International Women's Day: Community Shares

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY! #BeBoldForChange

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day commemorating and celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political advancements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. In honor of International Women Day, we salute the women of the 44 member organizations that make up Greater Cleveland Community Shares. Approximately 56% of the Directors of Community Shares’ member organizations are female, as are approximately 80% of the members of Shares Board of Directors.

Founded in 1984, Greater Cleveland Community Shares is Cleveland's only workplace giving federation with a focus on social justice and the second largest such fund in the country. They have since its founding have had a female Executive Director unlike other federated giving programs.  They were started when social justice groups could not find access to some businesses to allow employees to give through a payroll deduction.  Shares was organized by a handful of groups to 44 member organization and having campaigns in most large workplaces in Northeast Ohio.    Community Shares member groups span the variety of Greater Cleveland’s neighborhoods and counties and many extend into Lorain, Lake, Summit and Geauga with their services. Shares generates essential operating funds for nonprofit organizations that are working for positive community change.

In honor of International Women's Day, you could give a donation directly to Community Shares from their website.  You could set up a payroll deduction through your companies through your Human Resources department.  Or you can volunteer to help Community Shares with their work.   We are so lucky to have a group that even recognizes the importance of social justice groups let alone provides funding in Cleveland. 

By Joyce Robinson

Full Disclosure Joyce is a board member of Community Shares

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