Since 2006, Wisconsin Family Action has promoted policies that reflect biblical values in our State Capitol. But Wisconsin Family Action’s story begins 40 years ago with the birth of our sister organization Wisconsin Family Council. As Wisconsin Family Council approaches its 40th anniversary, we invite you to join us for a time of reflection on our shared efforts and accomplishments while we look forward to a bright future with renewed energy.
Our Story
Forty-three years ago, Wisconsin was divided in a conflict concerning a new phenomenon: home-schooling. Marvin Munyon, the principal of a small private school in Watertown, rolled up his sleeves, and entered the arena. Marv would go on to play a significant role in passing Wisconsin Act 512 the following year legalizing homeschooling in Wisconsin.
The 1983-84 battle over home schooling and private schooling revealed the need for Christians to have a full-time presence in Madison to promote positive policies and oppose negative policies. Two years later, in 1986, Marv and a couple of other men began the organization that would become Wisconsin Family Council, in large part because of the fight for education freedom.
From the beginning, Wisconsin Family Council has defended life from conception, God’s design for marriage and family, religious liberty, and parental rights in education in the Badger State. Each of these issues remains at our core today.
Throughout the years, Wisconsin Family Council has played a significant role in public policy issues. As we fought to protect God’s design for marriage in the early 2000s, it became apparent that we needed a sister organization to directly address and promote our interests in the Capitol. In 2006, Wisconsin Family Action began and played a crucial role in passing the Marriage Amendment. Since then, Wisconsin Family Action has advocated in the state legislature on policy issues that impact marriage, family, life, and religious freedom; mobilized Wisconsin citizens to become meaningfully involved in their local and state governments; and prepared election-related materials that help Wisconsin voters to identify conservative candidates.
Julaine's Impact
As we consider God’s faithfulness to our organizations and the impact He has allowed us to make, we would be remiss to overlook the incredible leadership, excellence, and vision supplied by our President Emeritus Julaine Appling. In October 1997, Julaine came to work at Wisconsin Family Council as Director of Office Operations. She served in that capacity until November 1998, when she was asked to become president of the organization. In her twenty-seven years at Wisconsin Family Council, she became known across Wisconsin for her boldness, tact, and dedication.
Beyond overseeing the birth of Wisconsin Family Action, Julaine expanded Wisconsin Family Council’s impact in innumerable ways. Even in the last decade, she led the organization to begin two impactful new ministries: the Church Ambassador Network and LEAD Wisconsin. The Church Ambassador Network equips Wisconsin pastors to guide their congregations through current cultural discussions and provides them opportunities to meet and pray with their legislators. On the other hand, LEAD Wisconsin is a one-week summer camp that empowers teens through biblical worldview sessions and real-life leadership simulation. Both of these ministries further Wisconsin Family Council’s impact on our state.
Today, as President Emeritus, Julaine still provides valuable wisdom and experience from her years on the front lines.
Join Us to Celebrate
We invite you to join us in honoring the past and embracing our future at our 40th Anniversary Gala on May 1. The event will take place at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee. At the event, we will reflect on our shared history, honor Julaine’s 27 years of extraordinary leadership and dedication, and look forward to a bright future together. In addition, Katy Faust, founder and president of Them Before Us, will challenge us with her powerful message on protecting children and strengthening families.
Over the last 40 years, Wisconsin Family Council has become a trusted source for Christian conservatives across our state. We are humbled by the impact God has allowed us to make and by the generosity of our many partners that makes our ministry possible. We invite you to join in our celebration of Wisconsin Family Council and Julaine Appling’s legacy on May 1.
Click HERE to register today!
The work of Wisconsin Family Action is possible because of generous friends who partner with us financially and in prayer. If you value the work WFA does, we invite you to invest in this unique work that is all about you, your family, your faith, your freedom, and your future! As always, we welcome and covet your prayers.
