ESTHER

Theme: World on Fire

Keynote speaker: Jeffrey A. Mandell, Co-founder, President and General Counsel, Law Forward, Madison, WI

As we look around our communities and our nation, it's easy to feel like the world is on fire. Yet throughout ESTHER's 22-year history, we have learned that even in difficult times, hope grows when people come together to organize, build relationships, and act for justice.

Join us for the ESTHER Banquet 2026 as we celebrate 22 years of empowering leaders, strengthening communities, and creating meaningful change across the Fox Valley. This year's theme, “World on Fire,” invites us to reflect honestly on today’s challenges while recommitting ourselves to the work of building a more just, compassionate, and equitable future.

We're honored to welcome as our keynote speaker, Jeff Mandell, Co-Founder of Law Forward. Jeff will share insights on protecting democracy, advancing justice, and why community action matters now more than ever.

Whether you've been part of ESTHER’s journey for years or are just getting to know our work, we’d love to celebrate with you. Together, we can meet the challenges of our time with courage, compassion, and the collective power to create lasting change. 

Save the date now - ticket and registration info will be available soon!

Katharine Lee Bates wrote “America the Beautiful” in 1893, combining the poem with music composed by Samuel Wald.

The poem combines the theme of the country’s grandeur and need for moral improvement. The first and fourth stanzas celebrate America’s physical beauty. The lesser-known second and third stanzas raise questions about national power and success. Bates addresses the challenges of loving an imperfect nation experiencing political corruption and nativism sparked by increasing immigration.

Join us as we unpack the depth of each of the four stanzas through song and discussion.

Register for this free event before July 10th by contacting Fred Depies at
freddepies@gmail.com or 920-418-2718
Goodwill offerings at the event, always appreciated.

Imagine rooms full of people from many faiths — sharing food, conversation, and fellowship — reflecting together on what makes this country worth celebrating. WIVEC is hosting community gatherings like this in May and June, leading up to July 4th, where neighbors read and discuss America's most inspiring founding words. It's a once-in-a-generation chance to counter division and build unity together.

In Appleton, WIVEC is partnering with ESTHER and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in hosting Faith 250, a national movement (see https://faith250.org) to make this anniversary a time of shared civic renewal, rather than one of division or conflict. Reflect on spiritual and moral questions, while encouraging civic (not political) engagement. Build lasting relationships between local leaders and institutions that care about our country’s future, grounded in pride, patriotism, empathy, and unity.

These Fox Cities gatherings will be in-person or virtual. Please register in advance:

Register to Attend in Person | Register to Attend on Zoom