From James Morgan, Our MOSES Community Organizer
At the close of 2025, I have been reflecting on MOSES. I want to honor the steadfastness and dedication of our members in all components of our organization. I look forward to the same commitment in the coming year, focusing on sustainability and effectiveness as we continue to brand MOSES in the community. We hope to bring attention to the issues that impact the people of Wisconsin in a dignified and respectful manner. Right up front, I want to say: LET’S DO MOSES!
In the past year, we have continued our leadership in WISDOM task forces, especially the Post-Release Task Force. MOSES members played critical roles in WISDOM’s Madison Action Day in April, helping to bring our concerns to our state legislators. We also hosted the National Bus Tour on Solitary Confinement. Through tours of the bus and the model solitary confinement cell and through panel discussions, attendees learned about the many troubling aspects of this inhumane practice.
We also maintained a presence at the State Capitol. I was honored to participate in Indigenous People’s Day and in the League of Women Voters’ event regarding the 1964 Voting Rights Act.. MOSES members also testified at the hearing on proposed legislation to join 17 other states in demanding Medicare and Medicaid funding for incarcerated people who are in need of treatment for opioid and other addictions. So often I appear at the Capitol in opposition to proposed legislation; in this case, it was a pleasure to be able to thank the sponsors for their efforts. The November 12 Listening Session for legislators regarding key WISDOM issues is still being talked about.
MOSES organized a well-attended rally prior to county budget hearings and then testified in support of retaining funding for agencies that provide services for people struggling with housing and employment.
Looking forward with MOSES, I hope to meet regularly with three to five people on a renewed fund-raising team, so that we can have adequate financial resources for our work. I hope that increased funding will allow us to hire a part-time organizer to help me with the work and to be ready to step in if necessary. Under our new leadership structure, I look forward to continued collaboration with our president, Saundra Brown, as well as with president-elect Paul Saeman.
We all know the importance of building relationships to increase people power in MOSES. I would enjoy sitting down with you to share my motivation and dedication to our work and to learn about yours. Feel free to contact me! To help MOSES grow, we need to take advantage of potential resources we have right in our congregations – knowledgeable people we haven’t yet had the opportunity to meet and educate about MOSES’s issues.
I believe the ability to reflect is divine. And so I ask: What will this organization look like in 2036, in 2046? Are we willing to invest in the generations coming behind us? Will we educate them so they have the best information possible to navigate the future? Will we give them the tools to build a society where racism doesn’t wear on our souls every day – where we’re free to see the humanity in one another? We are facing uncertain times. Be encouraged that we have the ability to build bridges that will last for a long time. We are all contributing to the legacy of MOSES through love, compassion, and strong connections with one another. I appreciate everyone who’s giving me the opportunity to be an organizer for MOSES.
LET’S DO MOSES!