The Wisconsin legislative session of 1983-84 saw a heated battle to determine the definition of a private school and home schooling. The proverbial “good guys” won that battle, putting in place laws that have remained largely unchanged 40+ years later. But many of those involved in that effort also saw that Wisconsin citizens of faith, most especially Christians, needed an ongoing, influential presence in the state capitol—and thus, in 1986, what is now Wisconsin Family Council (WFC) was birthed.
WFC is the only organization in Wisconsin devoted to strengthening, persevering, and promoting marriage, family, life, and religious freedom. WFC does this by informing, inspiring, and involving individuals, churches, the media, and the culture-at-large about these issues from a decidedly conservative, Christian perspective. Through events, podcasts, radio programs, media interviews, emails, and social media, WFC engages the public on relevant current events in our state so that they can both think right and act accordingly.
Two initiatives are central to WFC’s work. Our Church Ambassador Network (CAN) engages government for the advancement of God’s Kingdom by connecting pastors to Wisconsin’s elected officials for the purpose of creating real relationships and encouraging them in their roles as persons, “shepherds” (government leaders), and partners. During election cycles, CAN provides church-friendly resources for pastors to use to encourage their congregants to honor God by choosing well with their vote.
LEAD WI is our teen worldview and leadership summer camp, built on a government and civics platform. This unique camp is all about coming alongside parents and others to build into the next generation the principles and skills they need to become effective, godly leaders.
WFC’s sister organization, Wisconsin Family Action (WFA) handles the legislative advocacy for our core issues and values. WFA sets legislative priorities each session, and our Legislative Director (Sam Krebs) works with legislators throughout the session to advance these policy matters and to respond to other proposals touching our primary issues. Sam is frequently in the Capitol meeting with elected officials and other interested and influential parties.
Currently, WFA is advancing legislation that would protect minors from the dangers of pornography, would ensure churches are never again shut down by a “public health emergency,” would protect women’s sports, and would affirm biological gender by prohibiting minors struggling with gender confusion from receiving cross-sex hormones, puberty blockers, or surgeries designed to assist in a “transition.”
WFA also engages in elections with sophisticated, strategic campaigns designed to move targeted voters to the polls in significant, difference-making numbers to vote for candidates who share our conservative values. Post-election analysis over the last three years shows our work has been very successful. Our state and federal PACs endorse selected candidates in elections at all levels of government.
WFC and WFA are currently led by Daniel Degner, president, as the organizations transition from the long-time leadership of Julaine Appling, who remains as president emeritus. Our talented and dedicated team is honored to serve individuals, churches, and organizations around Wisconsin. We love hearing from our fellow Wisconsin conservatives. Contact us at info@wifamilycouncil.org, info@wifamilyaction.org, or by phone at 608-268-5074. Visit us online at www.wifamilycouncil.org and www.wifamilyaction.org.
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