Recent Results

This is the type of work that’s possible only with your support. You can make a secure donation to any of our member groups—or to all of them (by selecting “CSW” in the drop-down list).

River Alliance—protecting our rivers

River Alliance helps our rivers and consequently our communities in the following ways:

• Conducting Clean Boats, Clean Waters watercraft inspections at landings on the Lower Wisconsin River.  This educates boaters about aquatic invasive species issues, and best practices for protecting our waterways.
• Training and supporting 170 citizens around the state who monitor the health of nearby rivers.
• Helping citizens across the state fight back against recent attacks on environmental regulations.  Working closely with other conservation groups, River Alliance helps citizens sort through complicated proposals, understand how our natural resources would be affected, and tell their stories to decision makers.

Legal Action of Wisconsin: protecting migrant workers’ rights—such as being paid

The Migrant Program at Legal Action of Wisconsin helps protect the rights of migrant workers—such as being paid as promised. The Migrant Project represented several workers who were recruited in Texas to harvest cucumbers in Wisconsin. When the workers arrived, they were told that there wasn’t any work for them—this is in violation of state and federal laws that require growers to adhere to promises made when recruiting migrant workers.

The workers had no money to return home, and the grower told them they had to move out of the migrant camp. After Legal Action contacted the grower, the workers were allowed to stay until the grower agreed to pay them the wages they would have earned.

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters: February 16th is Lobby Day

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters is sponsoring Conservation Lobby Day on Thursday, February 16, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.; contact them today to join in.  The group is encouraging members to come to the capitol and remind legislators to stand up for the laws that protect our land, resources, and health.  Unless the open-pit mining bill is scrapped, Wisconsinites risk exposure to toxic substance like lead, arsenic and mercury.

Disability Rights Wisconsin: encouraging options for those with disabilities

Disability Rights Wisconsin played a leadership role in the Survival Coalition, made up of over 40 groups representing people with disabilities, their family members, advocates, and providers of disability services.  The Coalition worked to oppose the 2011-2013 state budget cap on all community long-term care services.  The cap resulted in nursing home and other institutional care as the only option for people with disabilities and seniors—rather than long-term care support services that allow people to live in their homes and the community.  Recently the Governor lifted the cap.

WORT-FM Community Radio: giving voice to the community

“Thank God the little guy still has a voice.” This is just one of many comments WORT-FM Community Radio received from listeners during the political developments of the last year, as WORT’s News Department offered high-quality coverage. According to WORT staff, the public can “rest assured that the news and public affairs volunteers in this little box on the corner of Bedford and Doty Streets will continue to provide much-needed working-people perspectives.”

Center for Media & Democracy: exposing influence in government

The Center for Media and Democracy (CMD) was recently honored to win the prestigious Sidney Award.

One example of their work: CMD launched an unprecedented effort to expose the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) by analyzing and making available nearly 1,000 “model” bills written—behind closed doors—by politicians and corporate lobbyists. This type of corporate influence undermines essential American institutions and in many cases diverts taxes from the public good to private profit.

The CMD investigation helped inspire hundreds of news stories which covered this distortion of our democracy.

River Alliance: working to keep environmental protections in place

This is Tyler Forks, a tributary to the Bad River—and it is located literally yards from the proposed open pit mine in the Penokees.  This and other waterways risk destruction if the mine is built.  The River Alliance of Wisconsin is working with a coalition of statewide and Ashland-area groups to focus attention on the current mining proposal.  The River Alliance continues to rally support for keeping our current environmental protections in place.  (Photo by Hannah Hudson)

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters: hosting Kids’ Lobby Day at Capitol on January 5

This is Ali, who loves to play tag outside with her friends. Sounds ordinary, but these days, when the average American child spends six hours per day in front of a television or computer screen, it’s anything but ordinary.

The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters knows that a lack of connection to nature affects children’s health, their ability to learn, and their commitment to outdoor recreation, volunteering, and recycling.

Join the League for a special Kids’ Lobby Day, Press Conference, and Juice and Snack Social on January 5th at the State Capitol to support the Wisconsin Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights.  Because the gift of nature is one of the best gifts we can give to our children.

Women in Transition: offering a safe home for women with severe mental illness

The group home run by Women in Transition (WIT) is called the Halfway House, and last year 21 women received services there.  “Alice” is one example of a person who has made progress.

After living in another group home for several years, Alice has been with WIT for nine months.  During this time she has increased her volunteer work to four days a week and has learned basic meal preparation.

Ask Alice what she has accomplished in this period of time and her answer is, “I made a friend.”  Friendships are important for all people–and no less significant for persons with a severe and persistent mental illness.  Sometimes it is those friendships that are the key to better mental health.

Common Wealth Development: fostering community through home ownership

Howard thought he would be a renter for life.   Then he heard about Common Wealth Development’s Affordable Home Ownership Program, and he started working with a staff member, Paul.

Howard liked the idea of buying a home in the neighborhood where he works, shops, and socializes.  Though he was looking at an older home that needed work, he appreciated Paul’s expertise and guidance when it came to renovations, financing, and countless other details.

Howard said that buying this house made him think more about his future and his choices.  He started working out, running, making healthier food choices, and even planning a garden.  Howard said that just buying the house “made me become a better person.  And I couldn’t have done it without Common Wealth Development.”

UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence: expanding support of Latino community

UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence has received funding to expand into four Wisconsin counties, in addition to serving Dane County.  “The biggest need is support groups,” said Executive Director Cecilia Gillhouse.  “We will be sponsoring a support group in Rock County, which will also serve Walworth and Jefferson Counties.  In addition, we will be involved with a domestic abuse shelter in Sauk County, to assist the Latino community there.

“We’re very pleased that we will also be expanding to provide sexual assault services as well,” Cecilia added.

Wisconsin Women’s Network: working on behalf of women statewide

Recent successful work by the Wisconsin Women’s Network (WWN) includes the following.

• WWN has been awarded a $40,000 grant by the Women’s Foundation of California and been selected to participate in the Foundation’s Aging Justice Replication Project. WWN is one of only five groups nationwide to be chosen in a highly competitive grants process.  With the award, WWN will train fellows to become grassroots activists on behalf of causes related to women and aging.

• In partnership with the UW-Madison Department of Gender and Women’s Studies, WWN recently hosted the Wisconsin Young Women’s Agenda.  The meeting brought 150 participants together to become advocates for themselves and others.

• Co-sponsors WWN and Wisconsin NOW celebrated Women’s Equality Day last summer (see photo).  On June 10, 1919, Wisconsin’s all-male state legislature ratified the women’s suffrage amendment just moments before Illinois, making ours the first state in the nation to approve the landmark change to the Constitution.

Community Action on Latin America: promoting fair trade at festival on December 3

Each year Community Action on Latin America hosts the Fair Trade Holiday Festival. This year the 15th annual event will be held on December 3.  The thousands of visitors who attend have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of small-scale producers.  In turn, the producers and craftspeople are assured safe working conditions and a fair income.  With visitors spending over $35,000 on gifts at last year’s Festival, it’s clear that Fair Trade is a viable economic alternative.

Wis Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired: supporting and empowering those with low vision

Gary was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) in 1982.  By 2000, his RP progressed to the point that he couldn’t see faces or distinguish colors.  “I had to quit my job of 21 years and seek help so I could adjust to my vision loss,” said Gary.  He turned to the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired and discovered a goldmine of resources.

A white cane and orientation/mobility training from the Council gave Gary the independence and confidence he needed to continue his very active life.  He also received assistive technology training from the Council’s staff.

When Gary found a new job, help from the Council enhanced his ability to communicate with his new clients.

Moreover, Gary joined a Council-sponsored RP Support Group, where he has been a model of hope and inspiration for others with this eye condition.

Wisconsin Family Ties: assisting families with children who have mental health problems

“Finally someone gets it!”  That’s the phrase often heard by Parent Peer Specialists from Wisconsin Family Ties, which helps families with children who have mental health problems.  The Parent Peer Specialists work one-on-one with families, whether it’s regarding school issues, social services, or mental health services.

Parent Peer Specialists listen sensitively, help a parent see things from a different perspective, and advocate as needed for the family.

After working with Wisconsin Family Ties, one parent exclaimed, “I feel like I can breathe again just knowing that someone understands.”

River Alliance: Protecting Our Rivers From Invasive Species

Hundreds of citizens around the state have been trained to keep an educated and wary eye out for invasive plants and animals, thanks to River Alliance of Wisconsin’s Project RED (Riverine Early Detectors).

For this project the River Alliance joins forces with watershed groups around the state. For instance, they collaborated with the Friends of the Lower Wisconsin to educate Wisconsin River boaters about how they can stop the spread of invasive plants.

By foot, wader, or canoe, these citizens are mapping the location and extent of invasive critters, and eradicating them where feasible.

Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence: indirectly assisting thousands of abuse survivors

Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence staff responded to nearly 2,000 requests for assistance from domestic violence programs, as well as health, human services, justice, and faith communities. They also provided training to nearly 1,000 participants at WCADV-sponsored statewide events. In addition, customized domestic violence training was provided to 1,000 other professionals from varied systems including: child protective services, courts, corrections, health care, schools and universities, and victim witness specialists with the district attorney’s office.

WCADV recently hosted its first ever Connected Cultures Leadership and Skill Building Institute (CCLI). The CCLI was a year-long training session for survivors and others who represent diverse communities.

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters: engaging business owners

Neil Peters-Michaud, founder and owner of Cascade Asset Management (at left in photo), noted that he got involved with Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters “through my work on the electronic waste bill.  My business collects used electronics from businesses and institutions, as well as from individuals through collection programs, and then ‘cascades’ them to their next best use (refurbishing, recycling, or reusing components).  Since 1999, we’ve recycled or refurbished over 60 million pounds of electronics, so this legislation was very important to us.

“While WLCV worked with the environmental and conservation communities to pass the legislation, I was working to build coalitions on the business side, engaging my peers to testify at hearings and provide comments supporting the bill’s passage.

“Our efforts paid off,” said Neil.  “The bill passed through the State Legislature and was signed into law.”

Cascade Asset Management is a national leader in responsible electronic waste recycling and refurbishing, with its headquarters in Madison.

Disability Rights Wisconsin: Supporting the needs of our returning troops

Disability Rights Wisconsin was a sponsor of the Wisconsin Warrior Summit, a conference for mental health professionals, community groups, veterans, and their families recently held in Madison. This conference, attended by over 500 people, focused on the education, support, and counseling needs of our returning troops–thousands of whom have returned home to Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Literacy: working on behalf of justice issues statewide

Here are just a few of the accomplishments of Wisconsin Literacy.

• The group has led a major statewide initiative to educate adult learners and vulnerable populations about H1N1 and seasonal influenza concepts.  By working with its member groups, Wisconsin Literacy presented influenza workshops to more than 1,100 people throughout Wisconsin.
• Wisconsin Literacy recognized Peg Frey as 2010 Tutor of the Year (photo at right). Many gathered to celebrate the incredible impact Peg has had on countless students from her 67 years of giving the gift of literacy.

ABC for Health: offering advocacy, legal services to Wisconsin children and families

A family contacted ABC for Health after the mom and dad both lost their jobs and, with them, their health insurance. Their son, struggling with mental health issues, was starting to rapidly decline. Even with the federal COBRA subsidy, the premiums for their family were unaffordable. ABC screened each family member for appropriate health coverage and then successfully challenged a denial from a specific Wisconsin Medicaid program for their son.  A letter to ABC thanked the attorney for “being our guardian angel when we needed one most.”

OutReach: supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community

• OutReach cosponsors the Intimate Partner Violence program, which features research, education for the LGBT community, and networking. Rep. Tammy Baldwin helped secure federal funding for the program.
• A transgender homeless client received a referral from OutReach for mental health services. Because of that support, she went on to get a high school diploma and find a job.

OutReach specializes in one-on-one work with individuals dealing with difficult aspects of their sexual orientation or identity. For the staff, it’s satisfying to see how their help can help contribute to such positive changes in people’s lives.

Community GroundWorks: sparking kids’ interest in food and the environment

Anthony, age 9, is a gardener at Community GroundWorks’ Troy Kids’ Garden.  He worked in the gardens every week last fall through his after-school program at a local neighborhood center that serves low-income youth.

Salsa-making is a popular activity in the Kids’ Garden, but Anthony seemed to show no interest.  On the day when his class harvested tomatoes, garlic, and onions–and then prepared salsa–Anthony sat quietly and just watched.  Eventually he dipped a few chips in the fresh salsa and gave it a taste.

The next week when Anthony’s mom dropped him off, she told the staff that he had never before been a tomato eater.  But when he came home from the Kids’ Garden a week before, he took his mom to their garden to pick all the tomatoes.  He then showed her how to make salsa.

Anthony’s mom added, “You guys are doing something right.”

Community Action on Latin America: broadening views through guest speakers

Community Action on Latin America partners with area organizations to co-sponsor speakers such as Ofelia Rivas, a tribal elder of the Tohono O’odham tribe.  Ofelia is founder of “O’odham Voice Against the Wall” in Arizona.  The Tohono O’odham tribal lands cross the US-Mexico border, and historically tribe members have been free to come and go between their native communities in Arizona and Mexico.    With recent crackdowns on immigration, the tribe has experienced:

• Harassment by the Border Patrol
• Rejection of their tribal ID
• Construction of a tall border wall that crosses their tribal lands
• Destruction of burial grounds in the building of the wall

Ofelia’s presentation here was an opportunity to better understand the connections between Mexicans, US citizens, and Native Americans.  It was also a chance to observe how many people are affected by strained government relations with our neighbors to the south.

Legal Action of Wisconsin: protecting the rights of low-income senior citizens

Ted was in his 80s when his wife died. She had been the one who managed all the couple’s finances.  What’s more, he was slipping into dementia, and he seemed at times unsure how to keep his bills paid.

He met a man in the neighborhood who called himself The Preacher, who convinced Ted to sign papers giving him power of attorney.  But instead of looking out for the older man’s interests, The Preacher latched onto virtually everything of value Ted had: his home, car, bank accounts, pension checks, and Social Security payments.

Ted found the balance on his bills climbing higher—and new bills for items like cell phones.  When Ted’s phone and utilities were cut off, a neighbor brought him to Legal Action of Wisconsin.  The attorney secured a judgment against The Preacher for the theft and fraud; the hope is that Ted may recoup some of the cash stolen from him.

Thanks to Legal Action, Ted at least has his house and car back, and he’s once again getting his monthly checks.  The Legal Action lawyer even connected Ted with another neighbor–one with considerably nobler intentions–who sees to it that Ted’s lights and utilities stay on.

Legal Action of Wisconsin provides free civil legal services for low-income people.

Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice: organizing Peace Lantern event annually

Here peace lanterns float down the Milwaukee River at an event sponsored annually by Peace Action Wisconsin, a member organization of the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice (WNPJ). The Lanterns for Peace event is held the first week of August to commemorate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Diane Farsetta from WNPJ explained that “people of all ages—and many families—come together to reflect on this part of our history and to learn about issues of nuclear disarmament. Each person can draw whatever they’d like on the lanterns, which are lit at dusk and floated en masse. It’s a beautiful representation of our stance in opposition to the use of nuclear weapons.”

Chrysalis: “a huge asset for this community” in working with disabled

Chrysalis works individually with adults who have mental illnesses, helping them find work and offering ongoing support. Here are comments from one organization, which has used services provided by Chrysalis:

“As small conservation nonprofit organization working in the Madison area, I can unequivocally say that Chrysalis is a huge asset for this community. Not only have their services allowed us to reach a wider audience, resulting in greater capacity to protect Wisconsin’s land, but the service that they provide the community as a whole is invaluable.”
– Sara DeKok, Member Relations Director, Gathering Waters Conservancy

River Alliance: past and ongoing successes in protecting our rivers

Here are two of the achievements by the River Alliance of Wisconsin.

• Ten years ago, the River Alliance pushed to create the “River Grants” program at the Department of Natural Resources.  The result?  In the past decade nearly 100 watershed and river friends groups have put over $2 million into saving rivers and improving watersheds all across Wisconsin.

• Citizens living on the Petenwell and Castle Rock flowages of the Wisconsin River have organized into an effective advocacy organization called the PACRS (Petenwell and Castle Rock Stewards). Their aim is to draw attention to the problem of water polluted with toxic algae (see photo). River Alliance has assisted the group in fundraising, developing the organization, and political strategizing.

Center for Family Policy and Practice: advocating for low-income men and their families

The staff from the Center for Family Policy and Practice presented at multiple speaking engagements and trainings recently.  Local keynotes included:

• YWCA-Madison’s Racial Justice Summit
• Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence Advocacy in Urban Communities Summit

Center staff also provided keynotes and workshops on social welfare policy, child support, domestic violence, poverty, and race to national audiences:

• National Legal Aid and Defender Association’s Substantive Law Conference and Litigation and Advocacy Director Conference
• Women of Color Network’s first National Call to Action Institute and Conference
• Texas Council on Family Violence annual conference
• Missouri Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence annual conference

Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice: working on behalf of justice issues statewide

Supporters of the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice worked on behalf of, and celebrated the successes of, three major efforts in last year’s state legislative session:

•      Established a complaint process for race-based (“Indian”) school logos and mascots, which can normalize racism and harm all students.
•     Established in-state tuition rates to immigrant youth who graduate from Wisconsin high schools, which was among the only pro-immigrant state laws passed recently in the United States.
•     Set up a public financing system for state Supreme Court elections.

A great event that’s held each year is the Friendship Camp, sponsored by WNPJ member group Southwest Grassroots Citizens for Peace.  At the camp the kids participate in fun activities, and they talk about the world they want to help create when they grow up.

Legal Action of Wisconsin: stabilizing the lives of former inmates

Legal Action of Wisconsin worked with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections in creating a project to help inmates who are nearing their release from incarceration.  Legal Action works with certain inmates—identified by the Department as disabled—to help them get disability benefits as soon as possible upon release.

This helps stabilize the lives of these former inmates.  It can also save the Department of Corrections money due to reduced recidivism.

Legal Action of Wisconsin provides free civil legal services for low-income people.

Sierra Club Foundation: helping citizens groups voice their opinions to the EPA

The Sierra Club Foundation, John Muir Chapter, has been helping citizens of Caledonia, Wisconsin, voice their health concerns.  Water in the area has been contaminated by toxic coal ash waste.  The issue has received national attention, with citizens in many states affected by similar problems.

In working with the Caledonia residents, the Sierra Club collected written comments and took over 50 people to an EPA hearing on coal ash regulations in Chicago last fall.  Since the issue is not yet settled, the Sierra Club expects to continue offering assistance to the group.

Working Capital for Community Needs: providing loans for basic needs

Thanks to lenders here, Working Capital for Community Needs was recently able to:

•     Lend over $1.1 million to help over 3,000 small-scale coffee farmers make a better wage by selling their coffee on international fair trade markets.
•     Give financing to help rural Nicaraguan farmers buy solar panels, allowing these families have electricity in their homes and on their farms for the first time.

Those helped with the micro-loans say they are able to better feed, clothe, house, and school their children.  While many of the parents quit school early, or never attended at all, they know how important school is—and their goal is to ensure that their children get an education.

Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault: assisting sexual assault service providers statewide

The Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA) developed a model to offer greater assistance to sexual assault service providers throughout the state.  WCASA also provided training to 70 advocates through WCASA’s Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy School.

Wis Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired: providing more services to rural areas

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired offers vision rehabilitation services to those aged 55 and older in rural, underserved counties in Southwest Wisconsin.

Last year, their services increased by 23% compared to 2009.   In addition, the Council’s outreach to communities-at-large included four senior fairs, each with more than 200 older people in attendance.

Gathering Waters: showing results of the land conservation movement

What is the impact of Wisconsin’s land trust movement? As the service center for Wisconsin’s land trusts, Gathering Waters Conservancy looked at the data, and here is what they found:

• In the past 5 years, the number of acres protected by Wisconsin land trusts has jumped from 80,000 to 220,000—a 261% increase!
• In the 16 years since Gathering Waters’ founding, the number of land trusts in Wisconsin has grown from 12 to nearly 50.
• A decade ago, there were 1,000 Wisconsin volunteers devoted to land trust work; today there are more than 5,000.
• Wisconsin’s land trusts are preserving and protecting the places that make Wisconsin special.

Housing Initiatives: offering stable homes to homeless people with mental illness

Housing Initiatives—which provides permanent housing to formerly homeless people who suffer from mental illness—had a banner year in 2010:

• They purchased 20 housing units, which expanded their housing stock by nearly 30%.
• They provided permanent housing to an additional 10 homeless veterans. Housing Initiatives achieved this by partnering with the Veterans Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Moreover, Housing Initiatives offers ongoing support to their residents, ensuring that they have a safe and stable home life over the long term.

OutReach: supporting senior citizens in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community

OutReach sponsored semi-monthly workshops as part of its LGBT Senior Information project for LGBT senior citizens. Large groups attended the program, which featured speakers from various city, county, and private service providers.

Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence: sponsoring Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

Along with UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence, Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WCADV) is a co-sponsor of the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. The walk is inspired by the old saying, “You can’t understand a person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.”

The event is a fun way to raise awareness as well as funding for a very serious issue: ending domestic violence. Clad in high heels, men, women, and children march a mile to the Capitol. The money raised benefits not only WCADV, but UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence, also a CSW member group.

This year the event will be held on Saturday, May 7.

League of Women Voters of Wis: helping ensure a fair and impartial judiciary

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Fund served on a legislative committee seeking ways to ensure a fair and impartial judiciary in our state in light of new campaign laws.

In addition, the League sent questionnaires to almost 400 Wisconsin candidates for state or federal office and published a nonpartisan, online voter guide with candidates’ answers.

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Fund promotes the informed and active participation in government.

The Progressive: offering a wider audience for nonprofits’ media outreach

The Progressive‘s Media Project helps nonprofits get the word out about timely issues. In the process, they help open up the national debate.

First, the Media Project offers workshops to those from grassroots nonprofits seeking to polish their writing skills and to get inside information on media access (photo at right).

The Project also assists authors in reaching wider readership.

• In just one of the many editorials widely distributed in print and online sources nationwide, Angel Trudell Vasquez from the ACLU wrote a piece entitled “Arizona’s New Immigration Law Is Unjust.” With the help of the Media Project, the piece was distributed to publications with a circulation of 500,000.
• Steve Burns of the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice also wrote about Democrats’ poor arguments on the deficit. That piece reached publications with a circulation of 6 million.

Community GroundWorks: received Distinguished Service Award

Community GroundWorks has received the Distinguished Service Award from Madison-Dane County Public Health. They received the award for “developing land in a sustainable manner, improving food security, and providing educational programs on gardening, food preparation, nutrition, and the environment.”

Visit their website for more information.

Sustain Dane: sponsoring Bioneers Conference to shape sustainable choices

Sustain Dane works to empower people with the knowledge and skills to take action–and help us achieve a more sustainable future.

A point of pride for Sustain Dane is its annual Badger Bioneers Conference. Each year, that event brings together dozens of innovative and inspirational thinkers to talk about what it means for cities, businesses, and individuals to live and work sustainably–and about how we all can shape sustainable choices in all that we do.

The hundreds of people in attendance come away both inspired and ready to take action as they make better, more sustainable choices in their lives.

Over the years, Badger Bioneers has become an important touchstone in the dialogue about sustainability. And Sustain Dane is thrilled to bring this experience to our region.

PBS Special Focuses on Sierra Club’s Founder, John Muir

“The question was, for him, whether every place on earth has to become an economic commodity.”

That quote offers one of many insights into John Muir from the PBS special, “John Muir in the New World.”

Founded in 1892 by John Muir, the Sierra Club is America’s oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization. The local chapter of the Sierra Club (which is a CSW member group) is the John Muir Chapter.

ABC for Health: offering advocacy, legal services to Wisconsin children and families

ABC for Health was contacted by a couple who had hit tough times. The husband was hurt and couldn’t work, and the wife had recently lost the job she had held for over 25 years. Both were facing significant health issues. It had been years since either had health insurance.

ABC assessed the couple’s needs, and helped them navigate the new BadgerCare Plus Core Plan application process. Lengthy delays and inappropriate denials would have caused this couple to give up, but ABC took that burden from the family and cut through the legal red tape.

In the end, the couple received the benefits and care they were due, received appropriate reimbursements for their medical expenses, and got back on their feet. Furthermore, ABC helped the husband get into a workforce training program. The wife now has a job with insurance. Due to such a positive turn of events, she was able to relinquish her BadgerCare Core Plan, giving a spot to one of the 30,000 people on the program’s waiting list at the time.

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters: supporting conservationists statewide

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters’ members and supporters helped pass 19 pro-conservation bills in the Wisconsin State Legislature in 2010. The group’s Conservation Lobby Day was a huge success, with over 400 citizens gathering at the Capitol, meeting with their legislators, and learning more about how they can support conservation efforts.

Thanks to the work of WLCV, these 19 new Wisconsin laws will:

• Ensure that electronics are recycled
• Reduce phosphorus runoff into our lakes
• Implement youth-mentored hunting
• Promote cleaner fuels

Disability Rights Wisconsin: intervening to ensure proper care

This is a note from a parent of a son with a developmental disability. Disability Rights Wisconsin intervened to make sure that he received appropriate care.

“The County tried to move our son from his present home to substandard housing in an unsafe location, and to change his caregiving agency to one providing inadequate care and treatment. Within two weeks of DRW’s involvement the County withdrew its proposals and apologized to us. We are most grateful to DRW.”

Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice: advocating for an end to wage theft

Andres and Shannon were not paid for their work at a local restaurant. As victims of wage theft, they had to go on food stamps and had trouble keeping up with rent.

Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice (ICWJ) led a community delegation to work with the Dane County District Attorney to emphasize the importance of prosecuting employers who violate the Fair Labor Standards Act–whether through improper payment or non-payment of wages.

As a result the DA has agreed to place a priority on prosecuting wage theft, which benefits all workers in Dane County. ICWJ has also organized rallies to support victims of wage theft (photo at left).

As for Andres and Sharon, they are now receiving help from a local legal organization.

Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger: setting precedents for water standards

Thanks to advocacy work by Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger (CSWAB), Wisconsin has set a national precedent by adopting groundwater standards for previously unregulated munitions.

• Ours is the first state to establish groundwater standards for all six isomers of the cancer-causing explosive dinitrotoluene (DNT).
• The state also set an enforceable standard for perchlorate, a toxic component in propellants, which will be the lowest in the nation.

CSWAB is leading the way in protecting public health and our environment.

Center for Family Policy and Practice: advocating for low-income men and their families

The Center for Family Policy and Practice (CFFPP) celebrated 15 years of advocating on behalf of low-income men and their families. Some of their 2010 highlights included the following.

• By invitation, the CFFPP attended President Obama’s Father’s Day remarks as well as the President and Vice President’s commemoration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the White House.
• The CFFPP’s co-director, Jacquelyn Boggess, was interviewed and quoted in an article on fatherhood and social welfare policy for The American Prospect.
• The staff prepared a policy brief on President Obama’s proposed “Fatherhood, Marriage, and Families Innovation Fund.”
• The staff also prepared written testimony on the benefits of programs that serve the needs of low-income men and fathers, which was submitted to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.

Working Capital for Community Needs: providing loans for farmers’ basic needs

Thanks to lenders here, who lend money through Working Capital for Community Needs, Nicaraguan farmer Santiago Herrera Troche has received 19 loans to finance the planting and harvesting of his corn and beans. He says the trust extended to him has helped him substantially increase his standard of living. “My house is better. I’ve plastered it, improved the ceiling, and I even have electricity with the solar panel loan. I never thought that my house would have light and we could watch TV.” Santiago hopes his children will follow in his footsteps, associating themselves with their local cooperative, saving and working hard so that they’ll have something to fall back on.

Other Successes

To see some of our members’ other great results, please visit the Earlier Results Page.