Panel

The next Community Conversations is scheduled for Saturday, October 4th, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm at the Menomonie Public Library.

Our guest panelists are Erin Gaede and her husband, Adrian, from Madison, and John Rosenow from Cochrane, WI.  

Erin is a PhD Student in Sociology at the University of Wisconsin.  Adrian works with the National Immigration Law Center.  John is the owner of Cowsmo Compost & Rosenholm Dairy, who is involved with Puentes/Bridges—an organization in southwest Wisconsin that supports immigrants.

Come join us as we ask, “Why do people want to immigrate?”,  “How does our country benefit from immigration?”, and “Why do some people oppose immigration?”.  If there is time, we will discuss Immigrant legislation including the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 that we have been hearing in the News for the last 8 months.

All are welcome to attend this conversation.

Community Conversations is a local nonpartisan group started in 2015 to discuss topics that affect our community. Presentations include speakers and videos with conversations afterward about issues that affect the local community and Western Wisconsin.

Join us for Banned Books Week! The Menard Center for the Study of Institutions & Innovation at UW-Stout will host Dr. Samuel Cohen to discuss his forthcoming book: Banning Books in America: Not a How-To. After Dr. Cohen’s presentation, comments will be offered by Joleen Sterk, Director of the Menomonie Public Library. An audience Q&A will follow, moderated by Dr. Afton Greco, Director of the Menard Center. The event will conclude with a Kahoot contest with prizes for students.

This event is co-sponsored by the University Library; the Honors College; Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies; the Literature Committee; the Center for Applied Ethics, and the Menomonie Public Library.

Immigration has been a key issue in America since the founding of our country and continuing today. The League of Women Voters of Greater Chippewa Valley is offering this discussion for people who have questions about our immigration system, want to use this information to have their own discussions with politicians and community members, and would like to hear directly from those who work with immigrants about their experiences.

Amanda Gennerman, an immigration attorney from Madison, will speak on the legalities of immigration. She will be joined by a panel of local residents; John Rosenow, farm representative, Dave Anderson, church representative, and Elizabeth Hart, educational community group, who will share their experiences connecting with our immigrant neighbors. 

This free event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

The League of Women Voters of Greater Chippewa Valley is a nonpartisan organization, supporting neither candidates nor parties.

A freedom of speech event, “Disappearing Student, Disappearing Speech,” will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, in Harvey Hall Theatre on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Hosted by the Menard Center for the Study of Institutions and Innovation, the event will feature faculty presenters Lopa Basu, Courtney Juelich and Chris Freeman as well as Stout Student Association members. They will present different perspectives on the importance of free speech on college and university campuses, with a focus on teaching and learning.

Recent arrests of students at colleges and universities have had a chilling effect on civil dialogue and freedom of speech at institutions of higher education. UW Stout faculty and the Stout Student Association invite you to a meaningful evening of dialogue about the importance of learning in an environment free from fear. Panelists include students and faculty who will present different perspectives on the importance of free speech on college and university campuses with a focus on teaching and learning.  The event will be followed by a reception at Hive + Hollow @ 222 Main Street, Menomonie, WI.