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Another Customer Success Story: The Wisconsin Idea Forum

Alcohol abuse, public policy, and the University of Wisconsin

Take a major problem in Wisconsin; mix in a hefty portion of public policy; blend a diverse mix of state lawmakers, community leaders, business people, and students; stir in the resources of the University of Wisconsin System; add Continuing Education’s specialized help; offer a nice-and-easy  technology option; and “the Wisconsin Idea” continues to serve us all.

The Wisconsin Idea Forum is sponsored twice a year by the University of Wisconsin System. The purpose couldn’t be more important: to engage citizens “in public policy discussions and action planning around Wisconsin’s most challenging social, environmental and economic problems.” The idea is simple: “connect important regional and state issues with University of Wisconsin resources.”

The first Forum got things off to a great start. The topic was: “Addressing Alcohol Abuse through Public Policy: Finding Common Ground.” Over 200 people participated, either in person or via interactive videoconferencing. UW-Eau Claire’s Division of Continuing Education organized and sponsored the forum. ICS’s role was to facilitate videoconferencing with our colleagues at UW-Green Bay, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior, as well as UW-Eau Claire by providing video bridging services, technical support, presenter training and site coordination. Videoconferencing technology enabled maximum access across the state while reducing travel expenses. Participants at each campus were able to fully participate in the forum without traveling to Eau Claire.

UW-President Kevin Reilly and UW-Eau Claire Chancellor Brian Levin-Stankevich set the stage and framed the Forum’s purpose. Among the topics discussed by presenters were:

  • The public health burden of alcoholism in Wisconsin
  • The role public health can play to reduce harm from alcohol abuse
  • Research-based polices and practices to reduce harm caused by alcohol
  • How people can get involved to make a difference
  • Policy recommendations
  • Facilitated discussions for solutions and to “find common ground”

“The Forum has been a great way to get dialog started and bring stakeholders together for real coalition building efforts”, said UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education director George Kroeninger.  “ Forum attendees included representation from education, social agencies, business and industry, students and community leaders.”

Congratulations to everyone who made the first Wisconsin Idea Forum so successful. Special kudos to Nikki Andrews, Outreach Specialist-Health & Human Services, UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education.

The next Wisconsin Idea Forum will be held Fall 2009. For more information about the next Forum, please contact:
Nikki Andrews
andrewns@uwec.edu
715-836-5606

For information about videoconferencing, please contact:
Maureen Friend
wislinevideo@ics.uwex.edu
608-262-5249

UW-Extension