ACTIVE ISSUE CAMPAIGNS
Common Ground leaders are working hard creating real change in the greater Milwaukee area. Here are the issues we are currently focusing on.
Tenants United | Building power with tenants in Public Housing
Common Ground is partnering with residents of Milwaukee public housing. Together we’re building power to address systemic issues and give residents safe, comfortable places to live.
Forward Scholars | Getting students on track
Forward Scholars is a volunteer-driven tutoring program dedicated to building brighter futures and stronger communities through reading. Founded in response to a 2019 survey by Common Ground, the program supports kindergarten through third-grade students in Milwaukee by helping them achieve grade-level reading proficiency and develop a lifelong love of reading. Offering one-on-one, research-based tutoring guided by credentialed teachers, Forward Scholars has expanded to serve over 200 students across nine schools.
With the help of more than 250 trained volunteers, the program has delivered impressive results, including average reading gains of two grade levels in just eight months. Forward Scholars is committed to closing the achievement gap, fostering strong community connections, and ensuring every child has the tools for academic and personal success.
Reckless Driving | Taking young drivers from reckless to wreck-less
On May 31, Common Ground and Mayor Cavalier Johnson held a press conference to address two issues that impact our quality of life here in the city — reckless driving and transportation inequity. Part of the problem is that many students simply don’t have access to driver’s education. So Common Ground is campaigning for affordable driver's education for all Milwaukee high school students.
Common Ground Works | Creating career paths
To truly get ahead, people need meaningful work. It means the difference between thriving and merely surviving. To better serve those in our community who are struggling to find it, Common Ground has formed a new workforce development and training organization in Milwaukee called “Common Ground Works”.
Increasing Racial & Gender Diversity in Fire & Police Departments
It is vital that our police and fire departments represent the diversity of Milwaukee. Sadly, women and people of color are massively underrepresented. This must change.
WHS Athletic Field | Putting the ball in the hoop
It has been a bit of a marathon, but our campaign to revitalize Washington High School's track and playing field has crossed the finish line! Common Ground has raised $830,300 for this catalytic project, and partnered with MPS and MPS Foundation for a $2.5 million investment in an artificial turf field, a rubberized 400-meter track and basketball half-courts.
Gun Safety| Going further with firearm security
Nothing alters the trajectory of life faster than a bullet. Yet, fewer than half of gun owners consistently secure their firearms, and the consequences are often deadly. Guns are stolen and used in violent crimes every day. Children find unsecured guns with sometimes disastrous outcomes And suicides account for more than half of deaths related to firearms.
South Side Organizing
As we continue to build our base on the South Side, we are researching possible issues and opportunities for action.