QUEER IN THE VALLEY. Earlier this year, the LGBTQ Community Center released their debut podcast, Queer in the Valley, which was originally hosted by Breana Stanley and Ron Bower.

It’s no secret the Valley is a place brimming with big-hearted people who truly care about each other. From marching in the streets to having conversations with family and friends, this community continues to exemplify what it means to show up for each other. Leading the charge is a bevy of local organizations dedicated to positive change. There’s no shortage of places to plug in to put all that big-hearted energy to good use. Check out these organizations doing the work to make the Chippewa Valley a better place.  

Eau Claire Justice League 

Eau Claire Justice League is a grassroots community organization that came together after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. In an effort to organize an ever-growing local response to a national reckoning, they dedicated themselves to raising awareness of civil and human injustices worldwide and promoting immediate action services. ECJL truly exemplifies what it means to be a not just a good neighbor, but an active, justice seeking accomplice. 

CHECK OUT MORE: www.facebook.com/ecjusticeleague  

Uniting Bridges 

Uniting Bridges combines the forces of many local organizations advocating on behalf of under-represented groups. They present large events like Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as well as co-sponsor Conversations in Color, a series focused on racial issues. Uniting Bridges does exactly what their namesake promises: builds bridges between community organizations to create change. 

CHECK OUT MORE: www.facebook.com/UnitingBridges  

LGBTQ Community Center 

CVLGBT provides services and creates educational programs to promote well-being and unity within and among the LGBTQ community. Over the years, they’ve truly done the work to achieve a Chippewa Valley whose LGBTQ community is safe, accepted, respected, and protected as well as active, vibrant, and unified.

CHECK OUT MORE: www.facebook.com/lgbtcommunitycenter  

JONAH Justice

Joining Our Neighbors, Advancing Hope is a grassroots organization, composed primarily of diverse faith communities. Their task forces focus on issues like affordable housing, immigration, and child poverty. They seek to bring people into relationships to empower one another to build a healthier and fairer community for us all. 

CHECK OUT MORE: www.facebook.com/JONAHCV  

Power of Perception, LLC 

Power of Perception is a mentoring program focused on creating opportunities for minority youth. Their mission is to “create a valuable toolbox of resources that will equip these young kings and queens to become contributing citizens in today’s society.” In addition to giving the gift of hope to deserving youth, founder Dennis Beale also offers speaking and consulting services. 

CHECK OUT MORE: www.facebook.com/powerofperceptionllc  

Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association 

ECAHMAA has provided services for Southeast Asian refugees in the Valley for nearly 50 years. They welcome community support in the form of volunteer efforts, food, or material donations, as well as financial contributions. 

CHECK OUT MORE: www.facebook.com/Sheboyganhmaa  

Black & Brown Womyn Power Coalition, Inc. 

BBWP Coalition builds the capacities of Black and Brown advocates and their communities to end violence against women, queer and trans folks, and young people. They empower their communities through their training institute, Hmong helpline, and many programs, and they believe all women, queer and trans folk, and young people can embrace who they are, can define their future, and can change the world.

CHECK OUT MORE: Visit their Facebook Page » 

Other social justice organizations in Wisconsin to check out:

- ACLU EXPO (Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing)

- NextGen WI

- WI Conservation Voters

- Citizen Action