ESTHER

Join us for the First Annual Wisconsin Immigration Summit: Stronger Together — a powerful gathering of organizers, advocates, faith leaders, and community members from across Wisconsin committed to advancing immigrant justice and building collective power. Together, we will learn from experts in the field, participate in hands-on workshops, engage in strategy conversations, and build new connections across organizations and communities.

Our communities have stepped up in powerful ways—distributing Know Your Rights cards, training ICE verifiers, and providing mutual aid to families reeling from the effects of cruel and inhumane immigration policies. These efforts, led not only by organizations but also by dedicated individuals across Wisconsin, have made a real difference. 

This gathering will bring together activists, faith leaders, immigrants and allies from across the state to build a coordinated, forward-looking strategy for systemic change.

Together, we aim to:

• Build statewide capacity to engage constructively with elected officials and law enforcement
• Strengthen and sustain community alliances
• Develop compelling narratives that shift public understanding across the political spectrum
• Foster the relationships and solidarity needed for long-term movement-building

Registration is just $25 and includes access to all workshops, resources, and meals throughout the event. Participants also have the option to purchase a “Pay It Forward” ticket to help support another attendee.

Additional details, including the full agenda, workshop schedule, travel information, and other updates, will be shared soon. We encourage you to register early to stay informed and reserve your spot.

Because this is an overnight event, attendees may wish to arrange lodging in advance. Marian University offers convenient on-campus accommodations, and several hotel options are available throughout the Fond du Lac area.

Please note that WISDOM is not coordinating or booking lodging for attendees. Participants are responsible for making and managing their own reservations.

Theme: World on Fire

Keynote speaker: Jeffrey A. Mandell, Co-founder, President and General Counsel, Law Forward, Madison, WI

As we look around our communities and our nation, it's easy to feel like the world is on fire. Yet throughout ESTHER's 22-year history, we have learned that even in difficult times, hope grows when people come together to organize, build relationships, and act for justice.

Join us for the ESTHER Banquet 2026 as we celebrate 22 years of empowering leaders, strengthening communities, and creating meaningful change across the Fox Valley. This year's theme, “World on Fire,” invites us to reflect honestly on today’s challenges while recommitting ourselves to the work of building a more just, compassionate, and equitable future.

We're honored to welcome as our keynote speaker, Jeff Mandell, Co-Founder of Law Forward. Jeff will share insights on protecting democracy, advancing justice, and why community action matters now more than ever.

Whether you've been part of ESTHER’s journey for years or are just getting to know our work, we’d love to celebrate with you. Together, we can meet the challenges of our time with courage, compassion, and the collective power to create lasting change. 

Save the date now - ticket and registration info will be available soon!

Katharine Lee Bates wrote “America the Beautiful” in 1893, combining the poem with music composed by Samuel Wald.

The poem combines the theme of the country’s grandeur and need for moral improvement. The first and fourth stanzas celebrate America’s physical beauty. The lesser-known second and third stanzas raise questions about national power and success. Bates addresses the challenges of loving an imperfect nation experiencing political corruption and nativism sparked by increasing immigration.

Join us as we unpack the depth of each of the four stanzas through song and discussion.

Register for this free event before July 10th by contacting Fred Depies at
freddepies@gmail.com or 920-418-2718
Goodwill offerings at the event, always appreciated.