JNJ Gifts and More: Holiday Gift Guide Now Available

2023 Winter Gift Catalog

2023 Gift Ideas Sheet

Visit jnjgiftsandmore.com for more!

Madison Reading Project announces READ(y) to Wear 2024 fashion show

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:
Rowan Childs, (608) 347-7970, rowan@madisonreadingproject.com
Ann Christianson (608) 345-0792, ann@madisonreadingproject.com

MADISON — Madison Reading Project proudly announces that its signature fundraiser, READ(y) to Wear, will be held on June 12, 2024 and is expected to break records in funds raised and attendance set at this year’s event. 

“This year was a fantastic event held at The Sylvee for the first time, and we’re excited that our 7th annual paper-inspired fashion show will return to The Sylvee in 2024,” says Rowan Childs, Madison Reading Project founder/executive director.

“This event brings together lovers of reading and fashion in support of local literacy,” says Ann Christianson, development coordinator. By attending and sponsoring READ(y) to Wear, you make it possible for us to continue providing another 100,000 free books for kids in the Dane County area.

“Partnering with The Sylvee, a Frank Productions Live venue, promises another evening of high energy fun and an added coolness factor,” Christianson adds.

“We’re currently brainstorming theme ideas for our paper-inspired fashion show and considering celebrity judges and hosts,” Childs says. “Our Venetian Masquerade Ball was a huge hit and we expect our 2024 festivities will again set records for attendance, money raised and fun to be had in the name of love for books and children’s literacy.” 

“I was blown away by the creativity and talent of the design teams and the enthusiasm of the crowd,” says Jeff Mack, First Vice President, Park Bank, and a celebrity judge. “From the moment the show started and the models walked the runway, to the crowning of the final winning design, it was magical. And, all for an amazing cause. I will be back next year for sure.”

2024 READ(y) to Wear – A paper-inspired fashion show and fundraiser, is generously sponsored by FPC Live.  Sponsor promotion begins in January when teams are recruited to create their paper outfits. 

Nearly 500 people are expected to attend in 2024 with thousands of followers reached through Madison Reading Project’s social media. 

Contact ann@madisonreadingproject.com for more information.

Photos and video from this year’s celebration may be found at https://www.madisonreadingproject.com/readytowear2023.

Madison Reading Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2013, engages with over 215 local partner organizations to connect the community with free books and literacy resources that ignite a love for reading one book at a time. 

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Bernie Sanders, Adam Kinzinger Announced as Cap Times Idea Fest Speakers, Tickets Now on Sale

MADISON, Wis. –– A few months ago, Cap Times publisher Paul Fanlund announced that the seventh annual Cap Times Idea Fest will once again be a hybrid of virtual and in-person events from Sept. 17-23 across Madison. This morning, Cap Times associate editor John Nichols announced U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders — the iconic progressive leader who has been a contender for the Democratic presidential nomination — as the keynote speaker on Friday night, Sept. 22. Other guests at the festival include former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, former PBS NewsHour anchor Judy Woodruff, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and many more, with session topics ranging from hunger to artificial intelligence and free speech.

Read more here

Good Karma Brands Announces Newest Iteration of Partnership with ESPN

Good Karma Brands, which owns and operates ESPN Madison, ESPN Milwaukee, and ESPN Beaver Dam, announced our newest iteration of our partnership with ESPN via a letter from our CEO, Craig Karmazin, to our team.

GKB has entered into an agreement for the company to handle sales and sales operations of ESPN Radio Network and the ESPN Podcast business.

See the full announcement on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7091758931445772288

For more, visit: https://goodkarmabrands.com/

HIRING: Maydm Program Coordinator

Position Title: Program Coordinator – Full-Time

A 501c(3), Maydm provides girls and youth of color grades 6-12 with the skills, experiences, and connections to pursue careers in and change the face of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). We envision a world where all students know that a career in STEM is possible for them; a world where all students can pursue their dreams as entrepreneurs, developers, engineers, or professors in a STEM field.

Maydm, as an organization, was founded as a response to the overwhelming lack of technical training that meets the needs of low income students, girls, and youth of color. Our programs offer opportunities for youth to develop knowledge and skills in science, technology, and engineering. Throughout the year, we offer one-day workshops independently and in partnership with other community organizations. In these sessions, students gain introductory insights into a STEM topic and begin growing their interest in STEM. Each summer, we offer a series of multi-week immersive programs where students gain in-depth technical knowledge as well as go on site visits to local companies and engage in critical conversations on confidence and equity and innovation. These experiences create opportunities and experiences for students who may not have otherwise been able to participate in holistic STEM learning, for students to change the face of STEM.

We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic person to coordinate our Maydm on-site and off-site educational programs as well as our growing internship program. We are also especially seeking women, people of color, and bilingual (i.e. English/Spanish, English/Hmong) candidates for this position. We strongly encourage you to apply even if you think you have some, but not all of the requirements listed below. You may be exactly what we’re looking for and if so, we’ll teach you the rest.

Requirements:

• Minimum 1-2 years of previous administrative experience
• Prior training or experience in internship program development and coordination, program administration, event planning, project management, and/or office management.
• Ability to work in a small, fast-paced nonprofit environment.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel between Maydm’s office and offsite school-based and partner programs.
• Experience or knowledge of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles or willingness to complete DEI training (we provide the training as part of your mandatory training for the position)
• Exceptional skills in the areas of organization, attention to detail, time management, ability to manage multiple projects, define and set priorities and problem solve.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to pass a caregiver criminal background check
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States
• Experience with donor software CRM and online registration systems (i.e., Classy, Kindful, Amilia, etc.) is beneficial, but not required
• Background in STEM preferred but not required.
• Bilingual (English, Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities:

The Program Coordinator plays a key role in supporting Maydm’s mission. The Program Coordinator supports the growth of Maydm educational and internship programs in alignment with our vision and mission, provides leadership and direction to interns and coordinates relationships with key internship site sponsors and corporate advisors, and provides administrative support for the overall functions of the organization.  

Essential Job Functions:

Program Coordination and Logistics – 40% of job

• Handle logistics of educational programs, workshops and events.
• Work with the Program Manager to communicate logistics regularly with school administration, students, teachers, families, volunteers, and Maydm staff to keep informed of program updates and opportunities.
• Draft clear, concise reports and deliver findings tailored to the needs of specific partners and funders.
• Serve as contact point for Maydm program host locations.

Internship Coordination and Logistics – 45% of job

• Works with the Executive Director and Program Manager to establish the annual internship program schedule, number of positions available, number of internship sites, skill needs, and alignment with the content of Maydm immersive programs.
• Works with Program Manager to coordinate internship financial literacy and soft-skills curriculum, including arranging guest speakers, tutors, and mentors.
• Works closely with Maydm internship hosts to ensure smooth program execution.
• Works with the Outreach Manager to establish goals and plan for communications and student recruitment to achieve the proposed annual number of internship participants.
• Works with Outreach Manager to build strong relationships with current and future internship hosts and partners.
• Works with the Executive Director and Director of Operations to identify and track key performance indicators, metrics, and measurements to track internship program effectiveness.

Executive Support and Office Administration – 15% of job

• Assist students and instructors during Maydm’s open office hours with equipment, supplies, and general support.
• Provide administrative support for Executive Director and Director of Operations.
• Organize and maintain office and program inventories and identify reorders as needed, and submit invoices and receipts to Director of Operations.
• Address phone and email inquiries, website updates, and other general administrative tasks.
• Assist in other projects and duties as assigned.

Schedule & Location

The typical schedule is weekday business hours (8:30a – 5p, weekdays), but occasional weekend and evening work is required for Maydm events and meetings. Maydm is conveniently located on the near East side of Madison, WI.

Benefits and Compensation

The salary range for this position is $42,000 – $48,000 based on demonstrated experience and credentials. Maydm also offers health, vision, and dental plans, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, paid holidays, personal time off, a casual and inclusive work environment, and flexible hybrid (part remote/in person) work schedule. 

How to Apply 

Submit a current resume and cover letter with salary requirements to careers@maydm.org.

This position will remain open until filled.  Target start date is mid-September, 2023.

The above list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the position. The list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Maydm, Inc. (“Maydm”) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. Maydm strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All Maydm employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.