Spend the morning amidst the star power of historian John Gurda, poli-sci guru and former state senator Mordecai Lee, and famous invited former politicians relating war stories of how they forged change. Plus Hunger Task Force founders Joseph and Joyce Ellwanger will share how they started Milwaukee’s anti-hunger movement. You’ll also learn about up-to-the-minute legislation and Hunger Task Force’s aggressive new agenda to feed kids and the poor. Download a PDF of the conference brochure!

The conference is 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Sept. 27 at Alverno College (conference will take place at Christopher Hall -- download a map of the Alverno College campus [PDF]). Cost is $15 and includes free childcare (ages 2+) and a light breakfast. Register online or call (414) 777-0483.

Workshops include:

• Milwaukee’s Rich History—150 years of Organizing and Activism
  From the start, Milwaukee has had a very colorful history of activism and advocacy. Famed historian John Gurda explores Milwaukee’s history in a way that will leave you with a desire to make your own footprint on our community.

• Citizen Advocacy 101—A two-part workshop with Mordecai Lee
  Our state and federal elected officials are making tough decisions on how to spend your tax dollars. Do you want to learn how the policy-making process works? Do you want tips on how to conduct an effective meeting with a public official? Do you want to learn how to testify at a public hearing? What are the dos and don’ts of citizen advocacy? These topics, and more, will be covered by former State Senator and current UWM political science professor Mordecai Lee. Learn how to help Hunger Task Force advocate for investment in nutrition programs that fight hunger—and have fun doing it!

• How it All Began—Story of Hunger Task Force’s History
  In the early 1970s, Joseph and Joyce Ellwanger saw a need in the community for change. Little did they know that the movement for school breakfast would lead to Milwaukee’s only locally established food bank that provides free food to the hungry. Come learn how what started as a dream quickly became a movement. And get the inside scoop as former executive directors talk about their time at Hunger Task Force.

• Public Policy—Fighting Hunger in Milwaukee
  Hunger Task Force has a vibrant history of advocacy work around public policy issues affecting hunger. Every five years Congress revisits an important piece of legislation called the Child Nutrition Re-authorization Act. This legislation affects millions of low-income children at risk of hunger. Come learn about the issues, the legislative process and its key actors, and how you can take action.

• Why’d You Do It?—Elected Officials from Years Past
  What would make you change your mind about public policy? Former elected officials share what constituents' actions influenced their decisions on important public policy issues. Participants include former state senator Mary Panzer and other policy leaders!

Hunger Task Force would like to thank the following sponsors for making the conference possible: