Past Issues and Actions

JOSHUA has supported various issues since its inception in 2004. Read below for information about some of our past efforts and successes.

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The Importance of Socio-Economic Diversity in Green Bay Schools

JOSHUA values equal opportunity for all children, and we believe that racial and economic diversity in our schools is a positive value for all. Members of JOSHUA attended and spoke at several special forums sponsored by the Board of Education on the issue of the issue of the proposed new high school, to support the East Side Task Force Proposal which would ensure diversity at the new school and in the existing school. We were happy that the plan was approved by the School Board in November, 2005.

We applaud the Task Force, the Board of Education, and the School District Administration for their recognition that socio-economic balance in our schools will have a direct impact on student achievement.

Click here for the JOSHUA positioning statement.

Click here for a statement from the Green Bay School district about the importance of a mix of students.

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Mental Health Services in Brown County

JOSHUA has selected mental health as an important issue due to our belief that the most vulnerable persons in our community have the right to receive a responsible program of care and services. Moreover, we wish to ensure that those most challenged-both mentally and physically are guaranteed quality care, whether State mandated or not.

With the above being said, we believe that the Brown County Mental Health Center provides an essential safety net and workplace activity center-both for those individuals who have transferred to the community, and also for those who cannot make the transfer. This also applies to adolescents who are receiving services at Bellin Psychiatric Center. A major challenge that exists today, which compromises the quality care individuals receive is the continued delay in renovating or building a new mental health center. As members of JOSHUA, we wish to work with individuals and organizations to advocate for essential and responsible human services in Brown County.

To download a JOSHUA statement on the future of the Mental Health Center, click here. (Word file)

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Environment

Protecting and preserving the environment is fundamental to life here on Earth; it is also an inherent responsibility for people of faith. Environmental concerns touch many realms, from obvious concerns for the physical environment including climate change, air and water pollution, bio-diversity, and preservation of forests and are able land to concerns that are less obvious but unarguably tied to the environment, including economic stability, public health, and environmental justice across ethnic and economic lines.

Our consumption and reliance on fossil fuels is just one of our environmental concerns. Fossil fuel emissions contribute to asthma attacks, heart and lung disease, mercury poisoning, and global climate change. This year, the JOSHUA Environmental Committee, in response to home-heating concerns, co -sponsored an educational Energy Forum on state grants available to weatherize homes and conserve energy. In an effort to protect those state grants and positively shape Wisconsin's energy future, we also submitted written comments at a public hearing in the State Capitol on Wisconsin's newly drafted Energy Bill, which encouraged legislators to think about a long-term plan that would move Wisconsin towards a cleaner, more reliable energy future based on conservation, efficient, and new sources of renewable energy.

 As people of faith, we must strive to be good stewards of the land and all that it contains. We have the obligation to do what we can within our communities and neighborhoods, including taking personal responsibility for actions that harm or help the environment; educating our neighbors, friends, family members, and colleagues; and working to enact good public policy by communicating our concerns to local decision-makers.

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Past Events 

If you are interested in purchasing video and/or DVD copies of Dennis Maloney's keynote speech given on April 29, 2006, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call the JOSHUA office at 920.362.1511.

January 22, 2009: Immigration/ICE Raid Forum at St. Willebrord Church
October 2008: St. Matthew's Parish Annual Meeting
April 8 2008: Brown County Drug Court Forum at St. Willebrord Church
November 9, 2007: David Rusk Mixed Housing Event at Quality Inn, Downtown
March 14, 2007: "Falling Through The Cracks" Mental Health Forum
May 2007: Immigration Forum at St. Willebrord Church
May 6, 2006: Immigration Forum at Green Bay East High School
April 22, 2006: Festival of Unity/Friend Raising Event at Notre Dame Academy
February 9, 2005: David Rusk Event
September 18, 2004: Rolling Thunder
Annual Holiday Parade