I have a problem! How can JONAH help?
If you or a community you care about is facing a problem, injustice, or inequity here in the Chippewa Valley, JONAH is here to work with you as an advocate and a resource. Our grassroots model keeps you and your community at the center of all problem solving. JONAH will work with you to evaluate the situation and connect you with appropriate community members and leaders. We can help you develop effective ways to converse with them, and can also provide training on how to be a leader in addressing challenges. Please, contact our organizer if we can be of help or support to you.
How does JONAH decide what issues it works on and policies it supports?
JONAH is a grassroots organization, which means that its local members and collaborators, ordinary members of our community, determine what issues JONAH pursues in its advocacy. The beginning of any JONAH advocacy project may result in any number of ways, be it a direction from our board of directors, collaboration with another agency or non-profit organization, or a request for help from an individual about a community problem.
I am not a member of a faith community, can I still participate in JONAH?
Yes – JONAH’s mission seeks to connect and work with all people of common values to build a stronger community. So if you hold our common values (found on our About Us page), you should absolutely participate in JONAH in whatever way works for you.
What does it mean that JONAH does “faith-based civic-engagement” and “congregational-based community organizing”?
In short, it means that JONAH collaborates with existing faith communities that share the above values to promote and support work that can bring about enduring, positive change in our community. However, we also work with groups and communities that are not faith-based, but who also share similar values. JONAH has been shaped and led by a diverse group of members or many different faith-based organizations around the Chippewa Valley including churches, congregations, religious orders, mosques, temples, synagogues, and associated groups. This is because despite any differences, members of these faith communities share the common values of love, hope, stewardship, and justice.
Is JONAH a political organization?
Sort of – JONAH does take stances on issues that affect the lives of individuals and our whole community. JONAH is intentional about supporting ordinary people participating in the decision-making process. Examples of “political” issues JONAH has advocated for are: expanding bus services, improving recycling practices, expanding drug courts, ending child poverty, creating affordable housing options, improving the criminal justice system, and reforming immigration policy
Does JONAH participate in partisan politics or support political parties or candidates?
No – JONAH does not participate in partisanship. JONAH’s mission requires that people come together, and as a result JONAH has engaged with legislators and community leaders from all political persuasions. More than that, while issue discussion and advocacy is protected by law, as a federally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization JONAH is strictly forbidden by law from supporting or opposing and political party or candidate.
What are WISDOM and the Gamaliel National Network, and what is JONAH’s relationship to those organizations?
WISDOM (statewide) and the Gamaliel National Network (nationwide) are both non-profit organizations that do essentially what JONAH does, but on larger scales. They both connect primarily with religious congregations to empower ordinary people to form a common voice and effectively participate in issues of political, environmental, social and economic justice. JONAH is 1 of 11 WISDOM affiliates. In addition to collaborating with WISDOM and Gamaliel on issues that expand beyond our community, JONAH receives training and technical assistance from WISDOM and Gamaliel which help us work and organize effectively.
How is JONAH funded, and how does JONAH spend its budget?
JONAH’s income comes from four sources: dues paid by member religious organizations, grants, grassroots funding events, and community donor support. None of JONAH’s budget is from any branch of government. JONAH’s expenditures are by and large for staffing and training. Organizing people and building relationships is labor-intensive and demanding of time. JONAH’s paid organizer has the responsibility to create effective connections, manage meetings, coordinate with other organizations and the board, as well plan messaging and communications. The paid organizer is supported by a part-time communications coordinator. Training fees go towards the regular training for the paid organizer as well as sponsorships for folks who can’t afford the training, to ensure we can build community leaders.