Sacred Citizenship

Sacred Citizenship: 
The Connection between Politics and Spirituality

Holy Wisdom Monastery is hosting a series of programs (April 10, May 1, October 9, October 30, 2018) designed to explore the interface between politics and the spiritual convictions that undergird our commitment to peace, justice and equality. Regardless of whether or not we identify ourselves with a particular religious tradition, being a person of faith in today’s politically divisive climate means honoring our responsibilities to one another, the environment, our country and our world. Come for one or more sessions.

Each program will begin with prayer and dinner, followed by speakers, resource sharing and opportunities for dialogue and discussion. The programs will promote an understanding of why the most important role in our government—as former President Obama pointed out—is the role of Citizen.

May 1: Farming
What’s Happening with Small and Medium Farms in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin farmers and rural communities are facing serious challenges at this time. Dairy and crop farmers are dealing with continued low prices and at the same time CSA and farmers market farmers are finding increased competition in the marketplace for local and organic produce. As farmers struggle to make ends meet we also know that many working families in both rural and urban communities struggle to find affordable access to nutritious food.

Wisconsin Farmers Union staff members Kara O’Connor and Sarah Lloyd will discuss the current status of agriculture and rural communities and how we can build on a history of farmer-labor solidarity to address the interests of farmers and farm workers—both immigrant and U.S. born—in solidarity with working families across the state.

Kara O’Connor serves as the Government Relations Director for Wisconsin Farmers Union. Kara has a special passion for advocating for a just economy, sound farm and conservation policies, and access to health care for rural residents. Kara has also focused attention in recent years on the issues of nonpartisan redistricting and campaign finance reform. She is a longtime advocate for expanding high-speed internet to rural areas, and served on the UW Extension Broadband Adoption and Utilization Advisory Council in 2015-2016. Kara completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska, and received her law degree from the University of Minnesota. Kara currently serves on the Board of Community Shares of Wisconsin and was recently named a “Woman to Watch” by Brava Magazine. She is a member of the Catholic Worker in Madison and volunteers regularly at the MACH-One Health monthly low-income foot clinic.

Sarah Lloyd is the Special Projects Coordinator for the Wisconsin Farmers Union and the Secretary of the Board and Director of Development for the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative. This includes work looking at fair labor issues on farms. In addition to her off-farm work Sarah helps her husband Nels Nelson on the Nelson family dairy farm outside Wisconsin Dells. Sarah recently completed a term on the National Dairy Board and served two terms on the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Sarah has a PhD in Rural Sociology from UW-Madison and co-teaches the Rural Social and Economic Issues course in the UW Farm Industry Short Course. Sarah Lloyd also serves on the Wormfarm Institute Board, an organization working at the intersection of the arts and agriculture.

Cost:
$35 includes dinner and program

Schedule:

• 4:30 pm – Prayer, open to all (optional)
• 5:15 pm – Dinner
• 6:00 pm – Presentations
• 7:00 pm – Discussion and dialogue

Registration:
Registration closed.

Register by April 24, 2018.
Sessions are non-refundable, but transferable.