Nonviolence was not a concept that I was exposed to growing up. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a figure I heard about once a year. My involvement in the Roncalli Newman Center, as a college student, introduced me to social justice, service, and love. So, when an opportunity came to go on a Freedom Ride Trip to Atlanta for spring break, I jumped on it. This is where the learning began and my fire for social justice was lit. I will share with you some of my journey and experiences.

Will Van Roosenbeek has served as the Director of the Pride Center for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for the past 22 years. He has taught both introduction to LGBTQ+ studies and Understanding Human Differences at UWL. Prior to working at UWL, Will served as a Community Services Specialist for Couleecap, where he coordinated and facilitated youth programs including One by One, the Community Youth Initiative, MLK day Teach-In for middle school youth, and the Martin Luther King (MLK) Project. He has been a board member of the 7 Rivers LGBTQ+ Connection, and started Trans Forum, a support group for adults who identify as transgender and nonbinary. He also volunteers on the Selection Committee for Habitat for Humanity’s home ownership program.

For information about attending in person, links to Zoom login info, Sunday’s Order of Service, Online Giving and more click here –> linktr.ee/uulacrosse