Workshops & Conferences
HumanKIND Initiative knows the importance of education and staying on top of what’s going on in the Community. After all, knowledge is power–and there is always something new to learn. Keep checking back throughout the year for great in-person, online, and hybrid opportunities to brush up on new information and to network.
COURES
Upcoming Events
Saturday, January 31st
3 Sessions Available: See available times and content descriptions below.
Registration Fee: $30
Morning Session
$30.00
Afternoon Session
$30.00
Evening Session
$30.00
All sessions include the same topics–register for the time slot that works best for your schedule! There will be breaks in between each topic.
Topic descriptions listed below!
Food and refreshments will be served. All attendees will receive a tshirt, an Ally Certificate, and plenty of resources to take home.
What is an Ally?
In this introduction, we will explore what the Ally’s role is within the Community and how essential it is. The lesson will include great opportunities for introspection and will provide activities and information to help you understand what it truly means to be an ally.
LGBTQ+ 101
This lesson will break down the complex topics of Pronouns, Gender Identity, and more. There will be additional focus on the expansive Transgender Community to provide a better understanding of all that includes, and the specific targeted issues that Community is currently being faced with. Activities and group talk will provide plenty of discussion on vocabulary, different flag identification, common faux pas in conversation to avoid, and even some great pop culture references. Lots of opportunities for Q & A!
Queer History: Where Did we Start? Where are We Now? What Does the Future Hold?
The conclusion of our workshop, Queer History gives a basic rundown of the LGBTQ+ timeline, including the importance of the Stonewall Riots (and how they shaped our Pride Celebrations), brief bios of prominent LGBTQ+ figures, and crucial Political moments (both positive and negative). We will also explore what is effecting the Community currently, and what needs to be done in support and advocacy in order to pave a positive future.
Register Today!
Click the button to register for your preferred Session, and secure your spot at the Ally Workshop. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at events@humankindinitiative.org or call 815-579-4041.
WHY
Why Attend the Ally Workshop?
Be the Best Ally You Can Be
Being an Ally is no easy task–you are showing your bravery and strength just by considering signing up to learn more about the Community. The LGBTQ+ Community relies on its Allies for support, advocacy, friendship, and, in a lot of cases, to be the only voice that can be heard. This Workshop will provide you with the tools to be more knowledgeable than you already give yourself credit for, which will allow you to play a pivotal, life-saving part in the Community’s lives.
Collect Resources for Your Classroom
Are you an educator? The Ally Workshop will be especially vital in preparing you to be there for your students. It is NEVER easy to be a young, queer kid at school, but this current Administration is making it even worse. Even the smallest show of support in a kid’s day can change the projection of his future in a positive way. Having some extra knowledge of what they might be struggling with, or what their preferred pronoun or gender identity is, can make a huge difference during those crucial interactions. There is a distinct possibility that you will be one of the few adults they trust–and, statistics show that having just ONE adult in their life that they can feel safe around can reduce the risk of suicide by over 40%.
Gain Perspective to Help Strengthen Your Voice
One of the most important things an Ally can do is speak up–especially when someone isn’t there to speak up for themselves. Being an Ally sometimes means having the courage to use your voice in a positive way when you hear others around you using theirs in a way that can be damaging. You might be at the grocery store and hear someone say something cruel in conversation. Or you could even be amongst friends and hear somebody use a deragatory term. Right now, there may be terms that you, yourself, use that you weren’t aware were damaging or hurtful. This is why knowledge is power. When you are armed with the information, you can teach others–and that is how change is made.
Support the HumanKIND Initiative
Whenever you attend an educational workshop or event, you are investing in what we do here as much as you are investing in yourself. Your registration not only helps us cover supplies, but it also provides a donation to the organization. These donations help us plan even more workshop opportunities and chances for the Community to get together. Your attendance at these events tells the Community that you care, that you are a safe space, and that they are seen. Your investment in what we do here shows that you are committed to helping the LGBTQ+ Community thrive.
About US
Our Story
HumanKIND Initiative is a 501(c)3 non-profit based out of Ottawa, Illinois, that serves not only LaSalle County and surrounding areas, but has provided resources and networked out of state as well in order to help all demographics of the LGBTQ+ Community thrive and grow. What began as an Annual Family Pride Celebration in 2022 has grown into a all-encompassing organization that provides a safe space to gather socially, as well as a year-round resource for local and regional information, educational tools, support groups, and so much more. We are constantly growing, ever-evolving, and Community driven–and 100% Volunteer run. HumanKIND Initiative is committed to making sure there is always a safe space to turn to, a person ready to listen, and an answer to provide to any question or need that arises. We exist through the kindness and generosity of our donors, and grants.
LaSalle County LGBTQ+ Residents
Money Raised since 2022
Amount Granted Out
People We Have Impacted
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Supporters Say
Incredible space, services, and people!
Thank you for your non-stop efforts to help our Community
TY for all you do for this community. We are blessed and the world is a better place because you are in it.