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.
Reform Now: Revocations & GPS Monitoring #ReformNow
On Wednesday, August 20, WISDOM members from across the state gathered to speak out against the unjust and counterproductive practice of sending people to prison for “technical violations” of their parole or supervision. Click below to view a video on the event by Tim Coursen. http://vimeo.com/104371646
MOSES goes to Milwaukee #ReformWisDOCNow #ReformNow
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead Today, REFORM NOW in front of the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (and please note that those are NOT real windows - it is only a facade made to LOOK like there are windows). James H. Hall, Jr., the President of the Milwaukee branch of the NAACP, speaking at the REFORM NOW action in front of the...
Buy an Ad in the MOSES 2014 Yearbook!
Support MOSES and promote your business at the same time. Ads for the 2014 yearbook are now for sale! Click to download this form to purchase your ad. Ad must be received by October 1. Curious about how your ad will be used? Click to browse the 2013 Yearbook!
Monthly MOSES Meeting THIS Saturday, Aug 2
Stay informed! Join us on Saturday, August 2 at First Congregational Church, the lower level, from 10-12pm. Check out this poll to learn what are Wisconsinites thinking about the DOC. This article came out Sunday.
View Testimony from MOSES members at the July 9 event #ReformWiscDOCNow
Here are some video testimonies from the July 9th event at the State Capitol. Please share! Scroll down on the Home page to see more information and links to press regarding this event. http://youtu.be/x6X9ZSYuOvA http://youtu.be/LHpAahxVPYo http://youtu.be/7WGw8vRFF14
More press from July 9 #ReformWiscDOCNow
Check out the front page story in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Sunday, July 13! Also, Journal Sentinal columnist James Causey, who was at the July 9th event all day, wrote this column entitled A Wisconsin epidemic: imprisoning black men. .
WISDOM and MOSES Call to #ReformWiscDOCNow at State Capitol July 9, 2014
On Wednesday, July 9, 2014, many diverse interfaith groups and justice advocates gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol for WISDOM’s press conference and to speak to the State Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Speakers from organizations across the state, including Madison’s own MOSES contingent, conveyed passion and knowledge as they unveiled REFORM NOW, a campaign to illuminate failures, share stories, offer solutions and call for accountability at the DOC. More than 125 people...
2 Day Leadership Training June 27 and 28!
Just a reminder that the 2-day training here in Madison for formerly-incarcerated people, as well as family members of currently or formerly incarcerated people will be on June 27 and 28. We have a good place, and it seems we have a fair number of people planning to attend. We want to ask you to encourage people who want to attend (including yourselves) to sign up as soon as possible. We especially need to know how many out-of-towners will need a place to stay. If you have any questions,...
Ban the Box and Stop Over-Use of Criminal Background Checks
Move conviction questions from the start to the end of the job application process 1 out of 4 U.S. adults has an arrest or criminal history that shows up in criminal background checks. Of those who are incarcerated, 95% will be released back into the community. ~54% of those released will return to jail. The biggest reason people end up back in jail is because they cannot get jobs. The biggest reason they cannot get jobs is because most initial job applications now have a yes/no check-box (or...
Another $1.5M in TAD Funding Approved!
The state legislature recently approved a $1.5 million annual increase to the TAD (Treatment Alternatives and Diversions) fund. This builds on the $1.5 increase that was approved in the summer of 2013. This means that, in the past year, funding has gone from $1 million per year to $4 million per year. Based on the past performance of TAD programs, we can conservatively estimate that the $3 million/year increase will result in: At least 150 fewer prison admissions per year At least 850 fewer...