Hope will never be silent
Today is Harvey Milk Day.
In 1977, Harvey became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the world. Throughout his work, he showed us the power of values-driven leadership, and the strength in building diverse, multiracial coalitions. Not only did he break critical barriers for the LGBTQ community, Harvey was a strong advocate for all people — from communities of color and women, to small business owners and union workers. Today, we’re proud to continue our country’s history of bold leadership through Way to Rise, and I’m excited to announce our new brand identity and website as well.
The work that Harvey showed us was possible through his courageous and unabashed leadership is the work that Way to Rise supports across the country. Way to Rise is our 501(c)(3) effort that is creating the conditions of power building and co-governance by funding organising in communities on the frontlines of change, who are embracing their own agency and organising power, determining policy outcomes for their communities and reshaping the future of democracy.
Like Harvey, we’re committed to supporting power-building across communities closest to injustice to ensure that every person has what they need to thrive. And, while the branding is new, the work isn’t. Since our official founding in 2018, we’ve allocated over $5 million in funds supporting this work, and we’re just getting started.
Way to Rise has supported organising across the country on pressing issues, like economic inequality, civic participation, and critically for this year: voter protection. In Texas, our grantee, the Texas Civil Rights Project exemplifies this type of leadership of Way to Rise. On the heels of their recent court victory to protect the health and rights of voters, they have also launched three new websites to ensure communities are getting information they need on their rights to vote safely and securely. These new websites were designed by TCRP’s team of non-binary queer organizers. Another example of LGBT leadership, especially as we head into Pride month in June!
Harvey told us that “hope will never be silent.” At a time of uncertainty and fatigue, neither can we. Our community has always been a source of strength, so I hope you’ll join us to learn more about Way to Rise at our fully-virtual Way Forward the week of June 15 — look out for a Save the Date next week!
No matter where you are in your journey, there has never been a more important time to come together. Please stay tuned for more information, or email hello@waytowin.us with any questions.
