Greater Mankato Diversity Council acts as the Human Rights Commission for the Greater Mankato area.
The Mankato Area Human Rights Commission works to promote equality, protect human rights, and support justice in our community. We are here to listen, assist, and connect people with resources to create a fair and welcoming environment for all.
Key Resources
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Minnesota Department of Human Rights: Call 1-833-454-0148 or visit mn.gov/mdhr.
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ACLU of Minnesota: Defending civil liberties and rights (aclumn.org).
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services: Free legal help for housing, employment, and more (smrls.org).
Minnesota Human Rights Act: Protects against discrimination in housing, jobs, education, and public services. Learn more at (mn.gov/mdhr).
City of Mankato Ordinances: Local policies protecting residents—Explore here.
Common Cause MN: Works to strengthen democracy by promoting fair elections, ethical government, and active civic participation so every Minnesotan has an equal voice in the political process. (https://www.commoncause.org/minnesota/)
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Minnesota Housing Partnership: Affordable housing programs and advocacy (mhponline.org).
Partners for Affordable Housing: Emergency shelters and housing support in Mankato (partnersforhousing.org).
ECHO Food Shelf: Offers food, hygiene products, and essential household items to those in need (echofoodshelf.org).
Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC): Provides rental assistance, energy support, and other housing-related services to low-income families. (mnvac.org).
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MRCI WorkSource: Offers employment, job training, and support services for individuals with disabilities. (mrciworksource.org)
SMILES Center for Independent Living: Supports individuals with disabilities by promoting independence and offering resources such as advocacy, skills training, and peer counseling. (smilescil.org)
Richmond/Vona: This website offers helpful advice for driving as an amputee. (https://www.richmondvona.com/tips-driving-amputee/)
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Open Door Health Center: Provides mental health counseling and medical services to individuals and families, regardless of insurance status. (odhc.org)
Horizon Homes, Inc. Crisis Services: Offers 24/7 mental health crisis services, support, and stabilization in the Mankato area. (horizonhomes.org/crisis-services)
Wellness in the Woods: Provides free, 24/7 peer support for Minnesotans, especially those in underserved communities, through programs focused on advocacy, education, and connection. (https://mnwitw.org)
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Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS): Supports immigrant and refugee families with resettlement services, language support, and more. (lssmn.org).
Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC): Provides assistance with refugee resettlement, employment readiness, and cultural orientation in the Mankato area. (mnchurches.org).
Creating Safe & Supportive Schools for Immigrant and English Learner (EL) Students: This tool kit by the Minnesota Education Equity Partnership (MNEEP) offers actionable strategies and insights for creating inclusive, safe, and supportive educational environments for immigrant and English Learner (EL) students. It includes guidance on policy, practice, and community engagement tailored to educators and school administrators. (View Toolkit)
ACLU of Minnesota: The ACLU is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and extending the civil liberties and and rights of people in Minnesota through litigation, lobbying, and community engagement. (https://www.aclu-mn.org/en/resources).
COPAL: COPAL (Comunidades Organizando Latine Poder y Acción) is a Minnesota-based grassroots nonprofit with a presence in Mankato that empowers Latine communities through organizing, advocacy, civic engagement, and access to resources that promote equity and community well-being (https://copalmn.org/).
Stand with Minnesota: This organization is full of resources and referrals to local nonprofits that can help you in nearly any situation (https://www.standwithminnesota.com/).
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South Central Minnesota Pride: Provides advocacy, resources, and events for the LGBTQ+ community in the Mankato area. (scmnpride.org)
Trevor Project (National Resource): 24/7 support for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis. (thetrevorproject.org)
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Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging (MNRAAA): Provides support for older adults, their families, and caregivers, including advocacy, education, and resources for aging with dignity. (mnraaa.org)
VINE Faith in Action: A Mankato-based organization offering transportation, caregiver support, and community programs for seniors to promote independence and well-being. (vinevolunteers.com)
Southern Minnesota Elder Justice Center: Advocates for the rights of older adults by addressing elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. (elderjusticemn.org)
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YWCA Mankato: Empowers women and promotes racial and gender equity through programs, education, and advocacy. (mankatoywca.org)
Committee Against Domestic Abuse (CADA): Supports individuals facing domestic and sexual violence with advocacy, shelter, and safety resources. (cadamn.org)
League of Women Voters – Mankato Area: Advocates for gender equity through civic engagement, voter education, and public policy initiatives. (lwvmn.org)
Planned Parenthood: Provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare, sexual education, and advocacy to empower individuals in making informed health decisions. (plannedparenthood.org)
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Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS): Provides free legal assistance on employment rights, wage disputes, and discrimination cases. (smrls.org)
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI): Protects workers’ rights by ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages, and compliance with state labor laws. (dli.mn.gov)
Minnesota Office of the Attorney General – Worker Protection: Addresses wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and unfair labor practices, providing resources for workers to seek justice. (ag.state.mn.us)
Minnesota AFL-CIO: A federation of unions advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and worker protections across the state. (mnaflcio.org)
Resources from Our Collaboration with the City of Mankato
The City of Minneapolis compiled a list of resources to know your immigration rights in many languages. This list includes videos, fact sheets, legal help, and what to do if you or someone you know is stopped or detained.
Know Your Rights MN is a legal empowerment project of the Legal Rights Center. Their resource empowerment includes: STAND, Protest, Search & Seizure, Expungement, Bail, Steve’s Law, and Youth Justice.
Know Your Rights - Red Cards for Immigration
Everyone in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, has constitutional rights. "Red Cards" are designed to help individuals understand and assert these rights when interacting with immigration enforcement or law enforcement officers. These wallet-sized cards provide clear instructions on how to respond in situations such as workplace raids, traffic stops, or home visits by immigration authorities.
Why Carry a Red Card?
It reminds you of your right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination.
It provides a script to use when refusing to answer questions.
It helps you assert your right to refuse searches without a warrant.
It ensures you do not unintentionally waive your legal protections.
Download and Print Your Red Card
LEAD THE VOTE -
LEAD THE VOTE -
Greater Mankato Diversity Council is proud to be part of the Lead the Vote Nonprofit Election Engagement Consortium, working to educate and engage the Mankato area on voting rights. Nonprofits have a unique role in empowering communities, and by encouraging civic participation, we can ensure every voice is heard. Together, let’s Lead the Vote and build a more engaged, informed community.