News and Commentary
This page displays timely announcements, news reports, and articles written by MOSES members previously published in our newsletters, yearbook, or venues. The main display shows all items with the most recent first. You can select particular topics, working groups, or types of information to see the articles of one type, with the most recent first. Also see the Publications & Resources page for links to whole newsletters and yearbooks as well as other resources for research.
Restorative Justice in Madison Schools
In MOSES, our Racial Justice for All Children task force (RJAC) is partnering with MMSD to support a robust implementation of restorative justice in the schools. This is one of several RJAC undertakings to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline.
Organizer’s Corner
Organizer’s Corner By James Morgan Greetings, MOSES members! I’d like to first and once again thank each of you for your time, efforts, and dedication to our organization. We are at a unique time in our state and nation. It seems that at every turn events are occuring that tug at our hearts and minds in ways that perhaps, for some of us, are overwhelming. World, national, and local politics and politicians appear to be embroiled in a politically entrenched world of theater, ignoring the...
Eviction Records and Homelessness: Advocacy Wins
Advocacy by MOSES members persuaded the Wisconsin Supreme Court to reduce the retention of eviction petition records to one year from twenty. This is an important win as eviction petition records have been a major contributor to homelessness.
End the Lockdowns! Action Draws 200 to State Capitol
“End the Lockdowns!” Action Draws 200 to State Capitol By Pam Gates Over 200 people participated in the WISDOM-sponsored “End the Lockdowns!” action at the state Capitol on Oct. 10. Religious leaders, including the current WISDOM president, loved ones of people being held in the state prisons in question, and formerly incarcerated people spoke passionately in protest of the inhumane conditions in which many Wisconsin prisoners are held. One mother began her testimony by saying: “Had...
“FROM ASHES TO BEAUTY” TELLS STORIES WE NEED TO KNOW
"FROM ASHES TO BEAUTY" TELLS STORIES WE NEED TO KNOW By Sherry Reames On Oct. 12, Madison's First Congregational UCC hosted the showing of a short documentary that deserves a much wider audience than the few dozen people who showed up on that rainy evening. This locally made film, "From Ashes to Beauty: Stories after Incarceration," is narrated in part by Deb Mejchar, whose prison experience inspired her subsequent career as a chaplain ministering to prisoners and former prisoners....
Can Wisconsin Finally End Juvenile Life Without Parole?
The Wisconsin Alliance for Youth Justice (WAY-J) is making another push to end life- without-parole sentences for offenders under the age of 18.
Racially Coded Political Ads
The racial equity topic for March takes us back several months ago, during the political campaign between Senator Ron Johnson and then Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes. If you saw any of the TV ads or heard any of the radio ads from Ron Johnson, you already know they became increasingly focused around Barnes wanting to “defund the police and release violent felons without bail”. These statements, of course, were not true and instead were pulled out of context and reassembled for Johnson’s...
Archival History of Past MOSES Posts
We are saving this for posterity. In the future we will link our Facebook post here for current announcements.
Critical Race Theory Explainer
This was written in July 2021 by Pam Oliver MOSES members have expressed concern about the current controversy around critical race theory. Some people have heard things that sound quite upsetting, such as children being required to identify with a particular race or being told that they have to announce/denounce their privilege. Right-wing media, politicians, and clergy are claiming that "critical race theory" is a moral threat to the nation, and there have been bills introduced in...
Lunch and Learn with Myra McNair May 2021
Myra McNair is a Marriage and Family Therapist, and Trauma Specialist and owner of Anesis Therapy. She discusses trauma as a root cause of incarceration, therapy for traumatized children, and Anesis Therapy's Mission. Carmela Glenn hosts and asks questions. This was a Zoom event. Helping people navigate the mental health and wellness aspects of their life in a way that honors culture, family, community, and faith. YouTube video