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April e-Community
Grow UP! What it means to be "grassroots"
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 Dear friends,
Happy spring! Trees are budding, flowers are popping out everywhere, and my
puppy is rolling in the green, green grass with a smile on her face. It's hard to
beat spring in Colorado! This time of year reminds me of the beauty of organic growth. Community Shares
learned early on we could only succeed by tapping into grassroots movement
building. When you start as a seedling - in this case a vision for changing the
face of philanthropy in Colorado - it's much more difficult to take root than
if you've got an existing working model, national support, and funding to
fertilize before planting. Nonetheless, Community Shares dug in and that seed
has grown organically into $18 million in total gifts to Colorado nonprofits. Twenty-four years later, we've never forgotten that we succeed
because we are rooted in the community where our donors are also friends and
neighbors. Funding change from the bottom up is where we thrive. When you hear
the word "grassroots" or see your dog happily chewing on spring's
finest, think of Community Shares. Take my word for it, this spring we're
thinking of you.
Best,
Alyssa Kopf, CEO
Alyssa Kopf
CEO, Community Shares
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Grow UP! 3 Ways to Lead Your Cause From Below
+ "Grassroots"
generally refers to local people working together to find solutions to problems
in their communities. 
+ For local efforts to be successful they require leaders who understand their cause belongs to the community. They also need people who can lead from the ground - the grassroots.
+ This spring, get more involved in your favorite cause and blossom as a grassroots community leader.
1. Manage from the ground up
+ As a supporter of a cause get to know the local people involved with your favorite nonprofit organizations. You're a Community Shareholder just like them.
- Community Shares has both a regional and alphabetical list of members online with contact information. Heck, we can even point you to the right people if you give us a call! Plant the seeds of a new relationship and get in touch with the Volunteer Coordinator, Executive Director, CEO or even the Board President. Staff and volunteer leaders need your voice to properly nourish your shared cause. Let them know that you're here to help and what you want your community to look like.
2. Consider yourself a vital resource
+ Grassroots growth is natural and spontaneous and you are its best resource!
- You are more than a supporter - you are an extension of the cause itself! Causes are living organisms. By communicating with others who share your passions you can help your favorite nonprofits thrive. First you need to arm yourself with information.
- Get a copy of the annual report
- Request some written talking points from the communications person
- Spread the the word as only YOU can!
3. Be opportunistic
+ You never know when a conversation, business meeting, or social gathering will present an opportunity for your cause or nonprofit to benefit, but when it does, Carpe Diem!
- Almost every positive outcome for a cause or nonprofit organization (any business really) comes from relationships. Nonprofits are ever in need of getting themselves in front of the right people at the right time. Perk up your ears and listen for opportunities for your cause.
- Cause-based marketing is big business! Is your company looking to attach itself to a cause?
- Are your friends or family members interested in the causes you support? The #1 reason most people claim they don't give is, "Well, I was never asked!"
- Many nonprofits have wish lists. Get to know the Development Director at your favorite nonprofits and they can tell you what you should be on the lookout for.
+ Grassroots leadership
is an attitude. It's an
attitude of freedom, imagination, and unbridled enthusiasm in the
interest of a common purpose.
+ Want to put your grassroots skills to good use? Inquire about how you can help Community Shares spread the word about the opportunities below!
Happy spring from everyone at Community Shares!
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 2010 Summer Celebration
Wednesday, June
2nd
Infinity Park Event
Center
Click here for more information
Tickets are now on sale for the 2010
Summer Celebration benefiting Community Shares. Click here to purchase now! Join more than 250 community leaders on June
2 as we honor Workplace Giving Campaigns of the Year, Community Leader of the
Year, Volunteer of the Year and more.
Registration and networking start at 6pm, and the program will start at
7pm. This annual fundraiser will be held
at Infinity Park
Event Center
in Glendale. Looking
for a way to promote your organization?
Opportunities are still available for sponsorship, or to donate an item
to the silent auction. Your company can
be featured on the Community Shares website and on the big screen at the event. Contact Mary Snyders at mary@cshares.org
or 303-861-7507, or visit www.cshares.org/events
for details. |
Good News! Matching Gift Opportunity
A generous Community Shareholder is matching all
new or increased gifts to Community Shares up to $2,500 between now and the end
of May. Click here to
make an investment in Community Shares that will be eligible for this
match! The Community Shares promise - every dollar makes a difference - means that every gift is counted
and used wisely and gratefully by our family of effective and
efficient member agencies. For every $1 we spend on the giving campaign, Community Shares inspires $10 in
donor gifts for Colorado
nonprofits. Click here to be a part of this match and believe in the amazing things
we can do when we
work together! |
 Shopping for a Cause
Are you always looking for
the perfect pair of blue jeans? Join Co-Hostesses and Community Shares Board Members Beth Lyford,
Amanda Fein, and Christine Heimbuck for a private denim shopping party to
benefit Community Shares.
On Thursday, May 6, from 6 - 8 pm, the blues JEAN
BAR in Cherry Creek North will be holding a private shopping party for
supporters of Community Shares. 20% of the proceeds from this event will be
donated to Community Shares. The blues JEAN BAR (www.bluesjeanbar.com) has over 15 brands of denim
for men and women, with knowledgeable "jean bartenders" to help you find the
perfect pair of jeans.
RSVP's are required, and there will be a guest
list at the door. To reserve your spot, email Mary Snyders by 5pm on May 5th at
mary@cshares.org with your
name and how many guests are joining you.
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