In the fall of 2023, the CommNS kicked off an effort to reach out to our neighbors in Chicago. Staff, faculty and students were able to connect and share what we do and why we do it. The CommNS Advisory Board developed the id
ea of a network of contacts in our neighboring metropolitan area to meet the broader goal of creating “friends of” groups outside of Wisconsin, thereby expanding the reach of our Center and opportunities for our students.
The inaugural Chicago Friends of the CommNS event was a success in connecting professionals, alumni, and students in a fun and approachable way. We used this event as a pilot for how the CommNS can continue to connect with larger cities and hubs for alumni connected to the third sector. The debut effort was particularly successful due to the creativity and contributions of a host committee. The host committee was made up of individuals who were already “friends of” the CommNS, and they helped envision and invite key contacts. In reflecting on ways to take the “Chicago Friends of” endeavor forward following the 2023 gathering,
the CommNS team and host committee developed an action plan: to initiate periodic engagement with the burgeoning Chicago network and to hold a biennial event in Chicago. The biennial event would center on experiential learning for current Community and Organizational Leadership (COD) students and previous alumni from the program, and building connections between the two.
On April 9th, 2025 the CommNS team delivered on the concept of an expanded Chicago Friends of the CommNS programming. This time, programming included a full day of in-the-field activities for 22 students, in collaboration with Chicago-based philanthropic and nonprofit organizations. The full day consisted of three site visits and scaffolded networking for the cohort of students participating in the trip. The CommNS provided support and preparation activities for the trip several months before the event through check-ins, providing resources, administering activities, and having space for in-person and online Q&As. Our team made every possible effort to prepare our students for the long day full of activities and networking.
Students learned about critical work in the Chicago sector from site visits, organizations, and engagement with professionals in the field. Site visits to the Chicago Community Trust, and Nourishing Hope were both built on connections made from the CommNS 2023 efforts. UW-Madison alumni Molly Rand and Daniel Tollefson, along with their colleague Caleb Herod, hosted an engaging discussion with students at the Chicago Community Trust. Students were eager to learn more about the unique role of a major community trust in a complex metropolitan community. Students asked a lot of thoughtful questions about funding agendas, community partnerships, regulations, accountability, and impact. Several students came away wanting to consider exploring careers in philanthropic organizations like the Chicago Community Trust.
” I realized that working for a foundation may be a good fit for me because they serve the community in a variety of capacities.” – Myah, Senior in the COD major
The second site visit, to Nourishing Hope, a multifaceted organization working to address food insecurity and other fundamental needs of Chicagoans. Kyle Friedler, the Senior Institutional Partnerships Associate, presented key background information on food insecurity in Chicago and creative approaches to service delivery to the various populations served by the organization. Other Nourishing Hope colleagues shared about the way they got inspired about the work, the authentic culture of the organization as a workplace, and the way community volunteers conduct critical work within the organization. Many students found the welcoming and community-engaged nature of Nourishing Hope to be highly beneficial in reaffirming their interest in the nonprofit field, while also appreciating the on-the-ground work.
“I loved the insights we got into real-world work experience. This is so valuable.” Benjamin, recent graduate of COD major
At the final site of the day, the American Writers Museum, students joined with various Chicago-based professionals in the sector for a “speed networking” activity. Thanks to all of the “Chicago Friends of the CommNS” who offered their time and perspective, students were able to make direct connections and learn about a broad range of professional experiences. Participating professionals described the experience positively and expressed how impressed they were with the students’ engagement, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit. Students gave glowing reviews on how valuable the experience was and how it gave them hope for their future in the field. Many of the participants, professionals and students alike, indicated they planned to connect further after this initial opportunity to meet and network.
“This trip reinforced my commitment to a nonprofit/public service career, but it also expanded my idea of what that could look like. My future job could take the form a systems-level advocacy role or as a program innovator a direct service provider, some combination of the three, or something different entirely.” -Bella, Senior in the COD major
Finally, students wrapped up their day with an open-invite reception that included any professionals and alumni connected to the third sector and/or the CommNS in the Chicago community. Our host, Cassidy Kearns, at the American Writers Museum provided a short tour of the cultural and art nonprofit for those interested, and everyone was able to experience the exhibits throughout the evening. The cultural and arts nonprofit provided an atmosphere that was both inspiring and engaging. A delicious set of canapes and dishes was provided by All Together Now catering, led by a UW-Madison alumna chef! The CommNS presented some brief programming about our work and impact, but overall allowed attendees to mingle and connect freely in a beautiful space with tasty hors d’oeuvres.
Students, faculty, and staff said good night to the professionals before packing up and heading back to Madison. On the bus, there was a quick debrief going through the exciting and impactful moments from the day before everyone got some much-needed rest. The CommNS team kept up with the students for the rest of the semester through follow-up resources, invitations to other career-related events, and a post-trip survey. Students provided valuable feedback on what was great about the trip and tweaks to improve the
experience for next time. We look forward to our next trip to Chicago, our next cohort of students who are able to attend, and getting to know more Chicago professionals and alumni in the third sector.
Written by Key Organizers: Dr. Laura Evans, the Student and Stakeholder Engagement Manager, and Mikala Wong, the Operations Coordinator