CW Makes Important Changes
As many know, workplace payroll deduction programs have contracted significantly over the past decade, thus leading umbrella organizations like United Way and CW to seek other models for supporting member organizations.
In response to this trend in declining revenues and in light of the ongoing value of collaboration amongst social justice groups like those in CW, we have decided to transition towards a more volunteer-driven model. We now utilize a few part-time paid consultants, depend more upon the volunteer leadership of board members, and continue to collaborate with Community Shares USA (CSUSA), an organization based in Illinois that now organizes the annual conferences for local, social justice organizations like CW. CSUSA is currently providing accounting support to CW.
When our executive director, Catherine Joseph, retired this past year, the CW board discussed several options for going forward and decided that it was especially critical during these difficult social and political times to continue the successful CW workplace campaigns using strategies that would accommodate a smaller budget. With the Covid-19 public health crisis upon us, this was an ideal time to close our physical office in Quincy and to operate virtually, utilizing the resources of both individuals and member groups.
This approach has enabled CW to reduce the annual budget to approximately $25,000, requiring that only 18% of donations from loyal donors like you would have to be used for operating expenses. The rest of your contributions will go directly to our member organizations. If you can make a slightly larger contribution this year, it would be especially helpful to the CW member groups now mobilizing during the Covid-19 crisis to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are supported in finding ways to stay safe and to sustain themselves and their families.
We thank all of our supporters for your continued donations, advice and determination!