FOR THE WAUSAU TIMES

Wausau, WI – A new Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) program is seeking to promote community healing in Marathon County by fostering constructive conversations on public issues.

The program, “Let’s Talk, Marathon County,” aims to create opportunities where all voices are heard, valued, and respected.

Over the next two years, “Let’s Talk, Marathon County” will facilitate small-group discussions on important public issues, with the first topic being youth mental health. The small groups will be designed to have a balance of both urban and rural individuals, as well as varying viewpoints and backgrounds. Different discussion topics will be chosen over the next 18 months based on community interests and needs.

Participants in the program will receive a $100 gift card each time they attend a session. “Let’s Talk, Marathon County” is open to Marathon County residents ages 16 and above. Those interested can apply on the WIPPS website: https://wipps.org/lets-talk/.

“Like the rest of the country, the last decade Marathon County has become more and more polarized,” said Eric Giordano, WIPPS executive director. “It’s rare to have opportunities where people from different backgrounds and viewpoints can have open, honest, and civil conversations.”

In 2022 WIPPS conducted a survey in Lincoln and Marathon Counties to gauge residents’ perceptions and attitudes towards diversity, inclusion, and community welcomeness. The study showed that residents feel least comfortable when interacting with residents who have opposing political or ideological viewpoints. “The Let’s Talk program is designed to demonstrate that not only are conversations across the aisle possible, but that residents have a lot more common ground than they may think,” said Giordano.
Part of a National Movement

“Let’s Talk, Marathon County” is one of 32 grant recipients for the Healing Starts Here initiative, a nationwide effort to address and understand divisive forces in communities and promote healing. This initiative is funded by New Pluralists, an organization committed to helping Americans recognize our shared humanity, embrace our differences, and solve challenges together. This project is fully funded by New Pluralists and no taxpayer dollars are being used for this project.

“Through the Healing Starts Here initiative, the WIPPS team has been able to connect with, and learn from, some fantastic organizations from around the country,” said WIPPS Program Manager, Julie Bunczak. “While healing divides in our communities is a daunting task, it has been incredibly encouraging to see the great work that is happening all around the United States.”