HumanKIND Initiative
@humankindpride.bsky.social
Non-profit in small-town Illinois dedicated to opportunities and resources for every demographic of the LGBTQIA+ Community. We hold Ottawa Family Pride Fest every June on the 2nd Saturday!
Visit us at Www.humankindinitiative.org for more info
Visit us at Www.humankindinitiative.org for more info
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
Sign up here:
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.
www.humankindinitiative.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:50 PM
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
Sign up here:
www.humankindinitiative.org
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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October 15, 2025 at 2:02 PM
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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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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October 14, 2025 at 4:53 PM
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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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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October 14, 2025 at 4:50 PM
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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Today the HumanKIND Initiative celebrates the legacy of Henry Gerber (1892-1972), founder of the first documented gay rights organization in America: the Society for Human Rights.
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October 14, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Today the HumanKIND Initiative celebrates the legacy of Henry Gerber (1892-1972), founder of the first documented gay rights organization in America: the Society for Human Rights.
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Being a tween can be hard--you're not a kid, you're not a teen, and you're trying to figure out who you are and where you fit into the world. Finding the right book can be a huge help! The books here are just a few of the great middle grade titles that feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes.
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October 8, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Being a tween can be hard--you're not a kid, you're not a teen, and you're trying to figure out who you are and where you fit into the world. Finding the right book can be a huge help! The books here are just a few of the great middle grade titles that feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes.
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Many of the titles on today's feature are probably familiar--they're among the most frequently banned books in recent years. Strong LGBTQ+ voices are more important than ever, and reading LGBTQ+ memoirs and nonfiction is a great way to become a more compassionate, kind person. /1
October 8, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Many of the titles on today's feature are probably familiar--they're among the most frequently banned books in recent years. Strong LGBTQ+ voices are more important than ever, and reading LGBTQ+ memoirs and nonfiction is a great way to become a more compassionate, kind person. /1
Be ready to slay the bloodthirsty competition at trivia! It's all Buffy at The Center this Thursday, October 9, from 6-8 pm. Get tickets early at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday or message us to know you'll pay in cash at the door.
No I'm not sorry for the puns. /1
No I'm not sorry for the puns. /1
October 7, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Be ready to slay the bloodthirsty competition at trivia! It's all Buffy at The Center this Thursday, October 9, from 6-8 pm. Get tickets early at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday or message us to know you'll pay in cash at the door.
No I'm not sorry for the puns. /1
No I'm not sorry for the puns. /1
Romance books can be warm and cozy, sizzling and spicy, and everything in between. And they can come in nearly any genre, from historical to fantasy to comedy. LGBTQ+ romance books are no different!
Check out one of the following titles to make your heart (and maybe other parts) sing. /1
Check out one of the following titles to make your heart (and maybe other parts) sing. /1
October 7, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Romance books can be warm and cozy, sizzling and spicy, and everything in between. And they can come in nearly any genre, from historical to fantasy to comedy. LGBTQ+ romance books are no different!
Check out one of the following titles to make your heart (and maybe other parts) sing. /1
Check out one of the following titles to make your heart (and maybe other parts) sing. /1
Our Banned Books Week celebration of LBGTQ+ books continues with a look at children's books. You're never too young to see your family represented in a picture book, and know that you belong and are loved. /1
October 7, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Our Banned Books Week celebration of LBGTQ+ books continues with a look at children's books. You're never too young to see your family represented in a picture book, and know that you belong and are loved. /1
Today we recognize the 2025 Stonewall Award winners. The Stonewall Book Awards, sponsored by the American Library Association's Rainbow Round Table, is the first and most enduring award for LGBTQ+ books.
October 6, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Today we recognize the 2025 Stonewall Award winners. The Stonewall Book Awards, sponsored by the American Library Association's Rainbow Round Table, is the first and most enduring award for LGBTQ+ books.
Books are a critical vehicle for LGBTQ+ creative expression, and LGBTQ+ representation on library shelves is vital to creating a world where are people are treated with respect and kindness.
October 5, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Books are a critical vehicle for LGBTQ+ creative expression, and LGBTQ+ representation on library shelves is vital to creating a world where are people are treated with respect and kindness.
Want to stay on top of everything going on with HumanKIND Initiative and The Center? Sign up for our monthly e-Newsletter!
Go to www.humankindinitiative.org and fill out the newsletter request on the main page! Simple as that. New issue drops October 1, full of news and events. Don't miss a minute!
Go to www.humankindinitiative.org and fill out the newsletter request on the main page! Simple as that. New issue drops October 1, full of news and events. Don't miss a minute!
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.
www.humankindinitiative.org
September 30, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Want to stay on top of everything going on with HumanKIND Initiative and The Center? Sign up for our monthly e-Newsletter!
Go to www.humankindinitiative.org and fill out the newsletter request on the main page! Simple as that. New issue drops October 1, full of news and events. Don't miss a minute!
Go to www.humankindinitiative.org and fill out the newsletter request on the main page! Simple as that. New issue drops October 1, full of news and events. Don't miss a minute!
Thursday Trivia in October kicks off with everyone's favorite vampire slayer. Want to prove your Buffy Megafan credentials and win some cold hard cash while fundraising?
Register ahead at Www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday OR send us a message to RSVP and pay in cash when you arrive!
Register ahead at Www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday OR send us a message to RSVP and pay in cash when you arrive!
![Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Trivia Night at The Center
Thursday, October 9
6-8 pm
Cash Prize!
$10 per person
teams up to 8 people
tickets at [link provided]
Proceeds benefit the William E. Heisler Center for KINDness
1660 N. 2051st Rd. Ottawa IL](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:tkcvvdn5dh7mgrskwbi7po56/bafkreibaamxxfcykypejgbbml3jefolxunsz232juvm7y544asfneteq4u@jpeg)
September 30, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Thursday Trivia in October kicks off with everyone's favorite vampire slayer. Want to prove your Buffy Megafan credentials and win some cold hard cash while fundraising?
Register ahead at Www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday OR send us a message to RSVP and pay in cash when you arrive!
Register ahead at Www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday OR send us a message to RSVP and pay in cash when you arrive!
Calling all fiber artisans & crafters! Starting Sunday, October 5, you can join your fellow enthusiasts the new Fiber Arts Craft & Chat group. Bring your current project to The Center anytime between 10 am and 1 pm for cozy crafting and conversation in a safe, welcoming environment.
September 29, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Calling all fiber artisans & crafters! Starting Sunday, October 5, you can join your fellow enthusiasts the new Fiber Arts Craft & Chat group. Bring your current project to The Center anytime between 10 am and 1 pm for cozy crafting and conversation in a safe, welcoming environment.
Spooky Season is upon us! It's time for HumanKIND Initiative's first Paint & Sip...er...we mean Paint with Spirits!
Join us on October 18th from 6-8pm at The Center as we all transform thrift shop paintings into spooky renderings.
Get your tickets at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/paint-with-spirits
Join us on October 18th from 6-8pm at The Center as we all transform thrift shop paintings into spooky renderings.
Get your tickets at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/paint-with-spirits
September 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Spooky Season is upon us! It's time for HumanKIND Initiative's first Paint & Sip...er...we mean Paint with Spirits!
Join us on October 18th from 6-8pm at The Center as we all transform thrift shop paintings into spooky renderings.
Get your tickets at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/paint-with-spirits
Join us on October 18th from 6-8pm at The Center as we all transform thrift shop paintings into spooky renderings.
Get your tickets at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/paint-with-spirits
If you love Halloween as much as we do, you'll want to SAVE THE DATE for the HumanKIND Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 25. It's going to be a ghoulishly good time.
September 27, 2025 at 5:27 PM
If you love Halloween as much as we do, you'll want to SAVE THE DATE for the HumanKIND Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 25. It's going to be a ghoulishly good time.
Trivia is tonight! DID YOU KNOW that all those factoids cluttering up your brain can be a powerful force for real change in the world?
It's true!
Read the thread to find out WHY, then register your team at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday
It's true!
Read the thread to find out WHY, then register your team at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday
September 25, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Trivia is tonight! DID YOU KNOW that all those factoids cluttering up your brain can be a powerful force for real change in the world?
It's true!
Read the thread to find out WHY, then register your team at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday
It's true!
Read the thread to find out WHY, then register your team at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday
Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love trivia tomorrow! You're only a day awayyyy
Preregister your team at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday
Preregister your team at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday
Throw on your leg warmers and put The Spice Girls on stereo, because Trivia is going back in time to the 80s & 90s.
Sign your team up ahead of time at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday or pay when you get there. The concession stand will be open--including Pine Hills pizza! It'll be boss.
Sign your team up ahead of time at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday or pay when you get there. The concession stand will be open--including Pine Hills pizza! It'll be boss.
September 24, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love trivia tomorrow! You're only a day awayyyy
Preregister your team at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday
Preregister your team at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday
Throw on your leg warmers and put The Spice Girls on stereo, because Trivia is going back in time to the 80s & 90s.
Sign your team up ahead of time at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday or pay when you get there. The concession stand will be open--including Pine Hills pizza! It'll be boss.
Sign your team up ahead of time at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday or pay when you get there. The concession stand will be open--including Pine Hills pizza! It'll be boss.
September 18, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Throw on your leg warmers and put The Spice Girls on stereo, because Trivia is going back in time to the 80s & 90s.
Sign your team up ahead of time at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday or pay when you get there. The concession stand will be open--including Pine Hills pizza! It'll be boss.
Sign your team up ahead of time at www.zeffy.com/ticketing/trivia-thursday or pay when you get there. The concession stand will be open--including Pine Hills pizza! It'll be boss.
Doctor's orders!
🔴Rainbow Quills Writing Group
🟠Thursday, August 21
🟡 7 pm
🟢The Center
🔵1660 N. 2501st Rd, Ottawa, IL
🟣All writers welcome!
Hosted by local self-published author L. A. Guettler.
🔴Rainbow Quills Writing Group
🟠Thursday, August 21
🟡 7 pm
🟢The Center
🔵1660 N. 2501st Rd, Ottawa, IL
🟣All writers welcome!
Hosted by local self-published author L. A. Guettler.
August 16, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Doctor's orders!
🔴Rainbow Quills Writing Group
🟠Thursday, August 21
🟡 7 pm
🟢The Center
🔵1660 N. 2501st Rd, Ottawa, IL
🟣All writers welcome!
Hosted by local self-published author L. A. Guettler.
🔴Rainbow Quills Writing Group
🟠Thursday, August 21
🟡 7 pm
🟢The Center
🔵1660 N. 2501st Rd, Ottawa, IL
🟣All writers welcome!
Hosted by local self-published author L. A. Guettler.
Tonight is our very first group meeting, and will be for those in the trans community. Please come by if you want to talk, or listen, in a safe environment.
Trans Support Group
Wed, Aug 6
6-8 pm
William E. Heisler Center for Kindness
1660 N 2501st Rd. Ottawa IL
Age 18+
If you identify as trans, nonbinary, or anything else under the transgender umbrella, and you would like to meet up with a group of your peers once a month, we hope you'll join us.
Wed, Aug 6
6-8 pm
William E. Heisler Center for Kindness
1660 N 2501st Rd. Ottawa IL
Age 18+
If you identify as trans, nonbinary, or anything else under the transgender umbrella, and you would like to meet up with a group of your peers once a month, we hope you'll join us.
August 6, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Tonight is our very first group meeting, and will be for those in the trans community. Please come by if you want to talk, or listen, in a safe environment.
UPDATED CALENDAR!
This week we've got two new programs--D&D on Monday and Trans Support Group on Wednesday--and the return of PrideFit. And you're always* welcome to swing by to hang out, do a puzzle, enjoy the giant orange beanbag...
*except Wednesdays to protect privacy for support groups.
This week we've got two new programs--D&D on Monday and Trans Support Group on Wednesday--and the return of PrideFit. And you're always* welcome to swing by to hang out, do a puzzle, enjoy the giant orange beanbag...
*except Wednesdays to protect privacy for support groups.
Lots of August activities! We have board games, video games, air hockey, movies, puzzles...Come and hang out!
(Group only on Wednesdays to protect privacy)
Hours:
🔴 Mon 5-9 pm
🟠 Tue 5-9 pm
🟡 Wed (group only)
🟢 Thu 5-9 pm
🔵 Fri 5-11 pm
🟣 Sat 9am-11pm
🟤 Sun 9am-8pm
Www.humankindinitiative.org
(Group only on Wednesdays to protect privacy)
Hours:
🔴 Mon 5-9 pm
🟠 Tue 5-9 pm
🟡 Wed (group only)
🟢 Thu 5-9 pm
🔵 Fri 5-11 pm
🟣 Sat 9am-11pm
🟤 Sun 9am-8pm
Www.humankindinitiative.org
August 3, 2025 at 6:19 PM
UPDATED CALENDAR!
This week we've got two new programs--D&D on Monday and Trans Support Group on Wednesday--and the return of PrideFit. And you're always* welcome to swing by to hang out, do a puzzle, enjoy the giant orange beanbag...
*except Wednesdays to protect privacy for support groups.
This week we've got two new programs--D&D on Monday and Trans Support Group on Wednesday--and the return of PrideFit. And you're always* welcome to swing by to hang out, do a puzzle, enjoy the giant orange beanbag...
*except Wednesdays to protect privacy for support groups.
It's FRIDAY! Lots of pressure to make it "great," amirite? But at The Center, you can just be. We've got board games, video games, air hockey, books, movies, a giant beanbag, and best of all--KINDNESS.
Drop in tonight between 5 and 11 pm and see for yourself. 1660 N. 2501st Rd, Ottawa IL
Drop in tonight between 5 and 11 pm and see for yourself. 1660 N. 2501st Rd, Ottawa IL
August 1, 2025 at 2:26 PM
It's FRIDAY! Lots of pressure to make it "great," amirite? But at The Center, you can just be. We've got board games, video games, air hockey, books, movies, a giant beanbag, and best of all--KINDNESS.
Drop in tonight between 5 and 11 pm and see for yourself. 1660 N. 2501st Rd, Ottawa IL
Drop in tonight between 5 and 11 pm and see for yourself. 1660 N. 2501st Rd, Ottawa IL
Lots of August activities! We have board games, video games, air hockey, movies, puzzles...Come and hang out!
(Group only on Wednesdays to protect privacy)
Hours:
🔴 Mon 5-9 pm
🟠 Tue 5-9 pm
🟡 Wed (group only)
🟢 Thu 5-9 pm
🔵 Fri 5-11 pm
🟣 Sat 9am-11pm
🟤 Sun 9am-8pm
Www.humankindinitiative.org
(Group only on Wednesdays to protect privacy)
Hours:
🔴 Mon 5-9 pm
🟠 Tue 5-9 pm
🟡 Wed (group only)
🟢 Thu 5-9 pm
🔵 Fri 5-11 pm
🟣 Sat 9am-11pm
🟤 Sun 9am-8pm
Www.humankindinitiative.org
July 31, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Lots of August activities! We have board games, video games, air hockey, movies, puzzles...Come and hang out!
(Group only on Wednesdays to protect privacy)
Hours:
🔴 Mon 5-9 pm
🟠 Tue 5-9 pm
🟡 Wed (group only)
🟢 Thu 5-9 pm
🔵 Fri 5-11 pm
🟣 Sat 9am-11pm
🟤 Sun 9am-8pm
Www.humankindinitiative.org
(Group only on Wednesdays to protect privacy)
Hours:
🔴 Mon 5-9 pm
🟠 Tue 5-9 pm
🟡 Wed (group only)
🟢 Thu 5-9 pm
🔵 Fri 5-11 pm
🟣 Sat 9am-11pm
🟤 Sun 9am-8pm
Www.humankindinitiative.org