Register
Want to Register now at the WisconSibs Registry? Click HERE
Our mission as WisconSibs is to “foster a community of support and understanding for brothers and sisters of individuals with special needs.” And what better way to create a community than to know who they are!
So, we’ve created the WisconSibs Registry with three categories:
- WisconSibs – sisters and brothers of individuals with disabilities or long-term illnesses
- WisconSibs Fans – individuals with disabilities or long-term illnesses, and their parents, other relatives, professionals, caregivers or friends
- WisconSibs Sponsors – businesses or individuals (including WisconSibs and WisconSibs Fans) that have provided financial support (cash or in-kind) during the year, or that want to be listed as a sponsor in exchange for a contribution
Why register?
As a registered Sib, Fan, or Sponsor, you’ll get important email news alerts and updates, priority invitations to regional/statewide events or trainings, and links to other sibling resources. Plus you’ll have the satisfaction of being part of a group that is helping advance the cause of siblings across the state – and even the nation.
There is strength in numbers. The more who register:
- The stronger our voice becomes.
- The more sibs can connect.
- The better informed you become.
- The better we can accomplish our mission to “foster a community of support and understanding for brothers and sisters of individuals with special needs.”
Register Now as a WisconSib or WisconSib Fan
WisconSibs Photo Gallery: “You know you’re a WisconSib when . . .”
How do you say “cheese”?
Here’s a chance for you and your sibling(s) to show people around the world (in case they are interested!) how you celebrate together being uniquely Wisconsin!
For example:
- . . . my sister and I eat cheese curds together.
- . . . my brother and I tailgate at a Packer game.
- . . . we go to the supper club for Friday night fish.
- . . . we do the Dells.
- . . . we jump around at the Badger game.
- . . . we take a ride on the John Deere.
- . . . the whole family gathers around the Thanksgiving table.
Whether you snap a selfie or get a friend to take your picture, email us your classic WisconSib photo and we’ll post the best ones right here in our Gallery.
Register Now as a WisconSib or WisconSib Fan
Volunteer
Teen sibs volunteer as SibDays staff
Volunteers are the backbone of the successful programs offered by WisconSibs. If you’d like to put your time and talent to good use to make a difference in the lives of siblings and their families, here are some ways you can get involved:
- Facilitate for our children's and teen’s Sibshop program (application, background screening and training sessions required)
- Join our Board of Director
- Join our Adult Sibling Advisory Committee
- Become an adult mentor to a young sibling
- Join a committee, such as:
- Programs (for children and adults)
- Fundraising
- Marketing
- Help plan special events, including
- Adult sibling conferences
- Celebrations for volunteers
- Santa Celebration
- Fundraiser events
- Offer clerical assistance
- typing, filing, writing thank you notes
- assemble mailings, folders, training materials
- Volunteer at fundraising events (Examples: Celebrate Sisterhood, On the Fringe Mini-golf, Mardi Gras, Human Race)
- Become a Camp Counselors
- overnight camp or day camp with siblings
- Present informational programs (disability-related topics, such as legal, financial, housing, or social issues; medical advancements or therapies; family communication)
- Take pictures, make scrapbooks or home-made cards, send birthday cards
- Write newsletter articles
- Write website copy or blog articles
- Entertain at Sibshops and fundraising events
- Create program evaluations and analyze data
A Few of Our Volunteers
Marie
Registers guests at Celebrate Sisterhood
Bill
Camp Counselor at SibDays of Summer
Pam
Decorates for fundraisers
Janelle
Hostess at Santa Celebration
Volunteer for These Events
Human Race
Join us in this non-competitive walk/run the first Saturday of May. Help participants make decorations, cheer them on and entertain children. Event takes place at Thrivent Financial grounds in Appleton. Call the office for application and details.
SibDays of Summer
Teens ages 14 and older may be eligible to volunteer at this fun day-camp style program held at Plamann Park north of Appleton in July. Energetic, fun-loving, responsible teens get involved as counselors and mentors with campers. Lots of outdoor fun including swimming, play ground, games, and leading discussion and group activities. Volunteers must complete a Volunteer Application available by calling the office or clicking here.
Sibshops
Adults and siblings age 16 and older are needed to help facilitate WisconSibs Sibshops. Training is required.
Celebrate Sisterhood Fundraiser
Takes place in mid-October at the Radisson Paper Valley, Appleton. Contact WisconSibs to get involved in decorating, creating purse packages, promotion, or registration.
FUTURE IS NOW Future Planning
This adult sibling program depends on professionals interested in helping connect siblings with important local resources and information. We welcome attorneys, financial professionals, housing and caregiving professionals, etc. Call or email the WisconSibs office for details.
Cleaning/Decorating
Call if you have an interest in helping WisconSibs keep the office in tip-top shape. Time is flexible.
Did You Know?
- WisconSibs is the Wisconsin chapter of the national Sibling Leadership Network.
- WisconSibs programs and volunteer opportunities are open to all, regardless of state or county residency. Participants come from throughout Wisconsin and surrounding states.
Donate
What your dollars do
As a not-for-profit, WisconSibs and its programs are sustained by participant fees, donations, fundraisers and grants. DONATE NOW ONLINE
So, we rely on the generosity of individuals and corporations as part of our fundraising work so that we can continue to deliver high-quality, effective programs to siblings young and old. Your gift helps provide siblings concerned about their vulnerable brothers and sisters with information, opportunities to network, and tools critical to manage their unique roles as advocates, caregivers and role models.
For example:
- $700 allows one child to participate in WisconSib programs for a whole year.
- $500 makes it possible for two children to attend Sib Camp.
- $200 makes it possible for one child to attend WisconSib Sibshops for a year or a teen sib to learn and practice leadership skills.
- $100 encourages an adult sibling to do important planning.
- $50 enables two children to benefit from their first Sibshop.
DONATE ONLINE
In addition, your generous donation is 100% tax-deductible.
How you can help
- Make a cash contribution. Give us cash, send a check to our office, or click on the DONATE NOW to contribute via credit card or PayPal.
- Attend a fundraiser. If you are part of our WisconSib Registry, we’ll invite you to our Celebrate Sisterhood, Mardi Gras, and other fundraisers.
- Join the United Community shopper rebate program. WisconSibs is a registered organization of United Community, a Chilton, Wisconsin-based organization that contracts with businesses to return a percentage of your everyday purchase dollars to your favorite not-for-profit. When you buy groceries, fuel, or eat at participating restaurants, WisconSibs will benefit – at no cost to you! See the list of participating businesses and sign up at www.ucmission.com.
- Include WisconSibs in your will or estate plan. Talk with your financial advisor or estate planner to determine the best way to help advance the work of WisconSibs after you are gone.
- Contribute to our Endowment Fund. The Lloyd and Helen Mertz Fund for WisconSibs was established in 2005 at the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region to become an investment for the future of the organization. A percentage of the interest generated becomes available each year for programs or special initiatives. Connect with the WisconSibs office for more information.
Sponsorships Available For:
Sibling Summer Programs - Summer
Children ages 6-teen attend - $50 supports a camper or volunteer one day, $300 one week
Celebrate Sisterhood
300+ women from Fox Valley attend - Sponsor levels from $500-$3000
Sibshops - Sept -April
children ages 6-12 attend - $1000 provides a Sibshop for 30 children
Sibling's Choice Award - Fall
$500 Sponsors award presentation at Celebrate Sisterhood on Oct 20, 2015
PLUS MANY MORE Sponsors, Grantors and Donors Make It Possible
- for children to find friends who understand and learn a healthy coping skills
- for adults concerned about their siblings with disabilities to maintain healthy relationships with siblings and parents
- for teens to attend leadership training, Sib Camp, and volunteer as mentors
- for families with disabilities to cope with the challenges of raising children and nurturing them to be resilient, strong and responsible adults
- For more information about sponsorships, benefits, and demographics, please contact us.
Thank you
"I appreciate the financial assistance because being a single parent, I could not afford to send her to SibDays without a scholarship." Parent of child with disabilities and participant in WisconSibs.
"Thank goodness for the programs offered by WisconSibs!" Adult sibling who attended Journey Forward program
Facebook Groups
The Sibling Support Project has set up Facebook groups for siblings to connect.
SibTeen: https://www.siblingsupport.org/connect-with-others-sibs/meeting_other_sibs_online/sibteen
Sib20: https://www.siblingsupport.org/connect-with-others-sibs/meeting_other_sibs_online/sib20
SibNet: https://www.siblingsupport.org/connect-with-others-sibs/meeting_other_sibs_online/sibnet