Building community, sharing hope, and standing for justice since 2004

Please Help ESTHER Give Away Books at Juneteenth, Saturday, June 7

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ESTHER’s Juneteenth book give-away has been so successful in the past, we want to celebrate reading again.  We’re asking you to share in this effort by purchasing a book or two by authors of color from Black-owned bookstores with stories about Black people.

You can drop them off at the office in First Congregational UCC, 724 E South River Street, Appleton, 9-3 weekdays, before June 7.

Then come to Juneteenth at Fox Cities Exhibition Center, 355 W. Lawrence, Appleton on Saturday, June 7, 1- 4 pm, to celebrate with our Black friends and neighbors. No reservations needed. No admission charge (food available for purchase).

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Madison Action Day 2025 / Building a Beloved Community

Submitted by Sara Companik on Wed, 04/30/2025 - 11:45am
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Madison Action Day 2025 CrowdAbout 400 leaders from the WISDOM network across Wisconsin met in Madison on April 10 for a day of action to get our values and issues on the minds of legislators while they are making state budget decisions. Northeastern Wisconsin was well represented, with delegrations of almost 50 from ESTHER in the Fox Cities and a similar number from JOSHUA in Green Bay.

The Power of Community Organizing (5-part series)

Date: 
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Date: 
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Date: 
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Date: 
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Date: 
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Location: 
Zoom

5-Session Community Organizing Basic Training

The Wisconsin-based WISDOM network, of which ESTHER is a part, is offering a 5-week training series on community organizing. The sessions will be held over Zoom from 6:30-8:00 on five consecutive Wednesday evenings starting April 23. They will include a mix of presentations and discussion designed to sharpen your organizing skills and connect you with local efforts in Wisconsin.

WISDOM’s top organizers from across the state will equip you with tried-and-true methods that strengthen organizations, empower people, and change communities. Some sample topics that will be covered include:

Course outline:

  • Week One — Intro to Organizing
  • Week Two — One-on-ones
  • Week Three — Issues and Actions
  • Week Four — Effective Meetings
  • Week Five — Building a Team

Register Here

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Winnebago County Executive Candidate Forum

For those of you who couldn’t make it in person please watch our recording:

 
Passcode: m*&Kx!8a
 

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How to Effectively Advocate for Housing Justice

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Date: 
Monday, March 3, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: 
First United Methodist Church of Appleton, 325 E. Franklin, Appleton
 
 

Register here . You can identify your plans to participate in person or via livestream.
You can participate in person at First United Methodist Church

 

ESTHER's Promise in 2025

ESTHER’s Promise in 2025
Empowerment, Solidarity, Truth, Hope, Equity, and Reform
Connie Kanitz, ESTHER President

ESTHER is rooted in the commitment of knowing there is inherent worth and dignity in each and every person. Everyone deserves respect, access to rights and to the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

ESTHER is committed to acting in love for one another. When we expand our understanding of “family” to include everyone; when we welcome cultural, racial, economic, and gender diversity AND a diversity of ideas and perspectives; AND when we ensure everyone has access to rights and opportunity, we can build a community that is amazing to behold. 

As the new administration begins on January 20, 2025, on the very same day we celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., ESTHER will continue to tell the truth and stand up for the truth…