Mar 23, 20238 min read

Spotlight on WNPJ member group events for the week of March 26th through April 1st!

WNPJ + VFP Book Reading + Annual Ramadan Interfaith Iftar + WNPJ’s Spring Assembly Invitation + other statewide events

SPOTLIGHT on WNPJ member groups

MADISON Sat Apr 1st, 2:30 - 4 pm Veterans for Peace 25 Sponsored Book Reading: "Beyond the Badge-Reflection of an ExCop". Urban League of Greater Madison, 2222 South Park Street. Rob Zaleski and David Couper will read from "Beyond the Badge-Reflection of an ExCop", answer questions and invite discussion.

When he stepped down in 1993 after 21 contentious, but highly successful years as the police chief in Madison, Wisconsin, David Couper was widely regarded as one of the most influential law enforcement officials in Wisconsin’s history. But little was known about his private life—or what motivated him to transform a paramilitary-type department into one that emphasized community relations; and to hire a large number of women and people of color, dramatically changing the complexion of the department.

In 2020—nearly three decades after his shocking decision to resign and become an Episcopal priest—the former Marine met with award-winning columnist Rob Zaleski for a series of lively and provocative interviews that lift the veil on his private life and explain for the first time the reasons behind his many controversial decisions. He also talks about his unstable upbringing in the Twin Cities, the personal tragedies he’s endured, and his evolution into one of the most inspiring human rights activists Wisconsin has known.

Sponsors: Madison Veterans for Peace, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, and Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice. Info: John 608-438-7480 or jhfour@gmail.com

https://madisonvfp.org/

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MIDDLETON Sat Apr 1 7 - 8 pm WFVJ's 7th Annual Ramadan Interfaith Iftar - Kromrey Middle School, 7009 Donna Drive. Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice is delighted to return to in-person for our seventh annual Ramadan Interfaith Iftar (break the fast) This annual event transcends generational, ethnic, and religious differences and allows guests to learn about Islam, Ramadan, and the Muslim value of zakat (charity). Come together to build bridges of interfaith understanding during a time when we yearn for connection. People of all faiths and no faith are invited to attend. Relationships rooted in love can create a sacred space that allows us all to rise to a better version of ourselves. The way through this is to reach past our usual boundaries and connect our communities. As always, our evening will include a brief program, time for Muslim prayer, a delicious pot-luck meal, kids' activities, and a great time connecting with old friends and making new friends across faith traditions! We also will sponsor our annual fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank. Come experience a unique spiritual celebration, engage in meaningful conversations, and appreciate our united interfaith community. We hope you will join us to share in the blessings, build bonds and explore different cultures this Ramadan season. Register, volunteer, and/or donate food at https://www.wisconsinfaithvoicesforjustice.org/iftar.html. More information from Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice wifaithvoices4justice@gmail.com

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Save the Date! Saturday, May 6th. 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 (and providing a zoom/recorded event option). 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. 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. Watch for details! If you'd like to be involved with planning, contact the WNPJ at info@wnpj.org. ********************************************* Upcoming Events this week for WNPJ groups: (Read about more upcoming events here: https://www.wnpj.org/event-calendar) MADISON Fri-Sat-Sun March 24-27 Catholic Worker Faith & Resistance Gathering:

· Friday, March 24 at 7:00 pm – Theaters of War: How the Pentagon and CIA took Hollywood Veterans for Peace present this new documentary with discussion. Location: Madison Christian Community, 7118 Old Sauk Road. · Saturday, March 25 1:30-3:00 pm Panel Discussion: with Kathy Kelly, World BEYOND War, Vicki Berenson and Steve Klafka, Safe Skies Clean Water Wisconsin. Location: Madison Christian Community, 7118 Old Sauk Road · Sun Mar 26th, 1:30-2:30 pm Public Talk with Panelists Danaka Katovich, Ground the F-35 Program Coordinator & National Co-Director, CODEPINK Women for Peace and Brian Terrell, Strangers & Guests Catholic Worker & Nevada Desert Experience. Location: St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish, 602 Everglade Drive · Learn about more of the gathering’s events and register here. Contact: warabolition@gmail.com

MADISON Sun Mar 26th, 12 noon - 4 pm Really REALLY Free Market! Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, South Brearly Street. 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? Nothing at this market is bought or sold! Any and all forms of sharing and aid welcome. Hosted by the Madison Infoshop. jepeck@wisc.edu Wauzeka. Sun Mar 26th, 2 - 4 pm "Sold Down the River" - The Direction of Agriculture in Rural WI – Meet at the Village Hall. Agriculture is an extremely important part of our heritage, community, economy, and environment here in the Driftless Area. There are some tough conversations that need to be had regarding how we, as a community, would like to see the future of agriculture play out. To have your voice heard on this matter, join this Crawford Stewardship Project meeting. Contact: Crawford Stewardship Project <csp.county@gmail.com> MADISON Mon Mar 27th, various times and places this day as part of the 20th Catholic Worker Midwest Faith and Resistance Gathering. Monday resistance actions are focused on grounding the F-35 fighter jet and abolishing war. We need you and your friends and relations. Check this website for details on when and where all who can commit to nonviolence are welcome to come on Monday morning to be part of the vigils, the war abolition walk, and to support those doing the direct action.https://www.safeskiescleanwaterwi.org/save-the-date-march-24-27-catholic-worker-faith-resistance-gathering-no-f-35s/ Contact: warabolition@gmail.com VIRTUAL Mon Mar 27th, 7 pm Kickoff Meeting of 350 WI for our April bank actions! Register here for the Zoom link to the meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Are you tired of seeing big banks continue to fund fossil fuels and climate destruction? If so, join us in a week of Climate Justice Arts and Actions leading up to Earth Day 2023. We are seeking volunteers for a variety of action and support roles. At our kickoff meeting, we will: give an overview of planned actions in April, prepare you for participating in or supporting Nonviolent Direct Actions at the banks, form into groups who will carry out actions . For more information, contact: ivest.defund@350wisconsin.org CAMP DOUGLAS Tues Mar 28th, 3:30 - 4:30 pm VIGIL AGAINST THE DRONES OUTSIDE THE GATES OF VOLK FIELD. DRONES KILL INNOCENT PEOPLE. We need YOU there.We will again come together and vigil against drones. 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. For directions and car-pooling options, contact Joy at 608 239-4327 or joyfirst5@gmail.com or Bonnie at 608-256-5088 or blb24@earthlink.net of Wisconsin Coalition to Ground the Drones and End the Wars VIRTUAL Tues Mar 28th, 7 - 8 pm Webinar: Kiss the Ground: A Spirituality and Ethic of the Garden. Eric Anglada, Sinsinawa’s Ecological Programming Coordinator, will lead the presentation. Our spirituality and responsibility to the world must begin with an awareness that we are a part of, not apart from the living world. The garden is the model for understanding who we are as humans within sacred ground. In this webinar, we’ll delve into soil and soul as well as share practical strategies for best gardening practices. Registration ends March 27 and the fee is $10 per person. Contact Arrangements at 608-748-4411 or visit our website at www.sinsinawa.org/moundcenter. VIRTUAL Thurs Mar 30th, 8 pm Screening of "Land Day: 1948 Creation and Catastrophe" - This riveting story is told by people who lived through Al Nakba. It will be shown online by the Chicago Palestine Film Festival. For more info click here https://www.facebook.com/ChiPalFilmFest. Sent to WNPJ by Madison Rafah Sister City Project rafahsistercity@yahoo.com UW-MADISON – Fri Mar 31st, 4 – 6 pm ‘350 WI Art Collective’ Preparing for Earth Day! Meet at Library Mall near Walgreens, every Friday afternoon until Earth Day, April 21st. Join us for speakers, an art project, free food and, most of all, to support the next generation of climate activists. Then on Earth Day, April 22, the students will be holding a rally at Library Mall, followed by a march up State Street. Stay tuned for details about that.350 Wisconsin - 350wisconsin@350wisconsin.org VIRTUAL Sat Apr 1st, 9:30 - 11:30 am Webinar: From Nowhere to Now Here. Have you ever apologized because your mind or your heart was somewhere else than where your body was at the time? Join presenter, Pat Pintens for her presentation. When we’re pulled in many directions, we can feel like we’re in the middle of nowhere. Let’s explore how to regain our sense of presence, of mindfulness, of being attentive to where we are, who we are with, what is happening and our sense of being now here. Registration ends March 29 and the fee is $20 per person. Contact Arrangements at 608-748-4411 or visit our website at www.sinsinawa.org/moundcenter. MADISON Sat Apr 1st, 10 am - 5 pm Madison Rafah Sister City at the International Festival at Overture Center on State Street. Overture Center's annual International Festival, where all are invited to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and diversity of our community with free performances by artists who call Dane County home, tasty cuisines, stunning arts and crafts from around the world, and info from many local organizations and businesses with global connections. More than 40 cultures will be represented with dozens of artists, craft & arts booths and food vendors. Come in person, or participate online in select livestreamed performances via Overture’s Facebook page. MRSCP will be there selling our Palestinian embroidery, ceramics, wood products, earrings, yard signs, posters AND a new shipment of Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Playgrounds for Palestine. (Sat. only) We will also be offering a great new shipment of authentic Hirbawi Kuffiyehs. http://www.madisonrafah.org APPLETON - Sat Apr 1st , 11 am - noon Fox Valley Peace Coalition monthly vigil. Houdini Plaza, West Lawrence Street. Bring your signs! Organizer: Ronna Swift - ronnajean61@gmail.com MILWAUKEE Sat Apr 1st , 12 noon Peace Action WI Weekly Stand for Peace. Meet at King and North. Each week, a different vigil site in Milwaukee. Bring your signs for peace! Questions? Contact Peace Action WI - info@peaceactionwi.org LACROSSE Sat April 1st, 1 - 2 pm Building Unity Wisconsin Tour for Justice and Democracy - and Sun. 4/2 - Tues. 4/4 - “Get-out-the-Vote for Justice Rallies” on the way to and in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Times and Locations: TBD -

buildingunitywisconsin.org/buildingunitywi@gmail.com General Election - April 4 VOTE! MADISON Sat Apr 1st , 2:30 - 4 pm VFP #25 Sponsored Book Reading: "Beyond the Badge-Reflection of an ExCop". Urban League of Greater Madison, 2222 South Park Street. Rob Zaleski and David Couper will read from "Beyond the Badge-Reflection of an ExCop", answer questions and invite discussion. (see Spotlight above for contact information.) MIDDLETON Sat Apr 1st , 7 - 8 pm WFVJ's 7th Annual Ramadan Interfaith Iftar - Kromrey Middle School, 7009 Donna Drive. (see Spotlight above for contact information). *********************************** Read about all of these events and many more on our events page: