What is an Issue Campaign?
Simply put, Issue Campaigns are the work we do. Members of Common Ground identify problems and concerns in our communities. Through research, relationships and action these problems and concerns become our Issue Campaigns. We usually have more than one active campaign at any given time. The more Issue Campaigns we win — the stronger we get.
The issues can be large or small, but must meet the following criteria:
- They must make a difference in people’s lives.
- They must be specific and measurable.
- They must be winnable.
- They must help build our organization and move us forward.
Current Issue Campaigns
Fair Play
It is Common Ground’s position that if public funds are used to build a new Bradley Center arena, then at least $150 million of these funds must be used to improve Milwaukee County public schools athletic facilities and recreational spaces.
Milwaukee Rising
Common Ground is working to restore the housing market in Milwaukee’s Sherman Park community. This housing revitalization initiative, entitled MILWAUKEE RISING, is working toward rehabilitating 100 foreclosed properties over four years and sell them to responsible homeowners.
Health Insurance: Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative
Common Ground is pleased to announce that the Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative will be launching in January of 2014. The cooperative will be for small businesses, self employed individuals and nonprofits in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Education
In February, 2011, Common Ground kicked off its Education initiative. Through Actions, Listening Sessions and Petition Signing, Common Ground has touched over 8,000 people.
Past Victories
Youth Jobs
Our first major victory.
Even in a good economy teens and young adults find it difficult to get a job. Many employers are unwilling to manage the issues and costs that are part and parcel of an immature, inexperienced employee. Nevertheless, we recognized that improving job opportunities for Milwaukee youth would be a positive contribution to the economic and social well-being of our community. Our Youth Jobs issue team addressed that objective by working with the City of Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board and the Greater Milwaukee Committee to increase participation by area employers in the City of Milwaukee’s Earn & Learn Summer Job Program. Common Ground successfully campaigned for the City to provide $250,000 in flexible funding to the program, lobbying the City to increase the number of summer youth jobs from approximately 1,300 in 2008 to a record 3,000 in the summer of 2009.