Our Programs

Inspiring Voices

Inspiring Voices

We’re proud to introduce you to Inspiring Voices—local grassroots organizations working to advance racial equity and led by people of color. Community Shares developed the Inspiring Voices program in 2016 with an acknowledgement that, as a largely white-led organization, few of the groups represented in our membership at the time were led by people of color or emerge from the communities most impacted by systemic racism. In order to be the most effective social justice advocates, we must commit to a deeper understanding of racism and its intersection with other social and environmental justice issues advocated by Community Shares of Wisconsin. 
Parent with Child with adaptive bike, child has special needs

Inspiring Voices 2020

Grantees in 2020 include Inspire Barber College, Natural Circles of Support, and Urban Triage. In past years, two groups were selected to each receive $1000 and fundraising support as nonprofits that prioritize the progress of communities of color. Due to the extraordinary events of 2020, Community Shares has issued grants of $2000 each directly to three organizations to meet immediate and urgent needs.

Past Inspiring Voices

Inspiring Voices: Padres E Hijos

Inspiring Voices: Padres E Hijos

Padres e Hijos en Acción now helps Wisconsin’s Latino families by providing Spanish-speaking children with special needs a community where they feel at home and opportunities to develop their fine and gross motor skills. They are Community Shares of Wisconsin Inspiring Voices for the month of August.

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CSW Announces  Inspiring Voices Organization conNEXTions

CSW Announces Inspiring Voices Organization conNEXTions

Community Shares of Wisconsin is proud to announce conNEXTions as the first Inspiring Voices Project of 2019!   “We’re excited to introduce you to this year’s first Inspiring Voices awardee, conNEXTions, a local grassroots organization working to advance...

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Pivotal Transition: Supporting Youth Mentoring

Pivotal Transition: Supporting Youth Mentoring

Note: This article was originally published on Madison 365, which partners with Community Shares of Wisconsin to promote the Inspiring Voices program. Please visit and support their great work at madison365.com. By Nicholas Garton, Madison 365 Community Shares of...

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Pivotal Transition First Inspiring Voices Project of 2018!

Pivotal Transition First Inspiring Voices Project of 2018!

  Community Shares of Wisconsin is proud to announce Pivotal Transition as the first Inspiring Voices Project of 2018! “We’re excited to introduce you to this year’s first Inspiring Voices awardee, Pivotal Transition, a local grassroots organization working to...

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Lilada Gee: Investing in Black Girls

Lilada Gee: Investing in Black Girls

Note: This article was originally published on Madison 365, which partners with Community Shares of Wisconsin to promote the Inspiring Voices program. Please visit and support their great work at madison365.com. By David Dahmer, Madison 365 “Suicide is the...

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Building a Stronger Community, One Leader at a Time

Building a Stronger Community, One Leader at a Time

[Note: The following is an article written by Nicholas Garton and originally published in partnership with Madison365. Please support our partners Madison 365 by visiting their site to follow local coverage from a variety of perspectives.] The classroom falls silent...

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What Our Supporters Say

“We center the voices of African American students, build 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.” 

Jeffrey Lewis

Executive Director , Natural Circles of Support

“We are more than just a Barbershop/Salon. We promote spiritual, mental, physical and financial growth for individuals who are committed to enhancing their lives and the lives of others.” 

Brian Britt

Founder, Inspire Barber College