Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service

08/25/2026

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) will host Ambassador Tom Barrett, Representative Tom Petri, and Governor Tommy Thompson for a bipartisan panel discussion, Effective Governance and Civility in Polarized Times, on October 1, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., at the UW Center for Civic Engagement in Wausau and virtually.

In addition to discussing their time in government, the speakers will examine the past, present, and future of effective governance and civility. Jeff Mayers, president of WisPolitics, will moderate the panel.

The discussion will cover the impact of political polarization on governing, what effective bipartisan cooperation looks like, and how elected officials and citizens alike can foster productive relationships across political differences. Panelists will also reflect on how public service has changed throughout their careers and how to strengthen public trust, civility, and effective governance. During the Q&A, audience members will have the opportunity to submit questions to the speakers.

This event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, with virtual attendance available via Zoom (click here to register for the Zoom webinar).

Event Details:

Effective Governance and Civility in Polarized Times
Thursday, October 1, 2026, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
UW Center for Civic Engagement, Veninga Theater, 625 Stewart Ave., Wausau, WI 54401
Livestream via Zoom
Free and open to the public

Learn more: https://wipps.org/news/wipps-to-host-barrett-petri-thompson-for-bipartisan-discussion-on-governance-and-civility/

This event is presented by the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service in partnership with WisPolitics of State Affairs.

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) is a nonpartisan organization with a mission to address local, state, and national issues by linking public scholarship, civic outreach, and student service to enhance community life throughout Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) will host Ambassador Tom Barrett, Representative Tom Petri, and Governor Tommy Thompson for a bipartisan panel...

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July! On this day 250 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

All of us at WIPPS wish you and your family a fantastic Independence Day!

06/29/2026

Meet Yingyakia, a WIPPS and H2N Community Announcements team member.

"The most rewarding part of working with H2N is connecting with the community and ensuring that we can lead them to the right resources that they need. Since I have started working with H2N, I have seen how we can positively impact our communities."

Your dedication to serving others is commendable. Thank you, Yingyakia!

06/19/2026

Today WIPPS joins the country in celebrating and honoring Juneteenth. On this day in 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and enforced the end of slavery, bringing freedom to more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans.

06/04/2026

This week students with the 2026 Washington Seminar made it from Madison, Wisconsin to our nation’s capital, Washington D.C.!

The students had the opportunity to meet with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), a trade organization that represents U.S. dairy farmers and their cooperatives on federal policy, regulation, and industry issues.

In addition to learning about the mission of NMPF and related agriculture policies, the students have enjoyed sampling various dairy products provided by the hosts.

Thank you so much to the NMPF team for visiting with the students and for celebrating 10 years of collaboration with WIPPS for the Washington Seminar!

05/29/2026

Happy 178th Birthday, Wisconsin! On this day in 1848, Wisconsin officially became the 30th state. It is a great day to celebrate the Badger State and everyone who calls it home!

05/28/2026

This week marked the start of the 2026 WIPPS Washington Seminar, a three-week study away program held in Madison and Washington, D.C.

Students arrived in Madison on Tuesday and have spent the week touring the Capitol, meeting with leaders, and learning how Wisconsin government works behind the scenes.

We are especially grateful to those who took time out of their busy schedules to meet with the students, including Governor Tony Evers; Brian Schimming, Chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin; Maggie Gau, Chief of Staff for Governor Tony Evers; and Scott Bauer, Associated Press state government reporter.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. We pause with respect and gratitude for their sacrifice.

05/18/2026

Congratulations to Brayden Banks, the recipient of the 2026 Dave Obey Young Adult Civic Engagement Award!

The award is named in honor of former Wisconsin Congressman David R. Obey, who served central and northern Wisconsin as a representative from 1969 to 2011. It is awarded annually to a young person who demonstrates leadership abilities including initiative, integrity, and service to others. Recipients also demonstrate a commitment to civic engagement through building relationships throughout the community and working toward positive change.

During his time at UW-Stevens Point, Banks’ work has focused on connecting student advocacy, conservation, public service, and research.

Through the Student Government Association, he has advanced student-centered policy, served on shared governance committees, preserved educational affordability and accessibility, and strengthened campus engagement. Banks has also taken on a vice president role by chairing SGA’s General Assembly and helping guide its transition into the next academic year.

His service beyond campus includes Mississippi River cleanup work with Living Lands & Waters, Louisiana coastal restoration and food access work with Further Along, and animal husbandry and public outreach with Primates Incorporated. As Public Relations Director of the Animal Health and Wellness Club, he helped grow student involvement in animal care, education, and fundraising. Brayden has also elevated undergraduate research by presenting on campus and at conferences hosted by the Society for Neuroscience’s Upper Midwest Chapter and the Wisconsin Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies.

Congratulations, Brayden!

🗣️ It's a state-wide award for commendable public service and leadership.

🙌 Congratulations to Brayden Banks, a political science graduate. Banks has been selected for the 2026 Dave Obey Young Adult Civic Engagement Award for his student advocacy in the UW-Stevens Point Student Government Association, research presentations at regional conferences, and for his efforts with the Animal Health and Wellness Club on campus.

Learn more about his award and scholarship. https://wipps.org/awards/yace/brayden-banks-doyacea-recipient-2026/

Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service

05/14/2026

Wausau Area High School Students: Do you want to get paid to help others while gaining valuable skills and experience?

Apply to be a PATCH Teen Educator for the 2026/2027 school year!

Providers and Teens Communicating for Health (PATCH) has a mission to help youth get the high-quality, youth-friendly health care they need and deserve. Being able to have open, honest, safe, and supported conversations with trusted health professionals is a key part of getting that care — but for many, this isn’t the case.

That’s why the Teen Educator Program exists. Apply today to make sure YOUR voice is included in conversations about what teens want and need in health care.

This opportunity is available to high school students ages 14-18 in the Wausau area who enjoy working with others, are open-minded and willing to learn, and are passionate about making sure all youth get the health care they need and deserve.

To learn more and apply, visit: https://patchprogram.org/ourwork/wipatch/witeenjobs/