by Mitchell Pralle, Community Shares of Wisconsin Communications Coordinator
On Tuesday, March 2, Community Shares of Wisconsin nonprofit groups will participate in The Big Share®, an online day of giving that has raised millions for participating member groups. In the seventh annual Big Share campaign, 70 local nonprofit groups aim to raise $500,000.
“As we head into Community Shares' 50th anniversary year, Wisconsinites can look to Community Shares as a hub for the causes they care about most,” said Community Shares of Wisconsin Executive Director Cheri Dubiel. “Whether it’s an environmental group that has worked to protect our climate since the first Earth Day or grassroots, racial justice groups that mobilize youth power through social media, you can find a cause to support through The Big Share.”
The Big Share is an easy way to give back to your community. You can donate online to participating member groups and share your support with your own social media network. Because we cannot gather in person for events this year, you can set up your own fundraising campaign in support of your favorite nonprofit and invite your friends to give too.
This year's Big Share includes our five newest member organizations. In addition to conNEXTions and Padres E Hijos en Accion, two groups that conducted their first Big Share campaigns in 2020, the following three organizations, featured through last year's Inspiring Voices program, will be participating in The Big Share for the first time.
Inspire Barber College promotes spiritual, mental, physical, and financial growth for individuals who are committed to enhancing their lives and the lives of others through the art and science of barbering.
Natural Circles of Support is a mentorship and support program that centers the voices of African American students and builds on the strengths of their families and teachers to create conditions that support Black students and change the conditions in schools that keep inequities in place.
Urban Triage is an organization devoted to empowering Black families and children by developing and managing life-changing programming and mobilizing community resources to distribute them to those most in need.
This past year has tested our strength as a community, and on March 2 we have an opportunity to come together to celebrate and amplify the work of grassroots leaders through The Big Share. The multiple crises our country faces are not over but we must center the voices of the Black Lives Matter movement and the people most directly impacted.
"It’s more important than ever to support groups that work for equality and systemic change,” said Dubiel. “If we are going to recover from this tumultuous time, we have to amplify the work of those working for justice. The Big Share is a way to donate to groups doing just that.”
Your contribution to The Big Share builds support and community, while deepening member nonprofit engagement within their own communities. Individuals and area businesses who want to learn more about ways to support The Big Share can visit www.thebigshare.org or call Community Shares of Wisconsin at 608-256-1066.
Madison Community Foundation, an organization involved with The Big Share since the program's debut in 2014, will be the presenting sponsor for The Big Share 2021. More local companies will be announced soon as sponsors of virtual events, prizes, and Power Hours in which top fundraising nonprofits can win extra cash.
As we celebrate 50 years of social and environmental justice advocacy, Community Shares of Wisconsin thanks the Willy Street Co-op shoppers who have been saying “Yes!” to the CHIP® program. Your contributions help fuel activism in our communities and empower our member groups to fulfill their missions.