It’s in the Books: 2023 Wisconsin Idea Conference

March 30, 2023

The first-ever Wisconsin Idea Conference is in the books. On Monday, March 27, the Morgridge Center for Public Service brought together community-engaged scholars, staff, students and local leaders to deepen our understanding of our state and local community and reflect upon how we cultivate a culture of community engagement at UW–Madison. The conference featured speakers from across the community, including faculty and community partners connected to the UniverCity Alliance, community partnerships with the Indigenous Learning Lab, students and staff at the Morgridge Center, and more. Individuals or groups interested in watching the outstanding work that was presented by community engagement practitioners can click here to view the recorded breakout sessions. Community-Engaged Scholarship Specialist Cory Sprinkel and Assistant Director of Community-Engaged Scholarship Haley Madden are already looking forward to next year as they hope to host another Wisconsin Idea Conference and bring in more voices and community members to expand upon the Wisconsin Idea. Check out some photos from the opening remarks and breakout sessions from this year’s conference.

Keynote speaker Judge Reverend Everett Mitchell reflects on the legacy of former UW-Madison Chancellor Blank and the forever-lasting impact she created with the south Madison community.

Keynote speaker Judge Everett Mitchell reflects on the legacy of former UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank and the forever-lasting impact she created with the south Madison community.

Faculty Director Travis Wright talks to a group of attendees about BASES (Building Acaemic, Social, and Emotional Support), a project that increases school-based and other educational supports for young homeless children in Madison and building the capacity of schools, teachers and families to better meet their needs.

Morgridge Center for Public Service Faculty Director Travis Wright talks to a group of attendees about BASES (Building Academic, Social, and Emotional Support), a project that increases school-based and other educational supports for young homeless children in Madison and building the capacity of schools, teachers, and families to better meet their needs.

This breakout session, “Rethinking Service-Learning and Community-Academic Partnerships” explored innovations in the Community Resource Navigator Program (CRNP). CRNP has built a foundational partnership with Meadowood Health Partnership and local health clinics to engage undergraduate students from across campus to partner with patients facing health-harming social needs.

Morgridge Center for Public Service Student Organization Preparation Interns Jenna Harb and Claudia Liverseed present to attendees on how the Student Organization Partnership Program (SOPP) seeks to meet the needs of both UW–Madison students wanting to engage in community-based work through Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and community partner organizations seeking to build long-term partnerships with these RSOs.

Morgridge Center for Public Service Student Organization Preparation Interns Jenna Harb (left) and Claudia Liverseed (right) present to attendees on how the Student Organization Partnership Program (SOPP) seeks to meet the needs of both UW–Madison students wanting to engage in community-based work through Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and community partner organizations seeking to build long-term partnerships with these RSOs.

UniverCity Alliance (UCA) Managing Director Gavin Luther (left) speaks to attendees on how UCA aims to connect UW-Madison faculty, staff, and students with community-identified needs and helps institutionalize community engagement.

UniverCity Alliance (UCA) Managing Director Gavin Luter (left) speaks to attendees on how UCA aims to connect UW-Madison faculty, staff, and students with local governments to support community-identified needs. The associated panel included faculty, graduate students and community partners who have been involved in robust partnerships.

Morgridge Center for Public Service Community Engagement Preparation Graduate Assistant Bertha Gonzalez and Community Engagement Education Intern Lydia Zajichek present to attendees on how history of community engagement preparation at UW can benefit students of color, especially those working within predominantly white communities.

Morgridge Center for Public Service Community Engagement Preparation Graduate Assistant Bertha Gonzalez (left) and Community Engagement Education Intern Lydia Zajichek (right) present to attendees on how history of community engagement preparation at UW can benefit students of color, especially those working within predominantly white communities.