Normal Women Rising

12/06/2026

Support local businesses that support pride month!

Some of the major chain retailers have pulled back on their pride merchandise and their support of the LGBTQ+ community, but never fear...our local retailers continue to proudly express their support of our community. We salute these folks for their commitment:

Grove Street Bakery (also fundraising for PPC)
Von Champs Boutique (pride merch)
McLean County Democrats (pride apparel)
The Bistro (pride apparel)
Bobzbay Books (pride merch and books)
Recreation Coffee (sponsoring Ride for Pride)
Red Raccoon Games (pride merch, pride joy)
Buttercream & Bean (also fundraising for PPC)
StayAnotherDayLtd (pride apparel)
Donny B's Gourmet Popcorn and Gifts (pride popcorn)

This is a wonderful list, and a reminder of the love and support that can be found in our community. Please support those who support us!

PS - If we have forgotten anyone, please lift them up in the comments!

06/06/2026

Hi, it's Kimberly posting. 👋🏻 Last night Normal Women Rising sponsored a table at the McLean County Democrats Roosevelt dinner. (More on the Roosevelt dinner soon!) We were especially inspired by Rep. Lauren Underwood. When I introduced myself and told her we started a women's activist group, she quickly responded "Let's go!" like a true millennial. And funny story, before dinner I ran to the ladies room. The woman in the stall next to me exclaimed "oh my gosh, I think my dress zipper just broke". So I helped her unstick her zipper, got her fiance's suit jacket in case she couldn't get it and rezipped her. At one point I joked I needed a third hand, a woman doing her makeup offered her hand. That woman was Congresswoman Underwood. After dinner I said to her, I'm not sure if you remember me from earlier and she said "from the bathroom!!!!". 🤣 Thankful for the comradery of women's restrooms and inspirational women who step up and run for office.

01/06/2026

🏳️‍🌈 Happy Pride! We support and love you this month and every other month! 🏳️‍🌈

29/05/2026

Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to meet Senator Dick Durbin and thank him for his time serving Illinois. We also got a chance to tell him about our growing group. He chatted with us about his wife, Loretta Durbin, and her part in starting a training program for Democratic women who want to run for office. Check out that inspirational program: Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership Training Academy

27/05/2026

We were only a little worried that, after learning how weird we are (see previous bio and picture posts), no one would show for our monthly get-together. But you all keep coming back, and we are so thankful! Carolyn Moon and Jess Sturges from Planned Parenthood of Illinois came to speak about the important work that is still being done in Illinois. We also collected for BloNo Helps - an awesome local mutual aid initiative. If you're not receiving our emails, please drop us a message with your email address!

25/05/2026

Our next get together is TOMORROW, May 26 at 7pm. (Please note the time change.) We're looking forward to chatting with Carolyn Moon from the Planned Parenthood of Illinois. We will also be collecting for Blono Helps. Reference today's email for a list of suggested donations. Come hang out with like-minded women and build this community. As always, thank you for showing up, speaking up, and being part of this group.

20/05/2026

Rally - Saturday, May 23rd noon at the BCPA to celebrate Memorial Day. This rally is an opportunity for our community to speak up and peacefully express its support for our democracy, while being respectful of the sacrifice made by those who have and continue to protect our country.

19/05/2026

MEET THE FOUNDERS - Kimberly Knight

I love a good nap. I will never say no to coffee. I'm a professional photographer of people, but in my free time I'm usually crouched in some weird corner taking pictures of the way the light hits a flower or a random object. I prefer Kimberly to Kim so much that if you call me Kim, it may take me a second to realize you're talking to me. If given the music duties, I will always turn on yacht rock. I have around 50 houseplants and was once a "plant nanny" for a friend's business, caring for their plants.

I'm a little bit afraid of squirrels and olives. I truly believe you can never own too many journals or pens. I have zero rhythm or musical ability. I love it when people laugh so hard that no sound comes out.

Last meal: my husband's fish tacos
Song that will always improve my day: Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder
Movie that I can quote every line from: Clueless "Ugh, as if!"

18/05/2026

MEET THE FOUNDERS - Kathleen Shirk

Kitchen dance parties and summertime bike rides with my husband and kids are my favorite. I daydream about a version of myself as a Yacht Rock DJ with a cherry red 1960's Ford pickup truck filled with flowers; because I plan to have a passion for gardening one day.

I love true crime like every other middle-aged woman, a good documentary, and laughing until I cry at classic SNL. Books and I have an audio-only relationship, but I'm hopeful. If headstands were an Olympic sport, I'd be on the podium. "Something to Talk About" is my “go-to” karaoke song and I bring the house down. I think I might be socially awkward, but I also think I'm fun and easy to know. I like this DGAF era of my 40’s.

I’m the youngest of six kids with a 17-year age gap between us. Growing up, the oldest kid picked the radio station and Sundays were mom's choice. So, I have a freakish recall on the lyrics of every song from the 50’s through today. Passwords I created yesterday? Not so much.

Last meal: Steak and veggies off the grill
Song that will always improve my day: Anything. See above.
Movie I can quote every line from: Tie. "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “The Sound of Music”

15/05/2026

Today we had the pleasure of attending YWCA McLean County's Circle Luncheon. YW is doing amazing things in our community! We hope you'll consider donating to them and support their critical programs.

https://givebutter.com/ywca-circle