Action Alert for Monday, April 29th, 9 am - from Madison Rafah Sister City Project and World Beyond War - Madison:
On Monday, April 29 starting at 9 am there will be a large demonstration on Library Mall at UW-Madison protesting UW complicity in war crimes in Gaza and against the repression of student protests taking place around the country.
MRSCP will be there and we urge everyone to turn out.
Note: The University administration has already been issuing press statements (and students report receiving emails) threatening potential "consequences" for students in light of recent campus protests across the country. Community support is crucial to protect students from targeted retaliation and to try to prevent the kind of police violence that we are seeing at some of these protests. So try to attend, and if you can't, please spread the word.
Madison-Rafah Sister-City Proj <rafahsistercity@yahoo.com>
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SPOTLIGHT on Voces de la Frontera
Prepare For A Day Without Latinx and
Immigrants on Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Voces’ annual statewide May Day general strike and mass march returns this year on Wednesday, May 1st in Milwaukee! More announcements to come, but for now, mark your calendars and see details below:
Where: We will gather and initiate the march from the Voces Milwaukee office at 1027 S 5th Street. The main program and endpoint will be at the Fiserv Forum at 401 W Juneau Ave where the Republican National Convention will be held in downtown Milwaukee.
Agenda / Route: Rally kick-off at 9:30 a.m., the march starts at 10:30 a.m., and once at our destination, our program will conclude around 1:00 p.m
Transportation: Buses and ride shares are available for participants joining from outside Milwaukee. Please contact your local organizer.
Demands: Our message this year to employers, big businesses, and local, state, and federal elected officials: If you profit from our work, recognize our humanity!
We are also specifically demanding that the Biden Administration end support for the war in Gaza, end 287g, and expand work permits for immigrants and asylum seekers. At the state level, we are calling on Wisconsin representatives to restore state driver's licenses in 2025 after historic state elections that will finally reflect the will of the people. vdlf@vdlf.org
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Weaving the Web - WNPJ's monthly virtual Drop-in Hour. Hosted this day by Erika Bach and Mary Kay Baum – featuring updates on the film, BAD RIVER!
Don’t miss it.
Thursday, 02 May, 12:00 pm - 01:00 pm…..the first Thursday of each month
All welcome! Zoom info: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89361313008?pwd=UmxCOUcxL3ZFb244aXp0SnBVTFRSZz09. Meeting ID: 893 6131 3008 - Passcode: 797041; +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Organizer: office@wnpj.org
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The annual spring meeting of theWisconsin Network for Peace and Justice is on Saturday, May 18, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Join WNPJ for the 2024 Spring Assembly!Our 2024 theme is "Environmental Justice - Confronting Extreme Extraction and Ending Resource Wars on Indigenous and Frontline People"Connect on your own via zoom or meet with a group to connect to Zoom at one of the satellite locations in Superior, Keshena, and Madison. Let us know if you have a satellite group forming in YOUR community.
Some locations may offer social/potluck/networking opportunities. It's free, and open to all!
Register here ---> https://bit.ly/WNPJSPRING24
· Madison: Madison Friends Meeting House
· Milwaukee: TBD
· Keshena: College of the Menominee Nation
· Superior: Ball room at the Old Post Office, 1401 Tower Ave.
The purpose of this annual spring meeting is to offer a program to set our WNPJ goals and vision for the year ahead, with input from our member groups and allies."Reports from the Field" will allow member group contacts five minutes to update us on their activities. Let us know if you want to speak for your member group on the registration form.We will choose a nominating committee for new board members, who will begin their term this fall. If you're interested in serving on the board or nominating committee, let us know at info@wnpj.org.
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Webinar on Line 5:
Join us to learn more about the Line 5 pipeline, the risks it poses, and what actions you can take to raise awareness. We will begin with a grounding by Aurora Conley, Bad River Ojibwe, who will speak about the cultural significance of the land and water.
Britnie Remer from 350 Wisconsin will then present on the Line 5 pipeline, providing an overview of the history through the current moment, as well as outline some actions that anyone can take to get involved.
WHEN? Thursday, May 2nd, 6:30pm, virtual via Zoom. Register here --- https://tinyurl.com/WNPJL5
Zoom link will be emailed prior to the event to those who register.
Contact: dena.eakles@gmail.com
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UPDATE from April 27th from our WNPJ member, Cassandra Dixon. The Freedon Flotilla was NOT allowed to sail to Gaza this week. Cassandra will be returning home to Wisconsin for now. To learn why this has happened....see
Please call Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Sen. Ron Johnson and Rep. Mark Pocan to demand that Congress pressure for the prompt delivery of this life-saving cargo. Israel’s deadly campaign has been possible thanks to years of unconditional funding from the U.S. The least our elected officials can do now is exert American influence to insist on safe passage for this humanitarian mission. And remind them that they had at least one constituent (MRSCP member Cassandra Dixon) on board.
Rep. Mark Pocan DC Office (202) 225-2906, Madison Office (608) 258-9800, Send a message using his contact form here.
Senator Tammy Baldwin DC Office (202) 224-5653, Madison Office (608) 264-5338, Milwaukee Office (414) 297-4451, Other offices here, Send a message using her contact form here
Senator Ron Johnson DC Office (202) 224-5323, Madison Office: (608) 240-9629, Other offices here. Send a message using his contact form here.
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The WI Network for Peace and Justice is the umbrella non-profit organization
supporting the work of 85 member groups around Wisconsin.
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WNPJ Newsletter DEADLINE – May 1st!
We’re inviting your ideas and stories for the 2024 Spring issue of Network News! Tom Boswell is the new editor of our WNPJ newsletter. Send what you have to tomboswell2002@yahoo.com by the May 1st deadline!
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WNPJ member group events this week….
MADISON Mon Apr 29, 12 noon - 1 pm Interfaith Prayer Vigil - UW- Madison Library Mall. An interfaith prayer vigil will be held on the University of Wisconsin Library Mall for victims of the Israeli war on Gaza, the Israeli attacks in the West Bank and the October 7 Hamas attack on Israelis. Members of the Friends Meeting of Madison, the Madison Mennonite Church, Jewish Voice for Peace and other communities of faith and conscience will gather to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an immediate halt to US military assistance to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. https://www.interfaithpeacewg.org
MADISON Mon Apr 29, 12 noon – 1 pm Monday Noon Vigil for Peace – Meet at the corner of MLK, Jr. Blvd and Doty St. For more information, call Tim at 608-630-3633.
MILWAUKEE Wed May 1 – MAY DAY events – with Voces de la Frontera – see Spotlight above….
MADISON Wed May 1, 8 – 9:30 am Gather the Community Breakfast with WILPF. 107 Sutherland Ct. RSVP to carol.wilson.622@gmail.com to reserve your spot. Join local author Christa Bruhn to deepen our understanding of how Palestinians have been forced to live in Israel’s shadow. The Palestine Question is a microcosm of the failure of the modern world to live up to principles of democracy, human rights, and the Rule of Law. Palestinians are vulnerable to state violence and restrictions that have culminated in widespread death, destruction, and environmental desecration, all in the name of Israel’s national security. Vegetarian meal with vegan options upon request. Served in the Cohousing Great Room The cost of breakfast is $20, with a sliding scale of $10 - $20. Cash or checks accepted. Funds are used to provide an honorarium to our guest speaker and to further the work of Madison WILPF
MADISON Wed May 1, 5 – 9 pm May Day Pizza and Music Benefit for Gaza - Giant Jones Brewing, South Brearly Street,913 E Main Suite 9. All proceeds go to Middle East Children's Alliance for immediate humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Sponsored by Madison-Rafah Sister City Project and WORT. Learn more about Middle East Children's Alliance or make a donation at http://Tinyurl.com/madisontogaza . Sent to WNPJ by chrepairs@gmail.com http://madisonrafah.org
VIRTUAL Thurs May 2,6:30 pm Webinar on Line 5, via zoom. Join the Environmental Justice Coalition to learn more about the Line 5 pipeline, the risks it poses, and what actions you can take to raise awareness. We will begin with a grounding by Aurora Conley, Bad River Ojibwe, who will speak about the cultural significance of the land and water. Britnie Remer from 350 Wisconsin will then present on the Line 5 pipeline, providing an overview of the history through the current moment, as well as outline some actions that anyone can take to get involved. Register here --- https://tinyurl.com/WNPJL5 Zoom link will be emailed prior to the event to those who register. Contact: Dena.eakles@gmail.com
MADISON Thurs May 2, 6 – 8 pm JustDane Community Reentry Simulation. Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 W Wisconsin Avenue. Help us create a Just and Equitable Community. Attendance is FREE & open to the public & participants are required to register. dani@justdane.org https://www.signupgenius.com/go/CommunitySimulation#/
The Community Reentry Simulation was developed by JustDane in 1998 and has been conducted across the country. The simulation is a hands-on experience designed to provide participants with insights into the reentry process. Attendees will navigate through various simulated scenarios, each representing different aspects of life after incarceration, including housing, employment, healthcare, and community relationships. This unique simulation is an opportunity for community members, policymakers, and stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues faced by people returning home after incarceration and to engage in meaningful conversations about how to create a more supportive and inclusive community for individuals rejoining society.
JustDane believes that fostering empathy and awareness is crucial to breaking down barriers and building a more compassionate and equitable society. By participating in this simulation, attendees will gain valuable insights into the systemic challenges faced by those with a history of incarceration and explore potential solutions to create a more just community for all.
VIRTUAL Thurs May 2, 12 noon – 1 pm WNPJ’s Weaving the Web Drop-in Hour….see spotlight above. info@wnpj.org
LaCROSSE Thurs May 2, 12 noon - 12:30 pm Weekly Women in Black Peace Vigil. Meet at Main St & 4th Street South. A weekly vigil for peace every Thursday. Contact Deborah. dbuffton@yahoo.com
VIRTUAL Thurs May 2, 6:30- 7:30 pm WILPF Monthly Book Circle Conversation . The first Thursday of each month. Let's talk about...the book tonight: The Unihabitable Earth; Life Without Warming by David Wallace-Wells. For questions or more information on getting the zoom link, send a message to:wilpfmadison@gmail.com 608-609-7961 http://wilpfmadison.org/
MILWAUKEE Sat May 4, 12 noon - 1 pm Peace Action WI - Weekly STAND for PEACE: Howell and Layton. Each Saturday, a different location. Join us. Bring your signs. info@peaceactionwi.org https://www.peaceactionwi.org/stand_for_peace
VIROQUA Sat May 4, 11 am - 12 noon Driftless Palestinian Solidarity Weekly Vigil. Meet at Decker and Main. Action Alert: The Driftless Palestinian Solidarity group has a petition to demand that Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and end financial aid to Israel's military. If your group is interested in getting signatures, please email driftless.solidarity@gmail.com. Thank you for your help!
RACINE Sat May 4 12:30 – 1:30 pm Weekly Stand for Peace. At NW corner of Highways 31 and 20. Park in the SW corner of the Kohl's parking lot, near the AT&T store. Supported by the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice. We have signs, banners and flags available for all. Check out our website, http://racinepeace.wordpress.com for weather concerns. Free Palestine!
APPLETON Sat May 4, 11 – 12 noon Fox Valley Monthly Stand for Peace - Houdini Plaza, West Lawrence. Every month - the first Saturday! Bring your signs! Organizer: Ronna Swift ronnajean61@gmail.com
APPLETON Sat May 4th, SAVE the DATE for the Building Unity Spring Unity Summit - “May the Fourth be with you!” (and, may YOU be with US!). Be a Star - Resist all Wars, on this and every Day!
It will be an all day event, will also be the 15th Annual Grassroots Festival. It will be held on the Lawrence University Campus in Appleton, Wisconsin. More info here: https://wigrassrootsnetwork.com.
If you are interested in spending Friday and/or Saturday nights in a house in Appleton with other Building Unity activists, please call Building Unity at 608-630-3633. BuildingUnityWi@gmail.com
MILWAUKEE Sat May 4, 7:30 – 9:30 pm Casa Kemnitz Jam for Casa Maria. The Coffee House, 2717 East Hampshire Street. Be part of a long-running CoffeeHouse tradition and bring your voice, instrument, a poem or story, or simply come to listen share, and contribute. Your donations will help Casa Maria, an intentional community, dedicated to following the tradition of the Catholic Worker movement. Casa Maria currently runs four houses. They perform such services as: taking in single mothers and their children who are in need of housing; providing longer-term housing to families and women who need more support; and giving temporary living space for workers, refugees, asylum seekers, and others facing difficulties within the immigration system. http://casamariacatholicworker.weebly.com/
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Are you going to be in Madison Sunday May 5th? Here's a benefit event for WNPJ! 11:00am – 5:00pm
1834 Rutledge Street, Madison
As part of the Marquette-Atwood Neighborhood Art Walk, Vicki Berenson will be donating proceeds from her pottery sales to Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice. See more of Vicki's work at ceramicantics.com! Thanks!
MADISON Sun May 5, 2:30 pm Podcast Launch – “The Talk – Conversations with African American and Jewish Teens”. At Temple Beth El, 2702 Arbor Drive. In 2023, nine high school students embarked on a project to create a joint podcast series in which they would share their lived experiences as Jewish and African American teens growing up in Dane County, Wisconsin. They call the series “The Talk”. Conversations over five episodes range from sharing information from their respective cultures about food, clothing, music, and faith traditions, to discussions around the education system, to comparing notes about racism and antisemitism and what it is like to grow up African American and Jewish in a predominantly white and Christian society. Discussions were lively, sometimes serious, sometimes funny, sometimes joyful. Episode Topics: • Traditions and Differences • Current Issues • Growing Up in Wisconsin • Representations and Perceptions • The Talk The Talk is now available for viewing on YouTube and for listening on Spotify or on Amazon Music-Audible. Join us on May 5 for a press conference and launch party. Meet the amazing young people who created the podcast and hear their experiences during the project. Register here by May 3. The podcast is a joint project of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice and 100 Black Men of Madison. We are grateful to the Jewish Federation of Madison for their generous support of this project! wifaithvoices4justice@mail.mailchimpapp.com
MUKWONAGO Sun May 5, 4 pm A Conversation on Justice in Palestine From Three Faith Perspectives. Hosted at: Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 211 Main Street . A rare opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect: Listen in as Mr. Othman Atta, a director of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, Rabbi Michal Woll of Congregation Shir Hadash of the Reconstructionist Tradition, and Rev. Dr. Lisa Bates-Froiland of Redeemer Lutheran Church, ELCA, engage in conversation around the current situation in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. After their conversation, there will be a moderated time for lifting questions and insights. Refreshments will follow so we can linger longer to meet and greet each other. Sent to WNPJ by Interfaith Peace Working Group - Jerry Folk jerrylfolk55@gmail.com
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Join WNPJ!
WNPJ 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!
We help our member organizations reach a wider audience by amplifying your peace and justice events and actions on our listserve 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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Here's an outreach opportunity for WNPJ member groups!
WNPJ member groups can sign up for a Saturday opportunity to TABLE at the Dane County Farmers Market – this Spring and summer at the Capitol Square. The Farmers Market opening date is April 13th – 7 am to 1 pm …and runs through Nov. 9th on Saturdays.
Bring your own table and hand-outs to the King Street corner of the Square, site #10, next to the VFP #25 table! You can't sell anything at the non-profit table, but donations to your group are acceptable.
Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org
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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
Join WNPJ – www.wnpj.org
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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!
Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org
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In this issue: WNPJ + Spotlight on Voces de la Frontera May Day Action + WNPJ’s Weaving the Web + Register for the May 18th WNPJ Spring Meeting & Line 5 Webinar + ACTION ALERT for the Gaza Flotilla + other statewide events
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