Northwoods Policy Network announces official launch

The Northwoods Policy Network, a new policy nonprofit that aims to advocate for Northwoods interests, announced its launch last week. 

Paul Schecklman is the Network’s Executive Director. He’s a doctoral candidate at Missouri State University’s School of Defense and Strategic Studies.

He says the group was formed after conversations with the community about the need for a collective voice for Northwoods interests. 

“We’re working on anything from conservation, sporting, and natural resources, to energy, local governance manufacturing, new technology opportunities that are coming up with the changing economy. Kind of everything that will touch a local community and its future is what we want to work on,” says Schecklman.

He says the goal is to create a stronger voice in statewide decisions on growth, investment, and Wisconsin’s economic future.

The founding board includes Schecklman along with Ben Dryden, founder of the DrydenWire, who’s the nonprofit’s Communications Director. And Adam Jarchow, a lawyer and former state lawmaker from Balsam Lake. 

According to a statement, the network plans to produce unique research, develop bold and targeted policies, share stories of success and challenge, and elevate the voices of residents who believe in the potential of the Northwoods.

Schecklman adds that part of the group’s work will be helping residents understand how statewide policies affect the Northwoods.

“A lot of it will be doing the long and complicated reading that people simply don’t have time for. What’s actually in some of these bills or why are certain policies this way or why things happen. And then relating it back to, how would I be having this conversation with my dad? Or my neighbor?” says Schleckman. 

He adds that the Northwoods Policy Network is open to residents, business owners, students, and community leaders. More at NorthwoodsPolicy.org.