Spirit In Action

Dan and Cassie Green, and Cassie's sister, Gina Casillas, had a great idea to help enrich and transform Eau Claire - a place where people can share their abundance, freely - their material wealth as well as their wealth of talent. Following the example of Really, Really Free Markets elsewhere, they are working to build generosity, community and meet needs in a way that cares for the environment and takes our world citizenship seriously. If you would like information about the Really, Really Free Market in Eau Claire, Dan, Cassie and Gina Casillas invite you to call them at 715-797-9703, or feel free to email them. Music featured on this program includes: Share the Land - The Guess Who The Wheel Song - The Billys It's The Economy, Stupid - John McCutcheon Mountains of Things - Tracy Chapman Love Grows One By One - Carol Johnson

Arthur Thexton is active with the Wisconsin Coalition Against the Death Penalty as they oppose the upcoming state referendum. Arthur speaks not only as a religious individual, but as a former District Attorney and Deputy Sheriff. Arthur does his work against the death penalty with dedication and thoughtfulness, seeing state-sponsored executions as a serious erosion of civilized society. In addition to his personal experience with law enforcement and the legal system, he draws on a wide variety of sources for his informational and persuasive work. Some sites you might want to check out are No Death Penalty Wisconsin and Death Penalty Info. Arthur is a life-time Unitarian Universalist and a member of the James Reeb UU Congregation in Madison. Music featured on this program includes: Dead Man Walking - John McCutcheon Original Air Date: 09/24/2006

Virginia Wolf is active in the effort of FairWisconsin to defeat the proposed constitutional amendment to narrowly define marital status and rights in Wisconsin. Virginia is a Unitarian Universalist minister in Eau Claire, and about 30 years into her partnership and marriage with another woman. For more information and to work against the proposed constitutional amendment check FairWisconsin's web site, with lots more information on the subject at the national Unitarian Universalist web site. Music Featured in this program: Sister - Cris Williamson Everything Possible - Fred Small Singing for our Lives - Holly Near Original Air Date: 05/14/2006

Sarah Harder is the President of the National Peace Foundation, and Olga Bessolova is a Russian-born, Soviet-raised activist with the organization. They "Build Foundations for Peace" through a number of programs in Russia, the Middle East, Africa, the USA and elsewhere. Olga was secretly baptised in the Russian Orthodox Church - secretly because her father, as a member of the Communist Party, could not have anything to do with religion. She does not feel positive about the overall role that the Russian Orthodox Church plays in civic life, both because of the way they use people and because of the restricted roles which they attempt to assign to women. Sarah Harder has made the transition from Catholic to Episcopalian to Unitarian Universalist, which is her current religious home. Sarah has a long history with activism among women's groups in the USA, and Olga provides an intriguing glimpse into life in Russia, before and after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Music featured on this program includes: May Ther

Cathy Sultan is the author of 2 books about Lebanon and the Middle East. She moved to Beirut with her Lebanese husband in 1969, at the age of 26. Her 14 years there included the first 8 years of the Lebanese civil war. Her first-hand experience with and love of the Middle East, with the Muslims, Jews and Christians of that ravaged land and of the US make her an invaluable resource and inspiriation for peace work in that region. Cathy was raised and practiced as a Roman Catholic until shortly after her return to the USA. She is part of the National Peace Foundation, author of 2 books, and is much in demand as a commentator on Middle East developments. You can find more about her and her work via her web site, Cathy Sultan. Cathy's books include: A Beirut Heart: One Woman's War Israeli and Palestinian Voices: A Dialogue with Both Sides Music featured on this program includes: Children of Abraham - John McCutcheon Peace Is - Fred Small The Great Peace March - Holly Near

Michelle Balas has served for about 10 years with an organization here, in the Chippewa Valley, called Northern Thunder, an environmental and social activist organization, serving on their board for the last 6 years, in addition to years spent as co-producer of TV Notion for the local public access cable channel, and years working on the issue of urban sprawl. Michelle is New Jersey born, raised Catholic, but identifies herselve more clearly with Earth-based spirituality at this point. Music featured on this program has included: The List - John McCutcheon Rape of the World - Tracy Chapman Every Part of this Earth - Peaceful Women

Maralene Strom is many things - a writer, speaker, caregiver, healer, storyteller, photographer - and more. Sharing from her own experiences of growth and loss, she finds ways to help others forward on their journey. She writes a column called "Adventures In Living" for the Dunn County News and is in the midst of writing three books, the earliest expected for this fall. You can also keep in touch with her work via her web site, AdventuresInLiving.com Music featured on this program has included: Lessons To Be Learned - Barbara Streisand Potter's Wheel - John Denver This Is The Day (Barry's Bar Mitzvah Song) - Debbie Friedman

Patti See is an ordinary person who took an extraordinary "leap of faith" by becoming a Good Samaritan kidney donor last year. Growing up Catholic, but attending church infrequently at present, she has nonetheless nurtured a deep spiritual life. Patti, as a writer and an inwardly-reflective person, has looked for better and better ways to share her rich life with the world - serving meals at the Community Table, acting as advisor for the UW-Eau Claire Feminists group, and now, through the University of Minnesota Fairview Medical Center, she gave a most intimate gift, one of her kidneys, to a complete stranger. For those interested in helping out folks needing transplants, check the National Kidney Foundation or MatchingDonors. Music featured in this program: Magic Penny - Danya River Everything We Need - Carol Johnson One Person At A Time - Andy & Terry Murray Might As Well Make It Love - Carol Johnson Lean On Me - Bill Withers

A visit with the 3 primary organizers for the 2006 Earth Day Celebration in Owen Park. Sara Schmidt is the Community Science Center Director at Beaver Creek Reserve, Crispin Pierce, assistant professor of Environmental Public Health at UW-Eau Claire, and Jim Phillips, associate professor of Chemistry at UW-Eau Claire. They share their perspectives on "real" environmentalism and their own spiritual roots and support. They are gathering feedback in anticipation of next year's Earth Day celebration, and invite you to contact Sara, Crispin or Jim to offer your input, hands and hearts. Music featured in this program: Earth Town Square - Peter Mayer Ocean Mary - Peter Mayer

Steve Wagener had a history of political activism, but he had to be jarred out of a period of dormant passions by the combination of his son's unwilling role in the military and Steve's reaction to the manipulations leading up to our invasion of Iraq. His early Catholic foundation serves him well as he has stepped to the front lines of anti-war activism in the Chippewa Valley. Steve is active with Military Families Speak Out, the Chippewa Valley Draft and Military Counseling Network and is an associate member of the local Veterans for Peace group. He speaks his piece vibrantly in many forms, including via his web site, WagTheDogProductions.com. Music Featured: Rich Man's War - Steve Earle For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield The Revolution Starts Now - Steve Earle

Bethany Jacobson's older son joined the marines when he turned 18 and was deployed to Iraq in 2004, at which point Bethany, with the encouragement of her son, began to speak out against the war in Iraq "for the boys", as part of Military Families Speak Out. Having grown up near UW-Milwaukee in the 1960's and 70's, Bethany saw plenty of demonstrations against the Vietnam War. She carried into adulthood a general peace orientation, including her effort to keep war toys away from her kids. She had a conversion experience in her mid-20's and was a member of a charismatic church for 15 years, before moving to the Chippewa Valley. When her son was deployed to Iraq, Bethany could no longer remain quiet and began speaking out strongly against the War, and for our Troops, as part of Military Families Speak Out with a clear message - BRING THEM HOME NOW. You can contact Bethany via email. Music Featured: Who's The Criminal Here - Charlie King Our Flag Was Still There - John McCutcheon Brave Man From Ohio - Andy & T

A visit with 3 members of the Restored Israel Of Yahwah, a religious group from southern New Jersey whose members practice religious pacifism, including their refusal to pay Federal taxes because they go primarily for war. Because of their open and principled refusal to pay war taxes, 3 members of the Restored Israel Of Yahwah were sentenced to prison earlier this year. Inge Donato will finish her 6-month term in February 2006 a couple weeks before her husband, Joseph Donato, begins his 27-month sentence. Kevin McKee begins his 24-month sentence in December. We visit with Kevin and Joe today, and with another elder of their group, Charles Micsko. All 3 have been members of the organization for more than 25 years and have observed its principles, including the nonpayment of Federal taxes that would go to war. The organization was founded by Leo J. Volpe, known by members of the group as the prophet Jeremiah. Group efforts are concentrated around Bible study and insights, and faithful adherence to the Biblical

Gaylord Oppegard served in the military from 1962-1965. But it was not until 2004 and after 30 years as a Methodist, that he took part in his first action opposing war and standing for peace. He is part of a founding group of Veterans for Peace in the Chippewa Valley. With retirement, Gaylord has become very active in peace organizing. Located in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, those interested in Veterans for peace may contact him via email or call him at 723-4713. Their next event with be a candlelight vigil to commemorate Veterans Day, 2005, to be held on November 11th, 7 pm, in front of the Federal Building on Barstow Street in Eau Claire. Music Featured: Not In My Name - John McCutcheon Peace Train - Cat Stevens/Yusef Islam Christmas In The Trenches - Charlie King & Karen Brandow Original Air Date: 11/06/2005

J.E. McNeil, of the Center on Conscience & War describes the message and work of that organization, helping those seeking conscientious objector status, and those in the military seeking to get out, whatever the reason, and the spiritual roots that led her to this work. The Center on Conscience & War was established in 1940 to defend and extend the rights of conscientious objectors and support all those who question participation in war, including staffing calls for the G.I. Rights Hotline. J.E. speaks of her work as a tax attorney for the poor, defending the rights of protesters and war tax resisters, serving the CCO, and of her journey from her Texas childhood as a conservative Methodist to her life as a Quaker active with the Friends Meeting of Washington. Music Featured: Don't Pay Taxes - Charlie King & Karen Brandow If Jimmy Didn't Have To Go - Charlie King & Karen Brandow Original Air Date: 10/23/2005

Jill Sternberg was the first graduate of UW-Milwaukee's Peace Studies Program she is the Sept/Oct 2005 Gamaliel Chair in Peace & Justice. She has established a peace center in East Timor, training men and women in non-violence. Jill self-designed the first Peace Studies Major at UW-Milwaukee and has established herself as a gifted and creative leader. She has spent extensive time in the Philippines and East Timor, establishing a peace center, training women and men in non-violence, and developing intercultural mediation teams (just Google Jill Sternberg and be amazed at her work and energy.) A 1990 graduate of the Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, she has also been active in the Peace Brigades North America Project and the Balkan Peace Team. Jill currently does peace work, including counter-military recruiting education, in New York through A.J. Muste Memorial Institute. You can find more information about peace and justice efforts through the East Tim

Our guest is Sandra Lyons of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. Sandra shares the roots and fruits of her life, including her years as a nurse midwife and her current passion as the director of Justice, Peace and Earthcare for her congregation. Sandra Lyons joined the Bernardine Franciscan Sister in 1964. She credits her 8 years as a nurse midwife, in particular, as deepening her sensitivity to the poor & oppressed, leading her to participate in the School of the Americas Watch, a witness against the Georgia-based training center for (often abusive) foreign military and para-military forces, and to take part in a number of rallies and demonstrations for peace and justice. She has served her congregation these past 3 years as director of Justice, Peace and Earthcare, traveling internationally to learn and deepen her understanding of related issues, and learning how to live life as she understands Jesus to call us to. Her recent travels have taken her to the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, South Africa, Za

Paula Tibbs is a member of Eau Claire's First Presbyterian Church clearly open to the direction of the Spirit. Her passionate concern for the people of the Congo and experiece as Elder for Mission for her church has led her to head toward seminary this coming year. Paula's path, raised "V & E" (Vacation Bible School and Easter) Presbyterian, a sojourn with Catholics, but eventually finding a home with Eau Claire's Eau Claire's First Presbyterian Church is not front-page news - but it speaks of the way God's hand moves among us. For example, her "useless" French major in college led her, years later, to a deep concern for the French-speaking people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Music Featured: Guide My Feet - Bill Harley One Person At A Time - Andy & Terry Murray Here I Am Children of Abraham - John McCutcheon Belle Amie (Beautiful Friend) - Kanda Bongo Man

An interview with Barb Kass of Anathoth Community Farm in Luck, Wisconsin. Spirit in action will be visiting today with Barb Kass who is a member and founder of the Anathoth Community Farm, an itentional community based on non-violence, sustainability and community, located in Luck, Wisconsin. Barb has traveled a long and varied spiritual path, being raised Catholic, active with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship in college, attending seminary in Chicago, working with Catholic Worker communities, and currently attending a progressive small-town Luthern Church. She and her husband, Mike Miles, have been jailed for their actions, including for praying on the White House Lawn. Music Featured: The Hammer Has To Fall - Charlie King A Woman Of Great Energy - Charlie King Not In My Name - John McCutcheon Original Air Date: 09/25/2005

Julie Harnisch has been a teacher, administrator and advocate for Children's House Montessori School of Eau Claire, Wisconsin since 1980. Children's House Montessori School of Eau Claire is Montessori education in line with the vision and principles originally developed by Maria Monessori for schools in the slums of Rome, Italy. Children's House students are primarily (70%) from at-risk/low income families in Eau Claire, mixing races, cultures and socioeconomic levels in a fertile place to grown and learn. Julie Harnisch grew up American Baptist but finds her inspiration and support primarily in the experience and inspiration of Montessori education. Music Featured: Flowers Are Red - Harry Chapin Welcome Little One - Carol Johnson Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy - The Nutcracker Peter & the Wolf Original Air Date: 11/13/2005

The guest for this program is Mary Molstad of the group Adults Saving Kids (ASK), an organization dedicated to preventing sexual exploitation of kids by a unique combination of education & prayer. Mary Molstad became involved with ASK out of her therapy work with victims of sexual abuse and a desire to stem the flow of abuse, rather than drown in the aftermath. Raised a Wisconsin Synod Lutheran, she left that Lutheran group to join the ELCA out of a desire to claim and uphold the worth of women's work and being. ASK works to prevent sexual exploitation of youth through and innovative combination of publicity, education and recruiting adults to pray for children daily in their congregation. Music Featured: Look At The Ceiling - Peter Alsop Love Is The Only Medicine - Peter Alsop Does God Love Me - Carol Johnson Calling All The Children Home - John McCutcheon