Community Shares of Wisconsin

The Capital Times recently published an editorial about supporting the important work of Community Shares of Wisconsin and our member nonprofits. "The end of another year is always the time to consider making a donation to your favorite charities as they make plans to do good deeds in the new year. And, of course, contributions to those charities received before Dec. 31 are eligible for deductions on the taxes you pay next spring. One of our favorites has long been Community Shares of Wisconsin, a unique organization that serves as an umbrella for nearly 70 local member nonprofits that work on the issues we — and, we believe, our readers — care about most.” https://lnkd.in/gF57UVPZ

Happy holidays from all of us at Community Shares of Wisconsin! Your continued support fuels our work to advance local social and environmental justice. Together with our member nonprofits, we remain committed to doing the right thing—join us in supporting those on the front lines transforming our community. 💚 Please consider a year-end donation to support Community Shares and our member nonprofits: https://lnkd.in/g9YHfE6 Image description: Green graphic with white snowflakes and text that reads "Happy holidays from Community Shares of Wisconsin."

Partner up for a day of friendly competition on Saturday, February 1 at Pickle Pro Courts to show off your pickleball skills while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Whether you're looking for a challenging game, a chance to socialize, or simply a fun day out, this tournament has something for everyone. 🏓 Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/ge6s9RNr

We are horrified by the tragic events at Abundant Life Christian School and our thoughts are with all those affected by the senseless loss of life. The students and faculty at the school deserved safety, but due to many factors, including some that are within society's control, they were not safe within their own school. Gun violence is a decades-long epidemic in our country. As school shootings happened in other cities across the nation, many of us knew it was only a matter of time before tragedy struck in Madison. Community Shares of Wisconsin is an organization focused on social change and it is clear that social change is urgently needed around gun violence. According to a study from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence, in 2022 more children and teens (ages 1-17) were killed by gun violence than by motor vehicle crashes or cancer, a staggering 106% increase in the gun death rate for this age group since 2013. In the United States, over 48,000 people died from gun violence in 2022; an average of 132 people per day, or one death every 11 minutes. We agree with the authors' recommendations to reduce gun violence through a public health approach, an approach that has successfully decreased deaths from diseases, smoking, and car crashes. Their specific policy recommendations include: • Enacting laws to promote safe and secure gun storage practices. • Enacting laws that require all prospective gun buyers to obtain a license prior to buying a gun from a dealer or a private seller. • Removing firearms from individuals determined to be at elevated risk for violence. • Investing in community violence intervention. • Regulating the carrying of guns in public. In addition to enacting commonsense gun laws, Community Shares of Wisconsin strongly supports increasing mental health services for kids with the hope of reducing the likelihood of these acts taking place. Gun violence is preventable, and your actions will make a difference. Contact your local, state, and national representatives and tell them they need to support measures to eradicate gun violence, increase funding for mental health, and treat gun violence like the disease it is. If they are not willing to support these commonsense policies, then let them know they will be voted out of office. Let our community be the community that turns the tide on the wave of violence in our country. Together we can end gun violence. Gun violence statistics citation: Villarreal, S., Kim, R., Wagner, E., Somayaji, N., Davis, A., & Crifasi, C. K. (2024). Gun Violence in the United States 2022: Examining the Burden Among Children and Teens. Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Image description: An illustration of a candle on a green background.

Community Shares of Wisconsin recently received a generous grant from The Capital Times Evjue Foundation. Several of our member nonprofits also received grants, including REAP Food Group, Sustain Dane, The Progressive Magazine, and UNIDOSWI. Congratulations everyone! 👏

As construction comes to an end for the Bayview Foundation, Inc. community, the Wisconsin State Journal has a wonderful piece about their new residents and the transformative impact of this housing initiative. https://lnkd.in/gMA6nwSi

We are deeply honored to receive the Community Advocate Award from Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin. It’s a privilege to contribute to positive change and be part of such an inspiring community. Thank you for this recognition! 💚 Image description: A framed award reads "Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin presents Community Shares of Wisconsin Nonprofit Community Energy Advocate. For dedication and support for the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin and its mission advocating for safe, reliable and affordable utility service for homeowners, renters and small businesses across the state"

Fox Coenen is a regular and reliable volunteer for GSAFE, an organization that works to make schools safe and affirming for LGBTQ+ youth in Wisconsin. Whenever she can, Fox responds with an enthusiastic “yes” to help with GSAFE events, including their annual Quilt & Fiber Art Auction, Trick or Trot Walk/Run, Celebration of Leadership, and more. Fox and her partner Kalen also help GSAFE with mailings and even involve their beloved dogs in fundraisers. Thank you, Fox! 💚 GSAFE creates just schools for LGBTQ+ youth in Wisconsin by developing the leadership of LGBTQ+ youth, supporting gay-straight alliances, training educators, advancing educational justice, and deepening racial, gender, trans, and social justice. The Backyard Hero Awards are sponsored by 105.5 Triple M, Isthmus, and Budget Signs & Specialties. Image description: A photo of Fox Coenen, volunteer for GSAFE, hugging two smiling dogs in tutus. The graphic also has the Community Shares logo and the words Backyard Hero.

Community Shares of Wisconsin’s member nonprofits are on the frontlines in Wisconsin working to build the kind of systemic change that will keep our democracy alive. Our nearly 70 local member nonprofits are tackling the issues you care about most: voting rights, healthy food systems, criminal justice reform, housing advocacy, environmental protection, LGBTQ+ rights, and much more. On this Giving Tuesday, we celebrate the good work that continues every day thanks to our member organizations and supporters like you. When you donate to Community Shares of Wisconsin, you can amplify this collective impact—supporting all of our member nonprofits at once. Or, you can direct your gift to a specific nonprofit and they’ll receive 100% of your contribution. Your support powers meaningful change that makes Wisconsin a better place for everyone. 💚 Donate now: communityshares.com/donate

Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the incredible network of support surrounding Community Shares of Wisconsin. To our members, supporters, and friends: we deeply appreciate your collaboration in advocating for social and environmental justice. Your dedication inspires positive change in our community, and we are endlessly grateful for all you do. 💚 Today, we invite you to reflect on this time through the lens of Indigenous peoples—honoring their resilience, contributions, and the truths of our shared history. Let this moment inspire learning, understanding, and a commitment to justice and equity for all. https://lnkd.in/gj5296gF