Raising the Bar: Scoring Big for America's Youth with Timeless Insights and Teamwork

During Super Bowl week this year, amidst the spectacle and excitement of Radio Row, I engaged in pivotal discussions with the Sports Philanthropy Network . We didn't just revel in the spirit of the game; we strategized on tackling our most formidable opponents: inadequate housing, healthcare disparities, and a lack of opportunity for impoverished youth. Our playbook is not mere inspiration—it's a call to action grounded in timeless insights that have guided leaders across ages.

Insight 1: The Family Unit as the MVP

In sports, a team's success hinges on the strength and unity of its players. Similarly, our Family Mobility Initiative at City on a Hill Milwaukee views the family as the primary team essential for a child's success. Like any good sports strategy, we must resource this team with the right tools—access to stable housing, quality healthcare, and educational opportunities. Our goal is to coach families to victory, enabling them to create a thriving environment for their children. In a zipcode like 53233 in Milwaukee, where 82% of children under the age of 18 are growing up in poverty, we have an urgency to see results.

Insight 2: Reviving a Culture of Honor

In sports, honor is demonstrated through respect for teammates, opponents, and officials. It’s about playing fair and recognizing the contributions of each individual. Today, we must restore a culture of honor across our communities. Our initiative seeks to reinstate this value, encouraging a society where mutual respect is the norm and every individual is valued. This is the foundation of a solid defense against the adversity faced by underprivileged families and underresourced neighborhoods. It is essential to build connections across lines of difference. Data on 21 billion Facebook connections reveal that a new measure of social capital — childhood friendships between people of high and low socio-economic status — is linked to economic mobility later in life.

Insight 3: Championing Human Potential Over Mediocrity

A good coach never underestimates the potential of their players, nor do they settle for mediocrity. Our approach rejects subpar expectations for Milwaukee's youth, instead fostering an awe and respect for human potential. By setting the bar high, we aim to inspire children and their families to envision a future without limits, one where they can score their own goals and realize their full potential.

In the conversations at Radio Row, we mapped out these strategies further, drawing parallels between the clear-cut goals of a sports game and the nuanced, yet critical goals of philanthropy. It's time to bring these insights into play, inviting philanthropists, community leaders, and change-makers to join our team.

Together, we can equip families with the necessary skills and resources, rebuild a culture of honor, and inspire a new generation to aim high. This is the game plan for our Milwaukee: a city where every child has the chance to become a champion, both in life and in their chosen field.

Join us as we advance this vital cause. Share your thoughts, lend your support, and let’s turn these strategies into victories for our children, for Milwaukee, and for the brighter future we all believe in. www.cityonahillmke.org

#TeamFamily #HonorAndHope #PotentialUnleashed #MilwaukeeYouthRising