About Us

Knowledge is useless if you don't share it. It is with this belief, and the concept that "Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power amplified," that Power Up Eau Claire was founded.

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Power Up Eau Claire is a community-based, grassroots organization rooted in building community power and amplifying the voices of HMoob and historically underrepresented communities in the greater Chippewa Valley. Founded in 2019 by Pa Thao as an incubator project of the Black & Brown Womyn Power Coalition, Power Up became an incorporated Wisconsin nonprofit organization and received its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in 2024.

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Our work is grounded in the belief that strong communities are built through connection, collective care, cultural pride, and civic participation. Through culturally rooted programming, leadership development, advocacy, and community organizing, we create pathways for individuals and families to engage, lead, and thrive.

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Power Up Eau Claire focuses on four core areas: civic engagement and leadership development, community care and wellness, cultural celebration, and grassroots organizing. We provide HMoob culturally specific voter education and Get Out the Vote efforts, helping increase civic participation and community voice in local and state decision-making. We also support emerging leaders by creating opportunities for youth and community members to develop leadership skills and engage in advocacy work that impacts their daily lives.

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Our community care initiatives include the Community Wellness Market, mutual aid efforts, and rapid response support for families and individuals facing barriers to food, resources, and stability. We believe care is a powerful form of community building and healing.

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Power Up also uplifts HMoob culture, history, and identity through community-centered events such as the HMoob Heritage Month Gala, HMoob American Day Celebration, and other cultural gatherings that celebrate the resilience, contributions, and stories of HMoob communities in the Chippewa Valley.

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In addition, we also support the HMoob Farmers Collective, a program that works to strengthen access, leadership, healing spaces, and opportunities for HMoob farmers and growers across the region.

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At our core, Power Up Eau Claire is committed to creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, connected, and empowered to shape the future of their communities.