Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service

10/02/2026

In case you missed it: "Effective Governance and Civility in Polarized Times" is now available to watch on YouTube.

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) hoste...

10/01/2026

Join us tonight for "Effective Governance & Civility in Polarized Times," held 6:30 p.m. at the UW Center for Civic Engagement Veninga Theater in Wausau. The event will feature Ambassador Tom Barrett, Representative Tom Petri, and Governor Tommy Thompson.

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.

In-person and virtual attendance options available.

learn more:

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 Ci...

09/30/2026

WIPPS Executive Director Eric Giordano joined "Between the Lines" with Greg Stensland on WFDL radio to talk about the past, present, and future of civility in politics as well as tomorrow's event, "Effective Governance and Civility in Polarized Times."

https://on.soundcloud.com/rRAko96FmdhLkIIC2n

09/29/2026

This Thursday: Barrett, Petri and Thompson to Discuss Governance and Civility in Wausau

Three former officeholders will participate in a bipartisan discussion about effective governance and civility this Thursday, October 1, in Wausau.

“Effective Governance and Civility in Polarized Times” will gather Ambassador Tom Barrett, Representative Tom Petri, and Governor Tommy Thompson to discuss the impact of political polarization on effective governance, civility, and bipartisan cooperation

The event is being hosted by the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service, in collaboration with WisPolitics, on October 1, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., at the UW Center for Civic Engagement in Wausau and virtually.

Jeff Mayers, president of WisPolitics, will moderate the panel. Audience members will have the opportunity to submit questions to the speakers during the Q&A session.

This event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, with virtual attendance available via Zoom

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 Ci...

09/28/2026

H2N Community Announcements is hiring! Do you have an interest in helping underserved communities overcome health barriers?

Apply to be a Hmong Community Health Worker! This position is located in the Central Wisconsin area and primary roles will involve Community Health Work and Case Management. Community Health Workers (CHWs) understand the social determinants of health and are responsible for helping clients from under-served communities overcome barriers to health.

The HOLA & H2N team is seeking a full-time Hmong Community Health Worker to join our team in October. This position is located in the Central Wisconsin area and primary roles will involve Community Health Work and Case Management. Community Health Workers (CHWs) understand the social determinants of health and are responsible for helping clients from under-served communities overcome barriers to health.

The starting salary for this position is $50,000 per year, with the opportunity for a higher salary based on experience and qualifications. Please see the flyer below for additional details on the position and application process. Submit your questions and resume with three references to [email protected].

Link to the full position description: https://docs.google.com/document/d/198SfYYjTwp0PBi5Qz7vUMQzh4vPoBegI/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115697766925708465615&rtpof=true&sd=true

Indeed Link: https://www.indeed.com/job/hmong-community-health-worker-chw-2576c19bcad2c356

If you are looking for a job but this one isn't for you, we will be posting more hiring opportunities in the near future!

09/24/2026

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) will honor the life and legacy of Dave Anderson on Oct. 1 in Wausau by posthumously presenting him with the Bill Kraus Lifetime Achievement in Civic Leadership Award and announcing a new memorial scholarship in his name.

Dave Anderson, who passed away in August 2025, was a dedicated public servant whose career spanned more than four decades. He served as Director of Appointments for Governor Tommy Thompson, Policy Director for Governor Scott McCallum, district director for U.S. Representatives Tom Petri and Sean Duffy, and Assistant Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

At WIPPS, Dave served as a Senior Policy Fellow and Chair of the Board of Advisors. He was also a dedicated Rotarian and past Governor of Rotary District 6220.

“All of us at WIPPS really cherished the time we had with Dave,” said Eric Giordano, WIPPS executive director. “His passion for public service and helping people was truly infectious, and we hope this scholarship will help inspire and support others who want to make a difference in their communities.”

At the Oct. 1 ceremony, Dave will be recognized with the Bill Kraus Lifetime Achievement in Civic Leadership Award, which honors individuals whose life and work demonstrate the highest qualities of civic leadership, including a commitment to civil dialogue, positive change, and service to the public good. Previous recipients of the award include Mary Williams and Shirley Abrahamson.

Additionally, WIPPS and Rotary District 6220 will announce the creation of the Dave Anderson Memorial Scholarship, which will support students who demonstrate the same spirit of service, dedication, civic engagement, and love of community that Dave exemplified throughout his life.

WIPPS is currently raising funds to establish and sustain the scholarship. To learn more and donate, please visit wipps.org.

https://wipps.org/awards/wipps-to-honor-dave-anderson/

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) will honor the life and legacy of Dave Anderson on Oct. 1 in Wausau by...

09/23/2026

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.

Before his time as U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg during the Biden administration, Tom Barrett served as the mayor of Milwaukee (2004 to 2021), as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1993 to 2003), and in both the Wisconsin Senate (1989 to 1993) and Wisconsin State Assembly (1984 to 1989).

Tom Petri represented Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for 18 terms (1979 to 2015) and was a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Education and Workforce Committee. Before being elected to Congress, Petri served in the Wisconsin Senate (1973 to 1979).

Tommy Thompson was the longest-serving governor in Wisconsin history, serving four terms (1987 to 2001). Thompson served as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (2001 to 2005). Prior to his time as governor, Thompson was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly (1967 to 1987).

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 Ci...

09/17/2026

We hope to see you in two weeks for Effective Governance and Civility in Polarized Times!

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service and WisPolitics of State Affairs are hosting a free bipartisan panel discussion featuring three former Wisconsin officeholders on Thursday, October 1, in Wausau. The event will take place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Veninga Theater in the UW Center for Civic Engagement, with virtual attendance available via Zoom (registration required).

Effective Governance and Civility in Polarized Times will bring together Ambassador Tom Barrett, Representative Tom Petri, and Governor Tommy Thompson to examine the impact of political polarization on effective governance, civility, and bipartisan cooperation.

Moderated by WisPolitics President Jeff Mayers, the conversation will explore how public service has changed throughout the panelists’ careers and how elected officials and citizens alike can foster productive relationships across political differences.
Audience members will have the opportunity to submit questions to the speakers during the Q&A segment.

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

Learn more here:

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service and WisPolitics are hosting a free bipartisan panel discussion featuring three former Wisconsin officeholders on Thursday, October 1, in...

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!