Share the Plate

Description

We, the people of First Church, work to build community, endeavoring to:

• recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
• develop and celebrate the gifts that come from authentic connection across social, economic and other differences.
• work to understand the multitude of ways in which social injustice is manifested in the community.
• follow the leadership of people most affected by social injustice.
• generously share our resources with local organizations working to challenge injustice and improve lives.

Since 2011, the Share the Plate program of First Church has worked to provide opportunities for church members to make contributions to important social justice programs in the wider Milwaukee community.

summer 2024 STP Partner

See our web page to learn about, and donate to: Hanan Refugees Relief Group.

TO DONATE

We urge you to give to each organization which will be highlighted during Sunday services and in other announcements.

Online: Use this link, also provided during Sunday service, to give simply and securely online. Your entire online contribution will be sent to the month’s Share the Plate partner.

In-person: During in-person Sunday Services, we also “share the plate” that is passed during offertory. We hope that First Church members who are able will continue to give what they can to help others in these challenging times.

For information about how to nominate an organization for the future, see the information below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How do I donate to the organization for this month? Use this link for secure, simple online giving. This link will also be provided during online services.
• How does it work when children or youth select the Share the Plate recipient? The Youth Steering Committee selects the recipient for the month of their annual Youth Service, usually February or March. Children vote during Sunday School to choose the recipient for the month of May.
• Why are children and youth invited to choose a recipient? We believe that every person should have a vote about the things that concern them.
• Who selected the organizations from which the children choose? The Children’s Religious Education Team. Parents and guardians, talk with your kids about the organizations so they make an enthusiastic choice!

Nomination Criteria

To support this work – and continue to strengthen the program for the future – please take the time to consider local issues and organizations that embody the social justice issues and work in progress that matter most to you and submit a nomination.

• Mission and work align with UU principles, values, and mission.
• Provides services predominantly in the Milwaukee metro area.
• Work focuses on one (or more) of a wide range of economically and socially challenged populations, including (but not limited to) those affected by:
  • racial and ethnic injustice and disparities
  • food and housing insecurity
  • mental health issues
  • immigration status
  • domestic violence
  • literacy and education concerns
  • socio-economic barriers to the arts
• Organization is a non-profit; 501(c)(3) status preferred.
• Has a verifiable history and strong performance track record of positive outcomes.
• Uses a high percentage of its budget for direct programming (80% or more preferred).

past recipients

Click STP Recipients and Totals  for a complete list of Share the Plate recipients since the program began in January 2011.

to submit your request for a share the plate recipient fill out our form: 

Share the Plate Nomination Form

Please read this form carefully and fill it out completely. Nominations without proper documentation cannot be considered.

• Your Name*
  First Last
• Contact Phone Number: (area code first)*
• Contact Email:*
• Relationship to First Church:
  MemberPledging FriendRE Family
• Name of nominated recipient organization.*
• Organization's website address:
• Mailing Address of Organization:*
• Checks should be made payable to:*
• Memo line notation:
• Purpose of organization (Quote from mission statement if possible.)*
• Do you have a relationship with this organization? If so, what is it?*
• How does the purpose relate to UU principles and values?*
• Geographic area served (e.g., local, regional, state)*
• Is there an immediate financial need for this organization? If so, explain.
• What is the organization’s annual operating budget?
• What are the organization’s sources of income?
• What percent of operating budget is spent directly on program or direct service?
• Is this a 501(c)3 organization? If not, indicate its non-profit status.
• Are there ongoing ways First Church members and friends could be involved as volunteers with this organization? If so, please specify.
• Whom should we contact if the organization is chosen as a recipient? (Provide name, phone number, email)