Social Action

Some events to look forward to in 2012 (as submitted by Maureen Freedland):

1. A year of continued collaboration with organizations including the Coulee Partners for Sustainability, League of Women Voters and County of La Crosse Department of Human Services.
2. Increased discussion about immigration following the interest of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration who belong to AMOS.
3. A new statewide project called “11 x 15” which hopes to reduce the jail population in Wisconsin by 11,000 people by the year 2015.
4. A February and March “Listening Campaign” followed by a March “Issues Assembly.” Congregations are asked to discuss among members during the “Listening Campaign” what they see as the local concerns in our community that AMOS should work on.
5. April 12 Fundraiser breakfast.
6. A two day training in La Crosse with people coming in from around the state (hopefully, including from MOSES, the new Madison affiliate) where the main topic will be how community advocacy can be a way to bring benefits to congregations.

I have several documents that may be of interest to you.  Please let me know if you want a copy:

• AMOS’s 2011 final budget
• A report from “Circles of Support,” the group that reaches out to offenders newly released from jail.
• You may read about other AMOS projects and accomplishments in the 2011 Annual Yearbook, which was distributed at its November “Celebration of a Harvest of Justice Advocacy in the Coulee Region.”

Stay tuned, and call me or e-mail Richard Strauss or me with ideas, suggestions, concerns, etc.

-Maureen Freedland