Organizer’s Corner: James Morgan
Interviewed by Margaret Irwin
MOSES Organizer James Morgan and Michael Burch, executive director of The Crossroads Student Ministry, met with a new student group, Students Against Mass Incarceration, in June. James and Michael invited the students to a weeklong Power of Community Organizing training this summer. They look forward to building a strong and effective team on the campus, bringing MOSES resources to assist the students and getting them involved in some of the issues MOSES is concerned about. James will be doing some individual trainings with them and hopes to get them involved in community advocacy work with us, as well as in the community listening sessions MOSES is planning.
James noted that MOSES is a known entity on campus. He had previously collaborated with some of the students’ professors when he was on the staff of JustDane, so when the students decided they wanted to take action about mass incarceration, these professors suggested MOSES as a possible partner. “Continuing and building those relationships increases our ability to expand our level of influence in this community,” James said.
Police Civilian Oversight Board (PCOB) and Office of the Independent Police Monitor (OIPM)
James congratulates the Justice and Policing (JTPF) and Justice System Reform Initiative (JSRI) task forces for their professional and strategic work in demanding transparency and independent oversight of law enforcement in Madison. The task forces have studied the issues and worked with the OIPM and concerned alders to support these demands. James points out that because MOSES is paying attention to what is happening in the community, we have a voice; and the OIPM called on us for assistance. See the article on page x for further information.
MOSES’s Fund-Raising Team has been busy. The Lunch and Learn fund-raising event on May 20 was a big success. A huge thank you to Judge Everett Mitchell, who accepted a modest honorarium in lieu of his usual speaking fees; to Lucy Gibson of Lake Edge Lutheran, who coordinated the event; and to all who attended. People left with not only a wealth of information, but also with questions about how they could become involved in assisting young people caught in the juvenile justice system. James has spoken with the juvenile court system administrator at the City-County building, who invites MOSES members to tour that facility. James will be happy to make arrangements for such a tour. See page x for a full report on the Lunch and Learn event.
The Fund-Raising Team is also in the process of submitting a grant proposal to the Madison Community Foundation for help with trainings and public events. “There’s stiff competition for dollars these days,” James says. “We need organized people and organized money to achieve the level playing field we seek in our country. Just watch the news!” James bows in gratitude to all who give to support MOSES. On June 17, he and Rachel Kincade did a training for the WISDOM statewide network, sharing strategies they have used over the years to fund projects.
James urges us to VOTE, VOTE, VOTE! in the Aug. 11 partisan primary and the Nov. 3 mid-term election. “Pay attention to the candidates, what they promise, and how we can hold them to those promises,” he says. “Some people have become very discouraged by the outcome of their votes in recent elections. But we must vote consistently; don’t give up! Vote for what’s in the best interest of yourself, your family, your community, and the state of Wisconsin. VOTE!”
“We are a unique group of individuals across many spheres of this community who have come together because we have a common concern, compassion, and love for ourselves, our families, and our broader community,” James says in conclusion. “That will always stand as something we can be proud of. It constantly inspires me in the work that I do. It also inspires me to say to you all: LET’S DO MOSES!”