WISDOM and MOSES Call to #ReformWiscDOCNow at State Capitol July 9, 2014

On Wednesday, July 9, 2014, many diverse interfaith groups and justice advocates gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol for WISDOM’s press conference and to speak to the State Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Speakers from organizations across the state, including Madison’s own MOSES contingent, conveyed passion and knowledge as they unveiled REFORM NOW, a campaign to illuminate failures, share stories, offer solutions and call for accountability at the DOC.  More than 125 people directly impacted by prison injustices, including those recently-released from years in prison, the spouses, children and parents of individuals currently incarcerated, and those who have chosen to stand in solidarity for change were present to work for a better future.

MOSES, or Madison Organizing in Strength, Equality and Solidarity, will continue to play an important role, along with all of the statewide WISDOM affiliates, as we work on criminal justice issues in the months to come. From July through October, REFORM NOW will release briefs on revocations and GPS monitoring, compassionate release, and solitary confinement, culminating in the release of a report on the Wisconsin Department of Corrections in November of 2014.In addition, dedicated MOSES members and task forces will explore the impact of a proposed new jail and will continue to work for treatment alternatives and diversion.

WISDOM is a statewide network of 160 congregations representing 19 faith traditions, and it serves as the convener of the 11×15 campaign to reduce the state prison population from 22,000 to 11,000 by 2015. To support this effort, MOSES welcomes supporters, advocates and contributors to continue the conversation for creating more just and equitable communities throughout Wisconsin.  For additional involvement opportunities and information, please contact info@mosesmadison.org.

To see the first REFORM NOW brief:
http://www.gamaliel.org/Portals/0/Documents/WisdomBriefOne.final.pdf

Check out all the press generated from this event below or on our Facebook page:

AP — http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=0Ch9p2le

And here are just some examples of where the AP story reached:

–Wisconsin Public Radio — They read AP story this morning, even though Gil Halstead covered it. Not sure why …

–AP story in the Green Bay paper — http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/2014/07/09/church-coalition-seeks-wisconsin-prison-reforms/12414651/

-AP story in Star Tribune — http://www.startribune.com/local/266457071.html

-AP story in Beaver Dam paper –– http://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/news/local/article_6eebbb3a-4dfe-5f9c-a6cf-8dbe14512826.html

–AP story appeared at Fox affiliate station in Minneapolis — http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/25977637/church-coalition-launches-prison-reform-campaign

-AP story appeared in San Francisco paper!

Journal Sentinel — http://www.jsonline.com/news/religion/ministers-others-press-scott-walker-for-parole-reforms-b99308325z1-266517391.html

CBS affiliate in Madison (Jessica Arp was the reporter at the press conference) — http://www.channel3000.com/news/26872858

ABC affiliate WKOW in Madison (which went to all their affiliates in the state; e.g. I saw this on the LaCrosse page, too) — http://www.wkow.com/story/25981292/2014/07/09/wisdom-kicks-off-reform-now-campaign

Interview w/ Jerry at MKE public radio — http://wuwm.com/post/faith-based-network-demands-wisconsin-adjust-its-corrections-system

A front page in Beaver Dam!
http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/hr.asp?fpVname=WI_BDDC&ref_pge=gal&b_pge=1

Wisconsin Eye –– http://www.wiseye.org/Programming/VideoArchive/EventDetail.aspx?evhdid=8919     (This shows the entire press conference.)

WPR ‘Central Time’ – a truly great 10 minute interview with Jerry Hancock – explains the issues really clearly – http://www.wpr.org/listen/613606

Short report by Gil Halsted of WPR – with audio fr Jerry & Kate – http://www.wpr.org/listen/613571