Gearing Up for a Big Madison Action Day (Thursday, April 10)
by Sherry Reames
Although Madison Action Day is still a few weeks away, it’s definitely not too early to start
preparing. The essential first step this year may be to shift our focus from discouraging national
news to the relatively hopeful outlook for our issues here in Wisconsin. We have a better partisan balance in our State Legislature than we’ve seen in many years, a large number of new legislators to meet, and a budget proposal from Governor Evers that includes some of WISDOM’s highest priorities, most obviously the closure of the antiquated prison at Green Bay without building a new prison to replace it. So we will have lots to discuss with our legislators and are hoping for an extra-large and enthusiastic turnout.
If you don’t know what to expert, here’s a quick overview of the day’s schedule.
- 9 am– Check-in at Madison Masonic Center, 301 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Madison
- WISDOM program– Brief videos introducing all the WISDOM affiliates, presentation of priority issues by inspiring leaders from around the state, music (including songs by Madison’s own Raging Grannies), and a call to action
- Informal lunch and discussion of plans for the afternoon
- March to the Capitol (for those who can; rides available for those who can’t)
- Small-group visits to legislative offices, probably starting at 1 or 1:30 pm
- Gather at Grace Episcopal Church (across the street from the Capitol) to relax and discuss what we learned
Please spread the word about this event! Let your congregations, neighbors, and friends know that Madison Action Day is a great opportunity for learning, inspiration, meaningful activism, and even some fun, and invite them to join us. Here’s the registration link:
bit.ly/madisonactionday2025 .
Please register as soon as possible, and remind others to do likewise. It’s not crucial to pay immediately, but the WISDOM organizing committee needs everybody’s names and details well ahead of time. Here’s why: besides placing advance orders for everybody’s T-shirts and lunches, the organizing committee has the big job of matching attendees with legislators, trying to make sure that every single senator and assembly rep will have a visit, either from their own constituents or (if necessary) by volunteers from MOSES and other large affiliates.
Please consider participating in the following training opportunities, which are designed to increase the effectiveness of our lobbying efforts this year:
- WISDOM State budget trainings (including one in Madison on Saturday afternoon, March 15, from 1 to 3 pm, location TBA) will include both expert tips on messaging and story-telling and the opportunity to practice these skills.
New this year! An orientation session for Action Day attendees a week before the event (Thursday evening, April 3, probably on zoom from 6 to 7 pm) will help teams of legislative visitors get organized in advance (deciding who will facilitate, who will speak on each issue, etc.), as well as providing more messaging tips and practice.