Community Living Room: Finding Dignity and Connection in a Digital World

In this episode of The Dairyland Patriot - we explore the profound impact of human connection and storytelling in an age of isolation.

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We discuss how getting back to a micro-level of community can offer hope in the face of the mental health crisis.

Community Living Room offers connection without judgement It's an airy, welcoming and comfortable space – an actual living room, really – for anyone to inhabit, without expectations.

A Space for Unconditional Connection: The Community Living Room is designed as a non-transactional, judgment-free zone where anyone can simply exist.

Empathy-Centered Approach: The space is staffed by trained "listeners" who prioritize empathy and deep listening over providing solutions.

"Connection is Prevention" Model: Founded on the belief that human connection can be a powerful preventative measure for mental health crises, the Community Living Room offers a safe alternative to traditional emergency services.

Find out more - www.communitylivingroom.org/?ref=dairylandpatriot.com

This episode of The Dairyland Patriot podcast is coverage of a community event, Medicaid Matters, put together by HOTV Community Connections.

The event covers the topic of Medicaid in general and specifically the potential impacts of the recent legislation drastically cutting federal support to states for Medicaid programs. Listeners will hear powerful, personal stories, including one from a friend who nearly died due to an ectopic pregnancy because she couldn't get fast enough health care.

This story underscores how critical Medicaid is for individuals and families, especially during challenging times. The speakers also touch on the broader context of healthcare in the United States, including the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and the ongoing fight to protect Medicaid. This forum is a powerful reminder that Medicaid isn't just a political issue—it's a matter of life and death for many working people.

Speakers include:

Tim Faust - Citizen Action

Tom Nelson - Outagamie County Executive

Dr. Anna Igler - Physician

Kristin Alfheim - WI State Senator

And impacted citizens.

This podcast discusses the challenging landscape of childcare in Wisconsin, focusing on policy changes and funding issues. It delves into the trade-offs involved in new regulations, such as increased child-to-adult ratios and the implications of reduced direct funding for childcare providers. The conversation highlights concerns from the industry, particularly regarding the impact on children, families, teachers, and centers, while also examining the state budget's role and potential solutions like the payroll tax.

Welcome to the Dairyland Patriot podcast. The Dairyland Patriot is proud to be kicking off its very own podcast with this episode. Fittingly the topic is a wrap-up of Pride month.

In this episode we cover the following articles:

📰Wisconsin lawmakers unleash flurry of pro-LGBTQ+ legislation

01:02 A review of The Equality Agenda, a package of legislation aimed at improving equality and safety for the LGBTQ+ community.

🔗 dairylandpatriot.com/wisconsin-lawmakers-unleash-flurry-of-pro-lgbtq-legislation/

📰 Fox Valley Pride festival creates a space, highlights a culture

05:47 An interview with Dana Johnson with Fox Valley Pride.

🔗 dairylandpatriot.com/fox-valley-pride-festival-creates-a-space-showcases-a-culture/

🔗 www.fvpride.org/home

📰Heat is no match for community, love and self-acceptance at Fox Valley Pride Festival

16:41 A post Pride Fest review including:

19:51 A few words from Rep. Lee Snodgrass and Sen. Kristen Dassler-Alfheim

21:27 Spoken word by local poet Ria Di Peeples

🔗 dairylandpatriot.com/heat-is-no-match-for-desire-for-community-self-acceptance-and-love-at-pride-festival/

That’s all for today’s episode of the Dairyland Patriot podcast. We hope you will like, subscribe and return for more.