A Magical Conference In Wisconsin

Jill Mitchler, Wisconsin Co-coordinator

The Wisconsin State Conference on April 6, 2019, was a magical experience. The fun started the night before at a social mixer for attendees who traveled from out-of-town. Food and beverages were provided by Madison CCL chapter members, and some great musical entertainment was presented by a folk guitar duo called “Vested Interest,” featuring Madison CCLers Tom Sinclair and Rex Loker.

The next day, over 100 people from around the state gathered at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ. The first thing everyone noticed was that it seemed as if some of our Wisconsin congressional delegation were there with us! Thanks to Dan Slick, life-sized figures of senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin, as well as representatives Gwen Moore and Mike Gallagher,  gave the illusion that these members of Congress had joined us. The conference kicked off with a panel discussion entitled, “Growing Support for Climate Action.” The panelists were leaders representing four of the constituencies we’re appealing to for support of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act —  agriculture, business, environmental advocacy groups and local government.

Conference attendees learned about the organizations represented, their work on climate change and their many collaborative partnerships. The panel members shared their perspectives on H.R. 763 and how receptive they thought members of their constituencies would be to the bill and the reasons why.


Our panelists participated in breakout strategy sessions related to their specific constituencies. Conference attendees were able to ask more questions and strategize in groups related to their particular area of interest. Many new relationships were formed among our panelists and CCLers during these discussions. As is the CCL way, careful listening builds trusted relationships. And that is, after all, where real magic begins!  Lunch time included a few small group meetings based on some state action teams or specific areas of interest, (i.e., faith-based outreach, state legislators' outreach and chapter development) and also involved lots of fellowship and camaraderie.

Afternoon sessions focused on House and Senate strategy, with separate breakouts for Republican and Democratic MoCs; important details and communication practice on the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act; an enlightening perspective on the Green New Deal; and breakout sessions on the CCL Levers of Political Will.

Throughout the day, various Wisconsin CCL volunteers moderated the morning’s panel discussion, gave presentations and skillfully facilitated our many breakout sessions. They then expertly summarized those dialogs for the larger group.

In her closing remarks, CCL’s VP of Programs and Madison chapter founder, Madeleine Para, shared some thoughtful and inspiring words on persistence and hope. 

Topping off the day, state co-coordinator/magician Dan Dieterich amazed everyone with a flash of fire that he held in his hand for a flaming finale! I told you it was magical.