Rebirth of Wisconsin Grassroots Network

Our dear friend and Wisconsin Grassroots Network founder Nate Timm served as WGN’s Chair from 2009 to 2023. Along with other members, Nate created educational events and seminars, a network for message-based signage, and vibrant connections to people and organizations across Wisconsin. His crowning achievement was The Wisconsin Grassroots Festival which made its debut in 2010.

Sadly, Nate suffered a stroke early in 2023 and could no longer serve. The 2023 festival went on as planned, but the future of WGN was unclear. In Nate’s absence, members met to consider disbanding the organization. 

At the end of May, 2023, five WGN members decided to keep Wisconsin Grassroots Network alive. They and their interim offices were Roger Springman, Chair; Rev. John Stanley, Vice Chair; Rebecca Alwin, Secretary; Ginny Brokish, Treasurer; and Dawn Shegonee. These five drafted a constitution and a mission statement. They invited those who had been part of the festival’s history to become founding members of the new WGN and to vote on the constitution. On October 24th, 2023, that vote was finalized and WGN was reborn.

For the first time, there were written guidelines for how to operate, and having a constitution soon proved its value. For personal reasons, Roger Springman stepped down as Chair. The constitution provided that the Vice Chair replace him. With Rev. John Stanley as WGN Chair, and he and Ginny Brokish as Festival Co-chairs, the 2024 15th Annual Festival became the primary focus of the new WGN with its theme of Our Future, Our Choices: Rural and Urban Together. 

Working closely with our organizational partners and allies across the state, the 15th Annual Wisconsin Grassroots Festival, hosted by Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, was an inspiring success thanks to the warm hospitality of Lawrence University and the tireless efforts of the students who sponsored us.
Our volunteers and allies are our greatest asset. We hope that you’ll decide to join them and us by becoming a member of the Wisconsin Grassroots Network. There is no charge for membership. 

As we honor our past, we warmly invite you to become part of our future.

Sincerely,
Rev. John Stanley
WGN Chair and Festival Co-Chair