A group of Oshkosh citizens first met in November of 2007 to discuss ways to advance community interests and strengthen the quality of life in Oshkosh. These conversations led to a shared belief that the Oshkosh area can benefit from efforts to focus public attention on the local impact of government policy (federal, state and local). Additionally, it was also felt this objective was best advanced
through an emphasis on factual information and genuine dialogue. Initial participation included individuals from different backgrounds – from elected public officials to leaders from education, business, labor, the faith community, nonprofits, retirees and other concerned citizens. This group included people from many different points of view. From those conversations, a series of informational programs were developed and offered to the Oshkosh community. In the summer of 2011, these efforts continued when planning efforts were made to provide organization, structure and purpose to explain this organization to others. Many public issues and political discussions seem to be framed in an “either/or” model that highlights tradeoffs and choices between limited options. We seek to broaden this discussion to explore or consider more options and possibilities. The following beliefs unite those who join in this common purpose:
1. We believe in a future of hope, promise and genuine distinction for greater Oshkosh area.
2. Although we have different points of view, we are united in the belief that the process of community-based discussion and conversation is an important and often neglected part of the process of leadership and governance.
3. We believe civic advancement requires open, objective and fact-based discussions, dialogues and even pointed debate.
4. We believe our combined efforts are important and necessary to keep our community strong. Our Vision for Oshkosh
The Oshkosh area, including Winnebago County, will be known for having active, informed and involved residents committed to making a stronger community. Comment: Active citizen participation and involvement enhances the quality of life. Efforts to ensure more public participation and involvement helps ensure that a variety of opinions are heard while options, decisions and choices are under review. These efforts will help ensure that resulting decisions are supported by responsive, respected and valued public institutions, private businesses and associated non-profit and community-based organizations. CSO’s Vision
Oshkosh will be a community that has viable public structures adequately funded by public revenue. Meaning of “public structures:” One of our nation’s greatest strengths is found in the “public structures” that it has created. These reflect actions and priorities at all levels of government: federal, state and local. These public structures include physical structures (such as highways, airports, and communications grids), organizational structures (such as the police, fire and emergency services, the courts and legal system, the monetary system), and social support systems that help to ensure the health and well-being of our communities. The strength, durability and vitality of these public structures are essential for advancing what can best be understood as the Common Good. CSO’s Mission
CSO will create open and inclusive public settings for citizens to review and discuss current and emerging needs or opportunities for improvement in the nature, character or quality of our public structures. These sessions will use fact-based presentations, effective discussion, civil dialogue and debate to help the public understand:
(1) the importance of public structures;
(2) the need to adequately fund those structures;
(3) to better understand the local community impact of national- and state-level policy choices; and
(4) the interdependence of governmental decisions and priorities between and among the levels of government (local, state and federal). CSO's Values
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Citizens for a Strong Oshkosh will model and be known by the following descriptive attributes:
Honesty
Inclusivity
Integrity
Civility
