Community Shares hits the big 3-0...well, not in terms of years, because if it were in terms of years we'd have a great, big party (with cake) and invite everyone - but in terms of the number of social justice and environment sustainability member groups which is big deal for an organization that wasn't suppose to make it off the ground back in 1996.

In a very real sense Community Shares represents a legacy of social justice in Cincinnati by raising awareness and support for causes that may not carry universal appeal but speak to the diverse experiences and sensibilities of the socially conscious supporter. Through workplace employee giving, community educational forums and other initiatives we strive to connect these supporters to the communities and causes they are most passionate about. We’re pleased to announce 4 recent additions to our partnership:

• GLSEN Greater Cincinnati (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) - GLSEN strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

• Grailville - Inspires and connects people through its spiritual, environmental and artistic programs, retreat center, and organic farm on 300+ acres only 20 minutes from downtown Cincinnati.

• Media Bridges - Media Bridges is Cincinnati’s community media center, dedicated to provide the education, equipment and environment for people to communicate effectively through media.

• Parents for Public Schools of Greater Cincinnati - Parents for Public Schools of Greater Cincinnati is a community based chapter of a national organization working with public school parents and community supporters to improve and strengthen local public schools.

Our member organizations identify and address the roots causes of issues affecting our community. They empower those in need through programs that enhance self-reliance, develop affordable housing, protect the environment, build inclusive communities and promote civic involvement and reform. The support we raise on behalf of our members may manifest as a coat on a child, a door-to-door campaign for clean air, a much needed medical exam, or a march on city hall.

We know the rich history of social justice in our community and hope to live up to that legacy. Give us a shout, and even if it isn’t our 30 year anniversary, we’ll discuss our mission(and even get cake).

To contact us: info@cintishares.org.

"Indulge me..." says Sean Rhiney, Managing Editor of the Soapbox when I attempt to craftily, scurry around doing this profile entry about myself. After all, he's a friend on FaceBook, can't he just cobble together a few of my recent status updates? Srsly? 

Its getting increasingly difficult to speak about myself and experiences in full sentences and even worse (gasp) paragraphs! More so now, when social networking is digitally merging our personal and professional personas it's hard to develop fresh content about who you are that isn’t limited to pithy status updates. But really, my experience with Community Shares working daily to promote social justice and environmental sustainability gives me a broader connection to what's happening in our community because there is colossally, EPIC work going on here.. .Well, let me re-phase, the concerted day-to-day work of our member groups is making an incredible, lasting impact on the lives of many and I feel honored to be a small part of the Community Shares narrative.

My experiences growing up in Charleston, West Virginia, going to West Virginia University or attending law school at Northern Kentucky University factors greatly in my ability to appreciate the gift of being able to do work worth doing. And that's at the heart of my story, so far. Whether it be healthcare reform, job training, environmental advocacy, civil rights protection, or education, it's now part of who I am to say, "I know something about what's going on with that," or "We(Community Shares) just added a group that’s working on that."

Community Shares represents one of those rare opportunities of when is it completely okay and totally cool to bring your personal life to work. Encouraged, even. Really, you'll be helping people.

Since 1996, Community Shares has been working to build social and economic equity and a healthy environment in greater Cincinnati primarily through workplace giving campaigns. People everywhere are looking for easy ways to support causes that make a real difference in the communities where they live and work. Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati makes giving easy… through payroll contributions, credit card, check or cash.

We've combined our unique understanding of grass roots community action, donor driven choice and web based technology to make workplace giving lean, green and clean.

If your workplace does not currently provide the option of supporting Community Shares organizations through payroll contributions, please contact us at info@cintishares.org.

Want to learn about Community Share's recent additions? Tune in to Wednesday's blog!