Our Programs
Backyard Heroes
Backyard Heroes

Nonprofit Volunteers are our Backyard Heroes!
Through powerful, responsive collaboration on the front lines of social and environmental justice advocacy, Backyard Heroes make an impact.
Past Backyard Heroes
November 2020 Backyard Heroes
Karen Ann Meulendyke - Wisconsin Women's Network Karen joined WWN as a volunteer on the Policy Institute Planning Committee in 2015. In her most recent role, Advancement Chair, she led WWN to the most successful fundraising year in our 40-year history! In...
October 2020 Backyard Heroes
Dana King - Nuestro Mundo Dana King is a parent at Nuestro Mundo Community School that has been a dedicated volunteer for the past eight years. Dana routinely volunteers in the classroom and contributes to the wider community through fundraising, garden, and social...
September 2020 Backyard Heroes
Joie Zhang - Sustain Dane Joie coordinates Sustain Dane's new volunteer programs and helps run our social media, including starting our Instagram. She is passionate about exploring the intersection between design and sustainability and its ability to connect...
August 2020 Backyard Heroes
Paul Saeman - Moses Paul has been a leader in the MOSES Justice System Reform Initiative (JSRI) task force which advocates for a comprehensive reform of the Dane County Criminal Justice System in order to reduce mass incarceration. From his initial efforts as a member...
July 2020 Backyard Heroes
Denise Boss - Community Shares of Wisconsin Denise has been a great volunteer for Community Shares during many community/member organization events that we support. She is always willing to assist in any capacity that we ask. She is just a great person to work with....
June 2020 Backyard Heroes
Dana Pellebon - OutReach Dana is an OutReach board member. She assists with fundraising and stage management for special events. In her spare time, Dana is also an actor, director, and producer in local and regional theatrical productions, in addition to being active...
May 2020 Backyard Heroes
Tina Sweep - OutReach LGBTQ + Community Center Tina has been a volunteer at OutReach since 2015. She helps facilitate the Madison Ace space group, helps with public education on our Speakers Bureau, and helps train new volunteers. She is a fierce advocate for the...
April 2020 Backyard Heroes
Ned Dorff - Wisconsin Conservation Voices Ned is an advocate for clean energy. An environmental educator and Vice-Chair of Green Bay's Sustainability Commission, he is working with Wisconsin Conservation Voices to take clean energy conversations to the Green Bay...
March 2020 Backyard Heroes
Kristin Hoff Schmidt -WORT 89.9 FM Kris volunteers with WORT answering pledge phones and assisting with outreach tabling. As a Master Gardener, she has returned her training hours by renovating and maintaining the landscaping outside the station, beautifying...
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What Our Supporters Say
“There’s strength in recognizing that all the issues we’re called to invest in are interrelated. From women’s health to environmentalism, racial equity to economic empowerment, Community Shares strengthens our community by amplifying our voices. That’s why I give.”
“Many people in my life benefit from Community Shares’ programs. I’m proud to support their efforts because they make a huge difference in people’s lives. Thanks for all you do!”