Responding to ESTHER's announcement of an “Issues Night” to seek community input, about 40 people from throughout the Fox Valley came together at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Menasha, on July 22. Their purpose was to share and strategize about areas of concern to them in their communities. Discussing in small groups around tables, participants eventually listed dozens of different concerns and issues on chart pads. After the walls were lined with the results of their work, they placed “pink dots” beside the topics most important to them. They also tagged areas where they would “put skin in the game”—issues they, personally, were willing to work on.
Many of those participating were already familiar with ESTHER from prior events, programs and actions. But for others, it was their first contact with ESTHER. In both cases, the event offered a place for people to give voice to some of their deepest concerns.
A few days later, the ESTHER Executive Committee reviewed the results of this work and identified seven themes that had risen to the top:
- Poverty
- Migrant Experience
- Housing
- Mental Health
- Food Security
- Prison Reform
- Health Care
Two of these—migrant experience and prison reform—are already being worked on by existing ESTHER task forces, and specifics from the issues night will be sent on to those task forces. Aspects from some of the other themes may also be forwarded to task forces.
Meanwhile, ESTHER's Executive Committee and its Leadership Board will continue to reflect on the rich discussion and important ideas expressed at the gathering, and will keep them in mind in planning for the future.
A big “Thank You” to everyone who joined us for our first-ever Issues Night! Please continue to let us know about community issues of concern to you by sending us a message using our contact form, calling us at 920-843-8083, or dropping us a note at P.O. Box 784, Neenah, WI 54957
