The Caring Link - Madison County’s Post

In Episode 145, we explore the concept of being a good community member by asking the Mayor of Lewisburg for her insights. Mayor White’s response is simple yet profound, offering valuable perspectives on the essence of community involvement. Listen: https://lnkd.in/gPv7e6X

Everything we do is made possible by our incredible community and it’s the perfect time to decide how you can make a difference for kids who need it most! Here are five easy ways to take action and make a difference with us 👆 Read this blog for the next steps to changing a life this giving season: https://loom.ly/r-PtcI4 

Thanks to Daniel Martin for this thought-provoking Facebook post! Check out the full post here: https://lnkd.in/gCwHWuT7 At our organization, one of our main goals is to connect children and youth in the foster care system to their PEOPLE. We believe everyone needs a sense of belonging and the comfort of home. 💞 Learn more about how our tools are used to connect kids to their kin and support systems. ➡ https://lnkd.in/epu2ctBe

Back when I (Sam) was running the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP), I never knew how to talk about Memorial Day. Should I be solemn and reflective to honor the dead, or celebratory to honor the fact we’re still alive? In reality, there was no right answer. Memorial Day Weekend can be a time of solemn remembrance for some, a time to celebrate the unofficial start of summer for others, or a time of solemn remembrance and summer celebration for others still. For this week’s newsletter, we fall squarely in that last camp. We start by sharing a moving reflection on Memorial Day, and then explore three features on the intersection of summer, community, and connection: - Memorial Day: What do we owe those who have perished in our generation’s mismanaged wars? - Summer Violence Interruption: How can communities create social outlets to prevent spikes in violence during the summer months?   - Neighborhood Heat Islands: Why are some neighborhoods up to 20 degrees hotter during the summer compared to others just blocks away? - American Exchange Project: Is a summertime domestic exchange program for high school students the key to facilitating connection across geographic difference? This was admittedly a broad theme, so we’re curious: when you think of summer and community, what comes to mind?  Feel free to respond with links in the comments or email us: theconnectivetissue@gmail.com. https://lnkd.in/gvFwd8ju

The June issue of Pathlight, PHA’s quarterly magazine, focuses on enhancing quality of life. In the cover story, 13-year-old volleyball player Sydney Lewis and 52-year-old Joanne Szelag share the physical and mental benefits of exercise. Other highlights include PHA’s advocacy efforts to improve the lives of those affected by PH, building community and tips to best enjoy PHA 2024. Learn more about what’s in the summer issue of Pathlight. https://lnkd.in/edXvXW3r

Volunteers give their time and efforts to help achieve a shared mission. Honor their impact by reinvigorating your volunteer program with more meaningful, engaging opportunities. We put together some of our best practices for developing high-performing volunteer engagements for small staff associations in this short video: https://hubs.la/Q02tHV2L0

August is #MakeAWillMonth! 🌟 In our latest blog, Rosie, a member of our Epilogue Society (what we call our community of legacy givers), shares about how her father inspired her to add #SJPLF to her Family Trust. Read the full blog and learn more about legacy giving: https://lnkd.in/g_pJkWQh

VOLUNTEER WORK When engaging in volunteer work and to avoid feeling abused, it is essential to: 1. Conduct a self-assessment to ensure that the chosen volunteer opportunity aligns with your personal vision, interests and motivations. 2. Establish clarity regarding the alignment of the volunteer opportunity with your long-term vision and goals. 3. Familiarize yourself with the organization you intend to volunteer with, and ensure that a formal agreement or contract is in place. 4. Clearly define your expectations and communicate them effectively to the leadership don't just plug in. My involvement in a school volunteer program since 2013 has resulted in a remarkable outcome. In 2018, individuals who had previously benefited from our support emerged as the primary financial contributors to the program, not only in that particular school but also in other schools across the country. Our motivation was to build a community where those who benefited can sponsor children access such services and higher education. This has exceeded our expectations as these children are creating room for their poverty-stricken "siblings" to pursue their dreams. We are no longer running the program. These champions are the ones running it.

You get what you measure. And now it's (finally!) time to bring that numbers game to community management. 🤓📈 The newest whitepaper by SAMY Alliance shares the ABCs of CM strategy in the form of CAOS. Community. Advocacy. Outreach. Score. The whitepaper written by Joe Moring, our amazing colleague from London, walks you through the why, what and how. Download it from our website. Let's. 🚀

One of the things elderly people struggle with is loneliness and lack of social engagement. Sometimes, it can be difficult for them to leave their home due to illness, inability to drive, and lack of transportation options. Programs like these can be a wonderful way to invest in the lives of our senior citizens. #NCIwisconsin #Neuropsychology #Kenosha #seniorcitizens