WISDOM Holds 'Madison Action Day', Petitions Delivered to Governor Scott Walker

 Members of EXPO deliver petitions to Walker. 

The following was submitted by David Liners, State Director of WISDOM.

Madison Action Day was one of the largest and best events we have ever had.  We are still working through the evaluations and the reports from the scores of legislative visits that were made.  It is already clear that the day made an impact.  While we don’t know the final outcome of any of the issues we presented, we do know that our concerns were heard and, apparently, taken seriously by some.  More striking is that participants obviously found great value in interacting with other WISDOM members, and feeling the power of belonging to such a large and diverse network of people of faith and good will.

Since Madison Action Day, more than 20 WISDOM members have offered testimony before the Joint Finance Committee in Platteville and West Allis regarding issues that are addressed in the budget.  There are still four more opportunities to make your voice heard by those who are working on the state budget for the next two years.  The remaining budget hearings are:

Friday, April 7 – Berlin High School (Berlin is sort of near Ripon)


Tuesday, April 18 – Spooner High School (Spooner is between Eau Claire and Superior) 


Wednesday, April 19 – Ellsworth High School (Ellsworth is in far west central Wisconsin)


Friday, April 21 – Marinette High School (northwest of Green Bay)

The hearings all start at 10 am.  If you want to coordinate with other WISDOM people who might be going to the same hearing, call the WISDOM office at 414-831-2070 and we’ll help you connect.

On Madison Action Day, many people were also inspired to be more involved in some of our Issue Workgroups. Here are the times for upcoming conference calls:

Parole and Compassionate Release – Saturday, April 8 at 8:30 am


Transit – Monday, April 10 at 7 pm


Solitary Confinement – Tuesday, April 11 at 4 pm


Prison Prevention (TAD and 17 year-olds) – Tuesday, April 11 at 5 pm


Post-Release Issues (Revocations, etc.) – Thursday, April 27 at 7:30 pm

New members are welcome to join the groups.  Just dial in to 712-432-1601, and use the access code 423950#. The calls all take just an hour.  It is a good way to stay up-to-date on the issues, help fashion the next actions, and stay in touch with the others who share your values, concerns and hopes.