends Meeting ************************************** If your group would like to get your events posted in the WNPJ weekly e-bulletin – JOIN US! We can then SPOTLIGHT the work you’re doing. https://www.wnpj.org/membership ************************************* WNPJ member groups can sign up for a Saturday opportunity to TABLE at the Madison Farmers Market – this Spring and summer at the Capitol Square. The Farmers Market opening date is April 15th – 7 am to 1 pm …and runs through the Fall on Saturdays. Sign up for your spot today! Bring your own table and hand-outs to the King Street corner of the Square, next to the VFP #25 table! Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org Interested in a yard sign? WNPJ has yard signs available! yardsigns@wnpj.org Questions? Let us know! info@wnpj.org or see www.wnpj.org
- WNPJ Board member Tynnetta Jackson is In the News - doing good work in Milwaukee!
Community advocates, including Tynnetta, sparked gun violence conversations with teens this week. This was part of YOUTH VICTORY WEEK OVER VIOLENCE! The regular curriculum was put on hold at one Milwaukee high school on Monday morning, April 24, so that students could discuss a more pressing issue. Gun violence was the focus inside Milwaukee Excellence Charter High School's gym. Check out this story on FOX6 tv.... https://www.fox6now.com/news/community-advocates-spark-gun-violence-conversations-teens
- Check out the Spring newsletter for Interfaith Peace Working Group
We're pleased to share with you this newest issue of the Interfaith Peace Working Group newsletter! We believe you will find the articles informative and useful for discussion and study in your congregation/synagogue/mosque or other local faith community. Thank you for reading! –Interfaith Peace Working Group
- Wisconsin plans to hire to reduce gun violence!
Today's (April 23, 2023) Wisconsin State Journal reports that Wisconsin has received $4.2 million under a 2022 federal law for gun violence reduction program research. Attorney General Josh Kaul's office is working to hire two grant managers who will coordinate how the funding is spent. Persons interested in these openings can contact the State Department of Justice. https://www.doj.state.wi.us/ag/contact https://www.doj.state.wi.us/dms/employment-opportunities Learn more about 3 WNPJ member groups involved with gun violence reduction: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America WAVE Education Fund Mothers Against Gun Violence
- Events and Action Alerts from WNPJ member groups the week of April 23rd!
SPOTLIGHT on Worker Justice Wisconsin! Reserve your spot now! Join us for our ✨biggest✨ fundraiser of the year! Worker Justice Wisconsin’s Annual Faith Labor Breakfast is a time for labor, faith, and community organizations to gather and share our collective passion for worker justice. GET TICKETS ➡️ classy.org/event/annual-faith-labor-breakfast/e474477🎟 📅 Thursday, May 4th,🕒 8 -10am - 📍 Christ Presbyterian Church (944 E Gorham St, Madison, WI) Come and connect with allies, hear from our worker members, and learn how to get involved and support rank-and-file immigrant workers as they organize their workplaces. We’ll share homemade tamales and baked goods from Just Bakery as we build the power of the coalition! ******************************************** Saturday, May 6th from 10 am to 1 pm This is our Annual WNPJ Spring Assembly! Snacks provided All welcome to come share their social justice & just transition success stories! We'll be meeting at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve near LaFarge or you can join us via ZOOM!. This is our chance to hear about the activities of Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice member groups; form a nominating committee for Officers and WNPJ Board member recruitment; and to conduct any necessary Network business. Please rsvp here! https://forms.gle/5cM11pDV1BBatQp36 It's an outreach event, too, as we will be inviting Driftless area member groups and their affiliates to speak about environmental and other issues they share in common. More details here! Questions? Contact WNPJ at info@wnpj.org. ******************************************** DONATE a BACKPACK to JustDane! New groups of students are starting at JustBakery, and they are in need of backpacks to carry their laptops and supplies. Consider purchasing one and having it sent to JustBakery: 1708 Thierer Rd., Madison, WI 53704. These are good ones: http://ow.ly/YFoh50NJFh8 Questions? Contact: info@justdane.org ****************** Upcoming Events this week for WNPJ groups: (Read about more upcoming events here: https://www.wnpj.org/event-calendar) VOLK FIELD Tues Apr 25th, 3:30 - 4:30 pm VIGIL AGAINST THE DRONES. We need YOU there. The vigil at Volk Field is a legal vigil where we will be on public property. As always, it will be a solemn vigil, remembering the victims of US government drone attacks. If you are interested in carpooling to Volk Field from Madison, please contact Bonnie at 608-256-5088. If you can’t come this time, mark your calendar. We usually vigil on the 4th Tuesday of every month. Questions? 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 MADISON & VIRTUAL Tues Apr 25th, 4 - 5 pm Mutual Aid for Health and Wellness - Social Justice Center, Williamson Street. This is an action-oriented workshop toward building care teams as well as a health expense cooperative, in order to meet our health and wellness needs more fully, mutual aid-style. As always, there's lots more, including Communications, HOME Economics, and Dream Time every week, on zoom and usually at Social Justice Center (rsvp if you want to show up in person, just in case). You're welcome at anything, and feel free to request orientations or meetings with your communities or organizations. Just email info@madisonman.coop or call 608 443-8229. MILWAUKEE Tues Apr 25th, 7 - 8 pm Chapter Meeting of VFP #102. Saint John's On The Lake, North Prospect Avenue. Election of officers. Contact vfpchapter102@gmail.com for more information. MINOQUA Wed, Apr 26th, 10 – 5 pm, Joint Finance Committee Hearing 2023 Lakeland Union High School, 9573 State Highway 70. The state of Wisconsin has a biennial budget. The state budget that will govern our state's taxes and spending from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025, was recently proposed by Governor Evers. You can learn more about the biennial budget here. The state legislature is now in control of the budget. The "Joint Committee on Finance" is a team of 16 Senators and Assembly Representatives who will make their own recommendations to the other members of the legislature. As part of that process, the Joint Finance Committee holds hearings, at which any Wisconsinite can speak for (usually) 2 minutes. Contact: David Liners - WISDOM office@wisdomwisconsin.org MADISON Thurs Apr 27th WISDOM Action Day (4/27) at the State Capitol, East Main Street. The day itself will be exciting. Hundreds of us will gather to hear from faith leaders, from members of our organizations, and from people who are impacted by the justice issues we work on. We'll walk together to the State Capitol where we will have a rally on the steps. Then, we will go to speak with the people who represent us in the state legislature, to let them hear our priorities. We need everyone to register for Madison Action Day as soon as possible. There are a lot of reasons to register now. Here are a few: It will help us to know which legislators will be visited by their constituents. When you sign up, we can know who your Assembly Representative and Senator are, and we can be sure they will know you are coming. It helps us to know how many lunches to have! wisdomwisconsin.org https://wisdomwisconsin.org/madison-action-day-2023 office@wisdomwisconsin.org MILWAUKEE Thurs Apr 27th, 12 noon - 1 pm ANTI GUN VIGIL. Dunham's Sports, 2550 South 108th Street, West Allis. Guns are made to do violence to others. We are called to be nonviolent. From Casa Maria Catholic Worker House casamariamke@gmail.com MADISON Fri Apr 28th, 8:30 am – 5:15 pm Minority and Ethnic Politics in and from the Middle East – Annual Middle East Studies Conference. UW-Madison, Memorial Union (800 Langdon St.) Featuring outstanding scholars from around the US discussing the historical background, sociopolitical realities, and challenges facing religious, ethnic, and other minorities in the region. Free and open to the public. For details and to register, visit: https://mideast.wisc.edu/upcoming-events/mespspringconference2023/ Sent to WNPJ by Madison Infoshop jepeck@wisc.edu SINSINAWA Fri Apr 28th, 5 - 6 pm Arbor Day Hike - Sinsinawa Mound Center, County Road Z. Join us and celebrate Arbor Day at Sinsinawa Mound with a lovely hike through our forests and discuss the arboreal giants that live among us on Friday, April 28, from 5 to 6 p.m. This is an outdoor activity and we will be hiking on and off trail so be sure to bring sturdy hiking boots and weather appropriate clothing. Registration ends April 27 and the fee is $10 per person. Contact Arrangements at 608-748-4411 or visit our website at www.sinsinawa.org/moundcenter for more information. Sinsinawa Mound, the motherhouse for the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, is located in southwest Wisconsin on County Road Z, off Highway 11, about five miles northeast of Dubuque. SINSINAWA Sat Apr 29th 9 am - 4 pm Joy of Forgiveness. Sinsinawa Mound. Come on a healing journey through a practical, personal retreat about forgiveness. Sandy Hoenig will be leading this workshop and you’ll identify and process the stages of forgiveness and healing. Along the way, you’ll learn strategies you can use in your personal and/or professional life to avoid or resolve hurtful situations. Registration ends on April 24 and the fee is $75 per person. Contact Arrangements at 608-748-4411 or visit our website at www.sinsinawa.org/moundcenter for more information. Sinsinawa Mound, the motherhouse for the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, is located in southwest Wisconsin on County Road Z, off Highway 11, about five miles northeast of Dubuque. SINSINAWA Sat Apr 29th 10 am - 2 pm “Neutral Ground” Native Lands Tour . Sinsinawa Mound Center, County Road Z. On this tour of native lands, we’ll travel to a number of sites around Fayette, Iowa, where the Ho-Chunk were forced during the so-called neutral ground period of the 19th century on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We’ll listen to largely untold stories of the land, traveling to the mission school, burial grounds, campsites, Fort Atkinson and sites connected to the great Ho-Chunk chief, Whirling Thunder. You will need access to a vehicle to join our tour caravan and please bring your own lunch. Registration ends April 27 and the fee is $20 per person. Contact Arrangements at 608-748-4411 or visit our website at www.sinsinawa.org/moundcenter for more information. Sinsinawa Mound, the motherhouse for the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, is located in southwest Wisconsin on County Road Z, off Highway 11, about five miles northeast of Dubuque. MILWAUKEE Sat Apr 29th, 12 noon - 1 pm Weekly Stand for Peace. North Water Street & E St Paul Ave. Each week, a different vigil site in Milwaukee. Bring your signs for peace! Questions? Contact Peace Action WI -info@peaceactionwi.org or see https://www.peaceactionwi.org MADISON Sun Apr 30th, 12 noon - 4 pm Madison Really Really Free Market. 504 S. Brearly St. Do you have items, clothing, books, food, seeds, skills, gifts, talents, services, love, listening, etc. of value that you're willing to give away freely? Could you use some support, community and/or aid right about now? Join us at the Madison Really Really Free Market, where we can support each other and our community at a pop-up market, for free. Really, for free? Really, really. Free!!! Nothing at this market is bought or sold! Any and all forms of sharing and aid welcome. For more info, contact jepeck@wisc.edu or see https://www.facebook.com/events/245557614704660/?ref=newsfeed VIRTUAL Sun Apr 30th, 3 - 4 pm Mission Forward - 175 years and counting. Interactive Virtual Events Join the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa as we host interactive, virtual prayer and conversation events for you to reconnect with our Sisters and learn more about our capital campaign. Register for one or more of our virtual gatherings at https://forms.gle/mhkxvB8LCB1ZmanTA. Please share this link with other classmates, friends, or family members who might also want to join us. We look forward to seeing you soon! For more information, contact the Office of Philanthropy at (608) 748-4411. VIRTUAL Mon May 1st, 7 - 8:15 pm 350.org Meeting - Learning from Water Protectors in Minnesota. Join 350 Wisconsin to hear two volunteers from Waadookawaad Amikwag (Anishinaabemowin for Those Who Help Beaver) talk about efforts to monitor and document the ongoing damage done by the construction of the Line 3 replacement pipeline (now operating as Line 93). 7 - 8:15 pm Learn how Indigenous respect for water and community science have come together in this grassroots effort to uncover what Enbridge is trying to hide in Minnesota. Our speakers, Victoria McMillen and Jami Gaither, will share findings of damage to lands and waters far beyond what is reported by Enbridge and the state agencies charged with protecting the environment and controlling pollution. The hope is to hold polluters like Enbridge and all responsible state and federal agencies accountable for remediation of our watersheds. VIA ZOOM: Register in advance for the meeting here: To learn more: https://350wisconsin.org/monthly-meetings/ MILWAUKEE Mon May 1st 11 am MAY DAY MARCH WITH VOCES DE LA FRONTERA. Meet at the Voces de la Frontera Offices on Mitchell St near 6th St. PEACE ACTION WI will have a solidarity contingent. Contact info@peaceactionwi.org Looking Ahead! VIRTUAL Wed. May 31st 3:00 – 5:00 pm Uniting for Wisconsin’s Civic Health – virtual introductory workshop! Are you, or is someone you know, interested in stronger Wisconsin communities, bridging across difference, and deepening and broadening civic engagement? Or, already working on a project to improve your community? If so, we invite you to participate in a state-wide conversation. This is part of the Civic Health of Wisconsin Initiative and will be facilitated by Urban Rural Action, which has experience supporting constructive dialogue and collaboration in a diverse range of U.S. communities. For more info and to apply for this program, visit: https://www.uraction.org/wisconsin.html . Sent to WNPJ by Madison Infoshop – jepeck@wisc.edu ********************************************** Read about all of these events and many more on our events page: https://www.wnpj.org/event-calendar And if your group would like to get your events posted in the weekly e-bulletin – JOIN US! https://www.wnpj.org/membership Interested in a yard sign? WNPJ has yard signs available! yardsigns@wnpj.org WNPJ member groups can sign up for a Saturday opportunity to TABLE at the Madison Farmers Market – this Spring and summer at the Capitol Square. The Farmers Market opening date is April 15th – 7 am to 1 pm …and runs through the Fall on Saturdays. Sign up for your spot today! Bring your own table and hand-outs to the King Street corner of the Square, next to the VFP #25 table! Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org ******************************************************************* See our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WisNPJ/ "Like" us and follow us!












