HumanKIND Initiative

Donate to HumanKIND Your donation today will help the HumanKIND Initiative continue its Mission to help the LGBTQ+ Community in the LaSalle County area thrive and grow. All money currently being raised is going toward op...

Also, you can donate directly to HumanKIND Initiative here. Every single dollar counts. We're doing the work every day to make this a better, safer, kinder place for LGBTQIA+ people.

www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundra...

Wanna learn more about being a good ally? Come to our Ally Workshop on March 14! Info on program content and more at humankindinitiative.org/workshops-co...

You might only do one thing today. But if each and every one of us does just one thing, imagine how much we could accomplish.

Now, stop waiting for someone to do something, and go do something!

4 (con't). Stuff envelopes instead. Talk to your neighbors. Call your political representatives. Donate to a charity like Humankind Initiative. All of these are more than valid, they're necessary, even if they're not "visible" activism.

4. Remember that there are tons of ways to help affect change. Everyone has their own strengths and interests and preferences and capacity, and that's okay. You don't want to/can't protest? That's fine!

3. Do your own reading. It's not queer folks' job to educate you. They need their time, energy, and brainspace for other things. Many are happy to help; others may not be. Be respectful and graciously accept a no.

2. Follow the lead of queer folks who are already doing the work. Don't assume you know what is the best course of action to take on their behalf, and don't waste time reinventing the wheel. If you're not sure, ask! That said.....

1. Hatred and bigotry are *our* problem to fix. It's not queer folks' responsibility. Cishet allies need to confront our peers, every day, in our own personal lives. "Hey, that's not cool" can go a long way.

You don't have to be perfect--everyone makes mistakes, and we all have opportunities to grow and improve.

Here are some things to remember:

Happy Friday! Lea Anne here, speaking directly to my fellow cishet folks.

Ally is not a title you can claim for yourself. (The title shouldn't even be the point, but anyway.) It's something you have to prove yourself worthy of through your actions.

The Center will be closed today (Dec 28). Sorry for any inconvenience!

And because we’re a registered 501c3 nonprofit, your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

We cannot thank you enough.

#GivingTuesday

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Home - The HumanKIND Initiative Located in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

This #GivingTuesday (and beyond), please donate to HumanKIND Initiative. We accept one-time or monthly recurring donations, business sponsorships, and more through our website here: www.humankindinitiative.org .

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Home - The HumanKIND Initiative Located in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

People often ask us what they can do to help. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s time, effort, and material donations—they are why we’re able to do what we do. But if we are to continue—and expand!—our mission in 2026, what we need most is your financial support.

#GivingTuesday

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Giving Tuesday The HumanKIND Initiative

At HumanKIND Initiative, 2025 has been a busy year of serving, celebrating, and planning for the future. We have helped more people in one way or another in the past 5 months than we could have ever imagined, and the momentum is building.

#GivingTuesday

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2nd Annual Pride Prom 2nd Annual Pride PromJoin us for a night where creativity and community shine. Hosted by the Humankind Initiative, the 2nd year of Prride Prom is more than an event—it's a celebration of self-expressi...

Tickets are $40/individual or $60/pair of tickets BEFORE midnight on Christmas Eve. From December 25th through February 21st, tickets are $50/individual or $75/pair. Click below and get them early!

www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticket...

2nd Annual Pride Prom 2nd Annual Pride PromJoin us for a night where creativity and community shine. Hosted by the Humankind Initiative, the 2nd year of Prride Prom is more than an event—it's a celebration of self-expressi...

Just make sure that you are bringing the you from the 80s, cuz it's about to get, like, totally rad that night!

Community members and allies 18 and up are invited, and are encouraged to take advantage of the Holiday Price! These tickets are great gifts.

www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticket...

Pride Prom 2026 2nd Annual Pride Prom Back to the 80s February 21, 7 pm - 11 pm The Center 1660 N. 2501st Rd. Ottawa $40/ticket ($60/pair) until 12/24

Our 2nd Annual Pride Prom is Saturday, February 21st, and we are taking it back to the 80s!

We are decking out The Center, and now's your chance to attend the Prom as your true self (if your school missed out on the fantastic opportunity of meeting the real YOU).

www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticket...

Santa's Slay tickets can be digital, or we can give you physical tickets to give away. Live drawing on New Year's Eve at our party at the Center! The more tickets we sell, the more people Humankind Initiative can help, PLUS the more money the winner gets!

www.zeffy.com/.../santas-s...

Santa's Slay Holiday Giving 50/50 Live drawing before midnight December 31, 2025 Proceeds benefit the mission of HumanKIND Initiative Perfect stocking stuffers or envelope additions!

Don't be the only one without ticket to Santa's Slay this New Year's Eve! We have people buying these as gifts, but, more importantly, for themselves (don't forget to treat yourself this Holiday season).

Go to www.zeffy.com/.../santas-s... and buy yours today.

NYE Game Strava Ganza Palooz Aroo Ring in the new year with a low-key night of gaming, snacks, and laughs December 31 6 pm - 1 am Come for an hour, or stay for the ball drop. BYOB The Center 1660 N. 2501st Rd., Ottawa

Ring in the New Year's with HumanKIND!

Game tournaments, karaoke, food, and laughs--the best way to start a new year. Add a welcoming atmosphere where you can be yourself and this is THE best spot to be to welcome 2026.

We may even have a surprise or 2 that night....see you then!

Home - The HumanKIND Initiative Located in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

November's issue features some new programs (karaoke, teen nights) and old favorites (support groups, D&D, fiber arts craft & chat, trivia), plus special events like the Friendsgiving Potluck on November 23.

Learn more about us at www.humankindinitiative.org

Home - The HumanKIND Initiative Located in the heart of the Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Family Pride Festival is an entire day of family-friendly events celebrating Pride.

Have you signed up for our newsletter? The HumanKIND Initiative delivers a monthly Cup O' Kindness directly to your inbox. It's a great way to keep up to date on what we're doing and how you can get involved.

Sign up here:
www.humankindinitiative.org

Her work with fellow activist Marsha P. Johnson included the creation of STAR House, which provided assistance to unhoused people in the gay community, with special focus on people of color.

You can learn more about Sylvia Rivera here: npg.si.edu/blog/welcome...

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LGBT History Month Sylvia Rivera Sylvia Rivera was a key figure in the Stonewall Riots. A transgender woman, she later cofounded the Gay Liberation Front and worked with fellow activist Marsha P. Johnson to create the trans rights group STAR. Her work was revolutionary in its inclusion of trans people in the gay liberation movement of the 60s and 70s.

Today the HumanKIND Initiative celebrates the legacy of Sylvia Rivera (1951-2002). As a trans Latina who spent much of her life homeless, Rivera was particularly sensitive to the struggles of trans people of color and those living in poverty.

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Paint with Spirits It's Spooky season and you know what that means! Time for some ghoulish fundraising!On Saturday, October 18th, head on over to The William E. Heisler Center for KINDness (The Center) as we create fant...

Get your tickets now at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/paint-with-spirits . All proceeds benefit HumanKIND Initiative and its critical work supporting the LGBT+ community, so you can feel good about unleashing your inner Vincent Van Ghoul on an unsuspecting thrifted landscape or portrait.

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Paint with Spirits Join Us for a night of spooky creativity! We supply the thrift paintings and supplies...you turn it into a new (ghoulish) work of art October 18th 6pm - 8 pm BYOB $20 a person 18+ The Center, 1660 N 2501st Rd., Ottawa

There's still time to reserve your canvas at Paint with Spirits! BYOB or purchase non-alcoholic drinks and a variety of great snacks from our concessions stand...including delicious Pine Hills pizza.

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(We also accept large bills and recurring donations! And you don't have to live in our area to donate. If you want rural folks to have access to a supportive community and critical resources, we'd love your help.)

All donations are tax deductible! It's win/win!

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Donate to HumanKIND Your donation today will help the HumanKIND Initiative continue its Mission to help the LGBTQ+ Community in the LaSalle County area thrive and grow. All money currently being raised is going toward op...

While this is a free event, we will be accepting donations to support our work making the world a kinder place for LGBT+ folks. So, if you like what you see and want to keep the (literal and proverbial) lights on, drop a few bucks in our bucket or donate online at www.zeffy.com/fundraising/...

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Family Friendly Fun! HumanKIND Halloween Spooktacular Saturday, October 25 hay rides, bonfire, crafts, haunted house, kids costume contest, and more The William E. Heisler Center for KINDness 1660 N. 2501 Rd. Ottawa IL

Join HumanKIND Initiative at our *free* Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 25. Bring the kids, grandparents, siblings, your neighbors: this event has something for everyone. Including an outdoor screening of the classic film Hocus Pocus at dusk!

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