Fifty-five people gathered in Appleton, Wisconsin last week for a multifaith celebration of democracy that filled the evening with food, conversation, and art. Cluster leader Rhonda Lindner offered a presentation on America’s founding ideals, and artist Niki Johnson shared her work on the Pillars of Democracy. Guests also participated in a Community Art Workshop, sat for videographer interviews, and worked with Typewriter Poet John Contreras. Civic organizations including WIVEC, ESTHER, and LWV-Fox Cities tabled throughout the event, distributing stickers, postcards, and flyers to mark the occasion.
For a city of about 75,000, the turnout reflected something real. Congregations from several faith traditions joined three interfaith and civic organizations, including two focused on voting rights, to spend an evening together around shared democratic values. Attendees came from within established networks and brought newcomers along, and many left asking what comes next. The Appleton cluster is a reminder that when faith communities create space for this kind of gathering, neighbors show up.
