Home Page: ABOUT US
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About the Grassroots Citizens of Wisconsin
Our Vision and Shared Values
Grassroots Citizens of Wisconsin is a network of engaged people in Southwest Wisconsin who through constructive dialogue and education foster informed, positive change at the local, regional and national levels.
Our work is rooted in the basic values of opportunity, fairness, tolerance and respect for each other.
- We value our freedom to communicate ideas, just as we value the tolerance and respect which is given to others who speak, write, and take action.
- We value universal access to excellence in education, to economically sustainable jobs, and to quality health care.
- We seek security through global cooperation.
- We value honesty, integrity, and financial responsibility in governments and in business, as we do in our homes and in our communities.
- We value respect for the resources of our planet.
- We value fairness in bearing the burdens of citizenship.
- We value common good over self-interest.
- We value the arts which delight, inspire and enliven our shared community life.
Our Interest Group Team Leaders (You are encouraged to contact them):
- Sustain Iowa County - Chuck Tennessen, [email protected]
- Grassroots Citizens for Peace - Bryan Walton, [email protected]
- Immigration - Shirley or Earl Barnes, [email protected]
- Health Care Reform - Earl Barnes, [email protected]
- Save our Public Schools - Jessica Wieczorek - www.soswisconsin.com
Our sister groups include:
- Action Iowa County
- Community Connections Free Clinic
- DAWN - Driftless Area Women Network an inclusive alliance of women dedicated to improving our communities, our state, our country, and our world through direct action, advocacy, education, and political engagement.
- Driftless Defenders - a strong proponent of meeting the energy demands of Wisconsin and its adjoining states through improvements in energy efficiency, conservation, and local renewables.
- MultiCultural Outreach Program - Addressing Immigration and concern for our immigrant SW Wisconsin neighbors
- SOS - Support Our Schools - Ensuring top quality schools for our kids and communities
- Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives of Mt. Horeb
Leadership Council members (You are encouraged to contact them):
- Chair, Shirley Barnes, Dodgeville, [email protected]
- Secretary, Earl Barnes, Dodgeville, [email protected]
- Treasurer, Jubie Simonson, Mineral Point, [email protected]
- Bryan Walton, Citizens for Peace, Spring Green, [email protected]
- Chuck Tennessen, Sustain Iowa County, Mineral Point, [email protected]
- Susan Gereau, Clyde, [email protected]
- Sharon Nicholas, Dodgeville, [email protected]
- Jessica Wieczorek, Dodgeville
Our e-mail Grassroots Gazette alerts citizens to local events that inform and motivate them to act -- by contacting their legislators, writing letters to the editor or getting involved in local citizen action efforts. Our Interest Groups study and advocate positions on issues such as the environment and climate change, health care reform and peace and justice issues. We enjoy good debates and the friendship of those who might not always agree with us. Email Shirley Barnes at [email protected] if you would like to receive a copy.