The following information concerning state-wide and area news, events, and activities is updated at the beginning of each calendar month. Please check with the originating organization to check on possible cancellations or changes that might have occurred since they were originally posted here. See Local News for non-CCSJ events and activities organized and/or occurring in the Morgantown area. See WVU News for Social and Environmental Justice related activties and events organized or occurring at West Virginia University.
NOW is focusing on encouraging people to register and vote this year and also supporting the equal rights amendment and abortion. For more information, go to their Facebook page or email Amanda Ray, the state NOW president, at amandajray@yahoo.com.
See more about ACLU West Virginia here or Facebook. Email them at mail@acluwv.org.
Appalachian Queer Youth Summit
The ACLU-WV is thrilled to announce another Appalachian Queer Youth Summit for the summer of 2024!
“This camp will bring together teens ages 15-19 who either identify as LGBTQ+ or come from LGBTQ+ families from across West Virginia and give them the tools they need to organize and advocate for the issues they care about.” For more information and links to register, serve as a junior counselor, or volunteer, please go here.
Our Voice Our Power: A Convening for WV BIPOC Students
“The ACLU-WV is thrilled to announce our very first convening for BIPOC youth (Black, Indigenous, people of color) ages 14-24 from across WV!
“Join us for a fun evening of community building through conversation, food, games, music, and more! Register to vote, discover community and statewide resources, learn about your rights in school and in your community, and explore democracy and change-making in action through a tabletop game.
“While we know BIPOC student experiences are as varied as there are individuals, West Virginia schools continue to fail students from historically excluded communities. A recently released report on school discipline in the state showed that our schools are punishing some of our most vulnerable students at astonishing rates. The State School Board President called the situation an “epic” crisis with 20 percent of Black students having been suspended at least once last school year compared to 10 percent of white students and 11 percent of the school population having lost over 175,000 instructional days. Studies show that these disparities cause academic strain, increase drop out rates, and more. In our state, we know many of these students are isolated from peers who shared their lived experience, making it all the more difficult to navigate challenges that arise in the school environment. Our students deserve better.
“This event will be held in Charleston (specific details will be provided to those who register for security purposes) on July 12 and will be completely free to participants. Those who need financial or other assistance with transportation are encouraged to include this in their registration form or reach out to us directly as travel assistance may be available.”
Register here.
Executive Director Search Opens
The ACLU of West Virginia is searching for a new executive director through Axis Talent Partners. The position description and application are available here. The website says applicants are encouraged to submit their applications by August 9. There is an open rolling application, but candidates who submit before August 9th are likely to be in the first round of reviews by the search committee.
WV House of Delegates and the WV Senate Candidates
Ahead of the 2024 Election, the ACLU sent questionnaires to candidates running for the WV House of Delegates and the WV Senate. These responses have been provided by the candidates and have not been edited by us. The ACLU is non-partisan. We do not endorse candidates, and these responses are for voter education only.” You can find responses from delegate candidates for the November election here and senate candidates here.
Fairness West Virginia is a civil rights advocacy organtization dedicated to the fair and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender West Virginians.
“ Our Annual Gala is Quickly Approaching!
“Fairness West Virginia Institute is dedicated to education and advocacy on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer West Virginians and their allies. Fairness presents an annual fundraiser gala each year in the fall to recognize and celebrate the progress toward full equality in the Mountain State.
“Join us for an unforgettable evening where diversity and inclusivity take center stage. Roll the dice, spin the wheel, and revel in the thrill of A Night in Monte Carlo, all in support of a noble cause. Every chip you play, every dance you share, fuels our mission to foster love, acceptance, and equality for the entire LGBTQ+ community. Indulge in an elegant atmosphere, savor delectable cuisine, and dance the night away to celebrate love in all its forms. Together, let’s raise the stakes for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. Your presence makes a difference; your joy makes it unforgettable.
“So we’re excited to invite you to this year’s A Night in Monte Carlo! Join us on Sept. 21, 2024 at Embassy Suites in Charleston as we dance the night away. This black tie-optional party will help us celebrate our efforts to make the Mountain State a better place for LGBTQ+ people to live, work and raise a family. We’ll have food, music, dancing, and a silent auction. See you at the Gala where everyone’s a winner!”
You can buy tickets here. Sponsor information is available here.
Supporters can book discounted rooms ($139/night) at Embassy Suites. To get the discount, book your room by September 5. Book Online: Visit Embassy Suite's website and book your room like normal. Set the date of your stay, select "special rates," and enter the code "929." Book by Phone: Call 304-347-8700 and select “reservations" from the menu. Give the reservationist the code "929."
Fairness West Virginia has a calendar of state-wide PRIDE events here.
Follow Fairness West Virginia on Facebook.
The WVTC is a grassroots organization that works to ensure the well-being of trans people.
For more information, please go their Facebook page.
This group organized in December 2021 in Charleston “to illuminate the experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color in West Virginia and provide them with a safe space of fellowship,” according to a story in the Juneteenth edition of Black By God: The West Virginian. For more information, email WVBPfoundation@outlook.com or Kasha@wvpfoundation.com.
According to its website, “We are an emerging news and storytelling organization centering Black voices from the Mountain State. We provide a more nuanced portrayal of the Black experience in the Appalachian region.” Crystal Good is the editor/publisher/founder of Black By God.
There is a weekly online edition and a quarterly print edition.
To contact Black by God, email Info@Blackbygod.org or call 304-207-0352. The mailing address is 2156 University Ave. Suite 400, Morgantown, WV, 26505. To make a tax-deductible donation, go to blackbygod.org/donate.