Community Shares of Wisconsin will celebrate the work of three community leaders tonight at 5 p.m. who are working to build a better community for all with a virtual celebration on the Community Shares of Wisconsin Facebook page.
The ceremony will include stories and highlights of Change-Makers Award winners as well as the volunteers, advocates, and Madison-based nonprofit organizations that have overcome challenges during the COVID crisis to work for social and environmental justice.
“Community Shares of Wisconsin and its member nonprofits have a long history in facing systemic injustices and working to correct the ways people are harmed by racism and inequality,” said CSW Executive Director Cheri Dubiel in a statement. “These Community Change-Makers inspire all of us to think about the big picture and work every day to make our community a place where we can ensure food and housing security, clean air and water, and the freedom to live our fullest lives.”
Community Shares of Wisconsin nonprofit groups nominated the following awardees:
● Mark Richardson, nominated by Sustain Dane, will receive the Liesl Blockstein Community Leadership Award
“Mark is an incredibly thoughtful change maker, a phenomenal connector for scaling impact, and an overall joy to have the opportunity to work with,” said Claire Oleksiak, executive director at Sustain Dane. “His perspective and input elevates our discussions and projects. He is a true leader for holistic sustainability – the bringing together of environmental health, social wellbeing, and a just economy.” —
● Dee Sweet, nominated by Wisconsin Conservation Voices, will receive the Linda Sundberg Civil Rights Defender Award. Nominated by Wisconsin Conservation Voters/Voices, Dee serves as their First Nations Organizer where she works with tribal leaders, activists, and partners to bring the voice of First Nations communities into Wisconsin Conservation Voices campaigns.
● Marcia Caton Campbell, nominated by Rooted, will receive the Sally Sunde Family Advocate Award. “Marcia has drawn out interest, energy and creative collaboration from classrooms, neighborhoods, gardens and formal structures to make communities more vibrant and self-confident,” said Rooted Board President Joe Sensenbrenner. “The innovative work she has initiated in Madison and Milwaukee has evolved through grassroots ownership into community-strengthening fabric. Everyone, but especially women and underserved populations, has benefitted from her gentle resolve and decades of dedication.”
Tickets purchased in support of this event helps Community Shares award three nonprofits $1,000 each. Nonprofits are chosen by Change-Maker Award winners to further the inspiring and critical work they do in our community.
Community Shares will also honor 24 Backyard Hero Award Winners for their volunteer work at Community Shares’ member nonprofits.
