Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice advances a sustainable world free from violence and injustice by connecting, engaging, and strengthening member groups and serving as a catalyst for community organizing and education.
Origins
On February 23, 1991, more than 350 people representing over 60 communities throughout the state responded to a call from Representative Frank Boyle and crowded into the Assembly Chambers of the State Capitol to gather strength from one another in their frustration and concern about the Gulf War. On that day, the ground war began.
Out of that gathering arose the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice. Since that time, the Network has grown to include over 150 peace, human rights, religious, labor, and environmental organizations throughout the state.
Projects
1) Conferences/meetings to explore peace and justice issues as well as the "common ground" upon which members might coordinate their activist activities. There is an Annual Spring Steering Committee for WNPJ organizational representatives and an Annual Fall Assembly for all WNPJ members and friends.
2) Publication of Action Alerts, highlighting action alerts and/or events from around the state. WNPJ also publishes a Newsletter that highlights activities and groups from around the state and which includes a calendar of events and numerous networking and action suggestions.
3) Maintain on-line directory of member organizations. The directory contains a page for each organization, describing its purpose, projects, publications, etc.
4) Work Groups turn creative study and thought into positive action by linking work already being done by WNPJ member organizations. They create flyers and packets of information for educational use - and plan events in our communities, focused on their area of activism.
Active WNPJ Work Groups in 2012 are Immigration Rights, Anti-militarism/pro-peace, Environmental issues, and Anti-racism.
5) Presentation of the annual Peacemakers of the Year, Dennis Bergren LGBTQ Advocacy, and Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Annual Fall Assembly. Nominations are accepted all year round, but to be considered for award, nominations are due by August 31st of the year award is to be presented.
6) WNPJ provides another statewide resource through a Speakers Bureau, with a listing of WNPJ members or members of WNPJ member groups who are prepared for give presentations to any gatherings across the state, on justice and peace subjects.
