John Jansen, executive director Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee
Name: John Jansen
Title: executive director
Nonprofit Organization: Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee
Website: www.milwaukeeshares.org
Organization Mission: “Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee is working to build a community that ensures social equity and a healthy environment for everyone. Community Shares connects individual donors with nearly 50 local social justice and environmental nonprofits and encourages ongoing giving to achieve a greater good through workplace and online contributions.”
Annual event: “Right now, Community Shares is conducting its annual workplace giving and online fund-raising campaigns through early December. If your workplace offers Community Shares as a giving option, please consider making a pledge. If your business doesn’t conduct a workplace giving campaign, please call us at (414) 342-0883 and we can provide materials on how your workplace can participate.”
In addition, on Wednesday, November 11 at 9 p.m., Community Shares will host its 2009 Rock on Community Shares benefit concert at Yield, 1932 E. Kenilworth Place, Milwaukee. The concert will feature The Wildbirds, a homegrown Wisconsin band. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door.
What makes your organization unique? "We are the only local group that raises money in the workplace for groups that support the environment and social justice. Our workplace giving campaigns allow individual donors to decide where to direct their gifts. We don’t place restrictions on where the money has to go."
What is one key thing needed for leadership in the nonprofit sector? “Nonprofit leaders should be more vocal in telling their story – the important work they do to support this community. Over the past several years, many critical services have been cut from government budgets, like working with ex-offenders and supporting our parks, and are now being done by local nonprofit organizations that are struggling to make ends meet. Our community is a much better place because of the work nonprofits do. However, they still need support from the Milwaukee community to continue their great work.”
Is your organization in search of board members? “We do have a couple of spots open for people interested in supporting our programs and working to build social justice and a healthy environment locally. We also have five excellent committees where people can get involved.”
How can business people/the community help your organization? "Business people can encourage their workplaces to include Community Shares as a workplace giving option for their employees. Many of the nonprofits we work with are also looking for volunteers. If you visit our web site, www.milwaukeeshares.org, you’ll find a list of volunteer opportunities throughout the area."
Why do you think people should volunteer or become a board member? “Volunteering delivers so many rewards and benefits. When you volunteer, you’re giving back to the community to make it a stronger, better place. Plus, the feeling you get from making a contribution to society is a wonderful, positive experience. I find volunteering to be a real energy boost. You’re not only helping others in need, you also learn a lot from the people you meet as a volunteer. Those who are less fortunate need to know there are people in the community who care about them and want them to succeed.”
