Family & Community


Changing Hearts and Minds

Hi Friends, I  attended this very workshop held by Planned Parenthood in January. I walked away with a renewed sense of optimism! The presentation we will have is a little shorter version, but impactful just the same. We have such a wonderful opportunity to learn how to hold those difficult conversations. We will learn about oursleves and others, how not to make assumptions, how to be better at showing empathy and really listening to the other person. Think about what you want to say and what you want to stay away from saying. Find that one-on-one opportunity and ...

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Indinawemaaganidog – We are ALL Related

Many Native American tribes have a word meaning "We are ALL related".  For the Ojibwe people that word is Indinawemaaganidog.  It represents a concept foreign to English speakers in its all-encompassing inclusivity.  Not only are all people part of a single family, but so is all of life on this fine planet, including rocks and mountains, rivers and lakes.  Knowingly, living in a world full of family is rich with implications.  We respect family, we honor and love our family.  We are grateful for gifts given, wanting to give something in return.  Most importantly, ...

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U.S. IMMIGRATION

Under the U.S.Immigration and Nationality Act (USINA) of 1980 a refugee is a [person] who, generally, has experienced past persecution or has a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Individuals who met this definition were considered for refugee status. That definition also applied to those who were already in the United States. Since the passage of the Refugee Act the United States has admitted more than 3.1 million refugees.   Prior to USINA refugee admissions ...

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Genocide in Duluth

Authors note: As I was finishing this article the news of a tentative ceasefire in Gaza was announced. This is good news, but there is no indication this agreement will result in peace in the region. The root causes of the conflict are not being addressed. The blockade of Gaza is not being lifted. Hamas remains in place. Israel's attitudes toward Palestinians remain unchanged. The U.S. support for Israel remains unconditional and likely to get worse with the new administration. Therefore, the message of this article remains relevant. “If the U.S. and Israel can spin ...

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DACA PROGRAM

The DACA program is in grave peril and Congress must act before the end of the year to create permanent protections for the hundreds of thousands of people who were brought to this country as children, making it the only place they have ever called home.  DACA recipients are our health care providers, teachers, and care workers. They hold essential jobs that strengthen our communities. Ending DACA could leave labor market sectors already experiencing shortages in even worse conditions.  Moreover, without permanent protections, families will be separated, which is ...

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Impact of Mass Deportation on Wisconsin

“It’s hard to imagine Wisconsin without its immigrant heritage. Whether it’s food, festivals, religious congregations, or even the very names of our communities, there are hints of the old world everywhere you turn, and our communities are all the better for it.” Wisconsin State Senator Chris Larson The incoming administration has promised “on day one” to begin deporting all the illegal immigrants in the country. This appeal to the ignorance and xenophobia of many Americans worked to win the election but implementing this politically motivated action will ...

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STOP THE SALE OF PINE CREST

    One year ago, People for Pine Crest brought to light what was in store for the Pine Crest Nursing home. Our county, our future became the mantra as they began investigating the arguments for selling Pine Crest and what they have since learned.   Selling Pine Crest is not in the best interests of the county and there are other options. Although the Medicaid reimbursement rate is low, People for Pine Crest found that while digging into the financials, that Pine Crest was not losing money as the county was trying to say. In fact, Lincoln ...

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PEOPLE’S MARCH January 18, 2025

WAUSAU HUMAN RIGHTS MARCH The recent election can have far reaching consequences for our vulnerable communities. For Immediate Release: Saturday, January 18, 11 AM, meeting at the Marathon Dems Office, 218 Sherman Street Wausau Contact: Chair, Nancy Stencil, nstencil7983@gmail.com 715.581.7983   Come join Central Wisconsin's PEACEFUL PEOPLE’S MARCH. A place for us to all come together and let the world know WE WON'T BE SILENT!   “A place to fight for women's rights, BIPOC rights, reproductive rights, LQBTQIA+ rights, disability rights, ...

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A Call for Compassion

  In light of the recent tragic death of a man experiencing homelessness in Marathon Park, I feel compelled to address the disturbing and callous comments that have surfaced online in response to this loss in our community. The dismissive remark — such as “Most homeless are addicts who don’t want to do better for themselves” and “He didn’t want help” — are not only harmful but also fail to recognize the complex realities that many individuals face. These generalizations are not only inaccurate but also shameful in their lack of empathy. It is ...

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Human Rights March

Sunday, November 24, 2024 on the sidewalk around the 400 block was the place where everyone came together and let the world know we WON'T BE SILENT! About 50 people were in attendance. It was a place to fight for women's rights, BIPOC rights, reproductive rights, LQBTQIA+ rights, disability rights, protecting our earth, immigrant rights, education, equality and equity.  It was place to fight against Project 2025 and place to fight for human rights!

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