Justice Hub
act courageously for justice
For details on our current JAMs and Justice Programs click HERE.
If you’re interested in starting a new JAM, contact our “New JAM Facilitator” by e-mailing [email protected].
News & Opportunities from Our Fellowship JAMs
Register Now for April 27 Madison Action Day 2023
Ride and Rally for Reform!
Ride. . . the bus to Madison (we have two buses to fill)
Rally. . . on the Capitol Steps
Relay. . . your views and values to your legislators
Reignite . . . your fire for justice!
Madison Action Day. Thursday, April 27, 2023 – Register by April 6 at www.esther-foxvalley.org to give us time to organize our visits with legislators. Hosted by WISDOM and all local affiliates including ESTHER. Join people from across Wisconsin as we hear from keynote speakers, see what other affiliates of WISDOM have been doing, march together to the Capitol and meet with our legislators. This is our opportunity bring together our voices and power to speak to our legislators about our priorities for the WI state budget. You can ride the bus with us or drive.
There are optional trainings for additional preparation for Madison Action Day.
Thursday April 13, 6:30 pm: Madison Action Day Orientation
To register for April 13: Madison Action Day Orientation and Preparation
Friday, March 31st 7PM CT
UUA Trans Day of Visibility Virtual Party for Trans/Nonbinary Families—online
As legislators pass harmful laws in states all across the country and as people of faith and no-faith fight back, we want to remind transgender/nonbinary families that they are not alone.
As Unitarian Universalists we believe that every body is sacred. This will be a time of reflection, celebration, and renewal as we prepare for what is and whatever is coming our way.
*NOTE: This space is intentionally multi-generational. It is open to and welcoming of trans/nonbinary elders as well as children, youth, and young adults. Standard UUA online safety measures apply to ensure all people under 18 can attend. We’re glad to have you here!
Green Sanctuary Book Discussion
Braiding Sweetgrass
April 20th 6:30 pm CT
Thursday, April 20, Hosted by Green Sanctuary–Discussion of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. 6:30 – 8:00 pm at the Fellowship. Robin writes with such passion about the natural world, that you will never see it the same way after seeing it through her eyes.
April 16: Bread for the World Offering of Letters
With taco casserole lunch! 12:30 pm at the Fellowship
Letters this year will focus on our priorities for the reauthorization of the Farm Bill. We will share a light meal, learn about priorities we need to share with our US Senators and US Representative, and write letters or make use of the online email link for letters.
A quick look at the offering: Why should we care about the farm bill? Provisions within the bill affect everyone both locally and around the world. The recommendations for change in the bill focus on equity, nutrition, and sustainability. Watch for more information and learn even more by coming to April 16 12:30 lunch and presentation to prepare for letter writing, and time to write letters. Taco Casserole lunch.
Want to Submit to Justice Hub? 
If you’ve got an event that your JAM is supporting, or another event in the wider community you think the Fellowship should know about, let us know! Email [email protected] or complete THIS FORM by 9:00 am on Tuesday for inclusion by Thursday’s publication of our newsletter.
Opportunities in the Wider Community
Brothertown Indian Nation Powwow
April 1st, Doors Open at Noon
Brothertown Indian Nation Community Center
311 Winnebago Drive, Fond du Lac
Grand Entry is intertribal with veterans leading the procession.
More info here
April 10 through April 13
Wisconsin Conservation Congress and Department of Natural Resources
The Green Sanctuary JAM Team is asking our Fellowship members to take time (April 10 at noon through April 13 at noon) to provide input on the proposed wildlife and fisheries to Wisconsin’s rule changes. This non-binding survey WILL allow us to provide input based on our 7th principal’s perspective of caring for the interconnected web of life of which we are a part. Thanks so much!
The online questionnaire will be available through a link on this webpage from April 10 at noon through April 13 at noon. https://dnr.wisconsin. gov/about/wcc/springhearing
April 25-26: “Toward One Wisconsin” is holding “A Conference on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion”. Rev. Traci Blackmon, Associate General Minister of Justice and Local Church Ministries for the United Church of Christ is one of the keynote speakers. Will be at the Appleton Paper Valley Hotel. https://inclusivity-wi.org
Cost increases after March 29. There is a virtual option as well; All the plenary sessions will be live streamed and 4 of the 12 presentations during the breakout sessions . There are 5 breakout sessions so the individual attending virtually will have the option to select from 20 different breakout presentations – four sessions each breakout session. The registration fee is the same if you are attending virtually or in person.
(PS – Rev . Hannah is planning to attend, so let her know if you register!)
State Budget Listening Sessions:
This year’s Joint Finance Committee Budget listening sessions are scheduled for April 5, Waukesha, April 11, Eau Claire, April 12 Wisconsin Dells, and April 26, Minocqua. None are very easily accessed by citizens of major population centers of Wisconsin. Here are a few opportunities to talk to local representative about your priorities for the budget. WISDOM’s April 27 Madison Action Day is also an opportunity to join people across the state as we bring WISDOM’s priorities to our state legislators. (more info and registration at www.esther-foxvalley.org).
State Budget Listening Session with Senator Cabral-Guevara and Representative Snodgrass
Saturday, April 1 at 10:30 AM, Menasha Public Library | 440 First Street, Menasha, WI 54952
State Budget Listening Session with Reps. Shelton, Palmeri, and Snodgrass
Wednesday, April 12 from 6:30PM – 7:30PM, Oshkosh Public Library, 106 Washington Ave, Oshkosh
State Budget Listening Session with Senator Cabral-Guevara and Representative Murphy
Monday, April 17 from 6:30PM – 7:30PM, Town of Center – Town Hall, N3990 State Road 47
Appleton, WI 54913
Read these insights by Dr. Peter Bakken, Justice and Witness Coordinator, Wisconsin Council of Churches on the 3 Referendum questions on your April 4 ballot: The complete statement about the intentions and impact of the referenda can be found here
Here is a very brief summary of his statement:
“The blizzard of campaign advertising and political news that piles up around every election – including the election on April 4 – can bury a fundamental truth: Democracy is how we work with other members of our community to solve problems and pursue common goals. This process ought to be fair and inclusive, with everyone having a voice in the decisions that affect them, and those decisions promoting the well-being of everyone in the community. But too often the way we “do democracy” marginalizes some of our neighbors, demeaning them, disregarding their interests, and making their lives more difficult – especially when they have low incomes or are persons of color.”
Both first and second referenda would give courts more reasons to detain persons awaiting trial, and would likely lead to more persons being held in overcrowded jails without being convicted of a crime.
The third referendum “undermines the inclusive community that is essential to democracy.” It reinforces stereotypes, calls up resentment for programs that are intended to help people in poverty and is misleading as there already are work requirements for W-2 and Foodshare and Federal government currently bars work requirements for Medicaid.
“Absent is any understanding of the real lives of people in poverty and the challenges they face. Nor is there any sense that we all belong to an interdependent community, and we can only flourish to the extent each of our neighbors can flourish.”
Be prepared to vote at the April 4 election.
Get your absentee ballot, early vote or show up at your polling place to vote for WI Supreme Court Justice and other offices on your ballot. The Supreme Court will continue to define our rights. This election will impact the next 10 years and more. Vote and urge others to vote. Check www.myvote.wi.gov for what’s on your ballot and for answers about preparations, deadlines, early vote times, etc.
Edited on March 29th, 2023
