Celebrating 25 Years of Statewide Advocacy

The Big Share is a fun, easy and flexible way to donate to and learn more about organizations making a difference in our community. The Big Share is hosted by Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW) for 70 local nonprofits dedicated to building an equitable and just community and protecting our environment. CSW and its members envision a future where all voices are heard, where we all have clean water and air, where all neighbors have access to family-supporting jobs, and all communities in Wisconsin are safe and thriving.
Don't miss our March Webinar
The March 2022 webinar will feature experts from the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI). Dr. Adam Bechel and Dr. Anna Haines will give an overview of the WICCI report on the impacts of changing climate in Wisconsin. The report is the product of 14 working groups that include over 200 scientists, practitioners, and Wisconsin residents representing more than 50 national, state, and local agencies, non-profit organizations, and universities. The assessment report includes details on the continued warming and increased rain and snow that has been seen throughout the state. Additionally, the report showcases the ways in which climate change is impacting communities. Go to our website for more details.

This free webinar will be held on Zoom, but registration is required. Register here.

Thanks to Beth Osbourne!
February Webinar presenter
Beth shared the findings from Transportation for America’s “Driving Down Emissions” report and the barriers to a more just and equitable society. Highlights include getting onerous government regulations out of the way of providing more homes where people naturally drive less; making safety the top priority for street design to encourage more short trips; and instituting GHG reduction and less driving as goals of the transportation system. This was a great presentation!

Congratulations Arlen!
Former 1000 Friends Founding Board Member and Board President Arlen Christenson to be inducted into the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame!

“Those who pollute our water and air, dam streams for development, and take other actions that diminish public rights in water and other natural resources usually have a substantial economic stake in the outcome of administrative and court proceedings. They are represented by lawyers and experts. In contrast, the beneficiaries of public rights are diffuse, often unorganized, and have only small economic stakes as individuals. Without more legal support, public rights will ordinarily go unrepresented.” – Arlen Christenson

The 2022 Induction Events will be held on Tuesday, April 19th.
The Induction Events will be held live on a virtual platform. The events will be free but registration will be required.
Transit Equity recognized across the state
“We are very excited to see leaders across Wisconsin recognize Rosa Parks’ birthday as Transit Equity Day,” said Gregg May, Transportation Policy Director at 1000 Friends of Wisconsin. “Proclamations from Governor Evers and mayors across the state show that an affordable and efficient public transit system remains a major priority for residents of Wisconsin.”

Governor Evers and several mayors in Wisconsin (including Madison, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Oshkosh, Appleton, Neenah, and Menasha) proclaimed February 4, 2022, Transit Equity Day to commemorate Rosa Parks’ birthday. This event reminds us of Parks’ act of resistance, and the right for all to high-quality, accessible public transportation. Event organizers included 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Environment, Chippewa Valley Transit Alliance, and La Crosse Area Transit Advocates. Details here.

City of Racine /Metro Bus
A white man with a bike stands in front of a road and a sign that reads share the road
Also check out his website
We're excited to
Welcome New Board Member
James Longhurst
James Longhurst (he/him), is a professor at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. As a historian of urban and environmental policy, he studies past decisions that shape our current lives in cities and teaches a variety of courses in environmental history, 20th century America, and public and policy history. 
As a citizen, he works in active transportation advocacy locally and statewide, providing leadership, professional expertise and grant-writing assistance for groups like Bicycle La Crosse and Active Wisconsin; and currently as a member of the Committee on Transit and Active Transportation of the La Crosse Area Planning Committee. 
Welcome Jack Connor
Policy Research Assistant
Jack recently joined us as a Policy Research Assistant. He is a current MPA student at the La Follette School of Public Affairs specializing in transportation and land use policy. At 1000 Friends, he specializes in transportation policy, legislative tracking, and research. In December of 2020, Jack graduated UW–Madison with degrees in Political Science and International Studies. Jack is off to a great start and we're happy to have him on board!