What are Task Forces?

Task forces are action groups that plan and implement activities and events to evoke positive change in our community.  Issues we address arise from the voices of those in our community and are supported by our member congregations.  If you have interest and wish to become involved with our task forces, please contact the task force leader by clicking on their name below.

Health Care Task Force

We are taking action towards health care reform that is affordable and accessible to all - a democratic and American solution to an issue that affects Americans.  The committee supports access to affordable and quality health care for all residents of Wisconsin and of the United States.  Some of our partnerships in pioneering health care reform include WISDOM and the Gamaliel Foundation.

The task force meets the first Monday of each month from 5:30-7:00 at Harmony Cafe in Appleton (233 East College Avenue).  For more information, contact Connie Raether.

Immigration Task Force

This task force works to address issues related to immigration, specifically those affecting the Latino population in the Valley.  In addition to national comprehenisve immigration reform, our task force is working locally in two areas: the allowance for Wisconsin state driver's certificates for resident undocumented workers and in-state tuition rates for all residents of Wisconsin meeting the academic guidelines for acceptance into our state's public universities, colleges and technical schools.  ESL classes are also being offered at St. Therese Parish.  The newly formed Casa Esther in Omro is looking to be an outreach center for Latinos in the Oshkosh/Omro area.

The task force meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Neenah (140 S. Green Bay Road, take Main St or Winneconne Ave exit off of HWY 41).  For more information, contact Nancy Bourassa.

Treatment Instead of Prison (TIP) Task Force

This group is working to increase state funding for treatment alternatives to incarceration, and to support drug treatment courts both locally and throughout Wisconsin.  Community treatment alternatives lead to reduced drug and alcohol use, less crime, and the availability of more for schools, services, parks and transportation.  The committee is also committed to reducing OWI incidences in WI through the expansion of initiatives such as Safe Streets Treatment Options Program offered in Winnebago County. 

The task force meets the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30-8:00 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Neenah (140 S. Green Bay Road, take Main St or Winneconne Ave exit off of HWY 41).  For more information, contact Tom McCord.

Workforce Housing Task Force

This task force's goal is to ensure that the Fox Valley has enough housing within the reach of working families.  The Fox Cities have a need for workforce housing—that is, housing that is within the economic reach of those who work in necessary jobs that pay less than the county median income.  The concept for workforce housing is simple: If you work in a community, you should be able to afford to live in that community. 

The task force meets the second Monday of each month from 11:30-1:00 at the Atlas Coffee Mill in Appleton (425 West Water St).  For more information, contact Kathy Groat.