Timeline

A "letter to the editor" in the Republic-Times is published explaining the Open to All Pledge that business and intuitions can participate in to let the public know they are dedicated to non-descriptions of employees and patrons. 

Waterloo Listens sends letters to local businesses, organizations, schools and churches requesting that they take the “Open to All” pledge, and sent letters to the 14 local businesses that have the Open to All attribute set in their Yelp listing. 

Members of Waterloo Listens create rainbow floral wreaths and rainbow ribbon door hangers to raise money for WL LGBTQIA+ programs and providing programs and support to the WHS Diversity Club.

WL hosted a supportive event for LGBTQIA+ community members and allies at local merchant Philomena+Ruth in response to anti-trans actions amongst students at WHS. Local LGBTQ+ support groups from the region were invited to speak and share resources. Local small businesses provided refreshments and over 80 local individuals attended.

Members attending a WL General Assembly present a donation check of $300 to the Morrison Talbott Library. Funds were raised via a t-shirt fundraiser with shirts sold through local merchant Philomena+Ruth.

WL members spent months planning an event to highlight the importance of promoting literacy and combatting censorship in literature. Guest speakers shared their thoughts on the importance of reading banned and challenged books and read excerpts of a chosen book. Participants rotated from 4 tables to discuss different banned and challenged books with volunteers at each table leading discussions. Simultaneously break out sessions were held for different age groups for children's books.

WL t-shirt fundraiser launches on the Philomena+Ruth website with proceeds benefiting the Morrison-Talbott Library. T-shirt design created by P+R owner Elizabeth Hahn.

Waterloo Listens decorates a lamppost to participate in the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Lamppost Decorating Contest.

WL members hosted a table for Waterloo Pumpkinfest inside local merchant Philomena+Ruth. Volunteers at the table shared information about WL efforts, how to get involved, provided sign up sheets for our email list, and began promoted the Banned Book Fair event coming up in January 2023.

St. Paul United Church of Christ planned and hosted an International Day of Peace event with Waterloo Listens. The theme for 2022 was "global racial justice;" this topic was the discussed in small groups and by guest speakers.