MORGANTOWN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
The next regular meeting should be Thursday, January 15, at 6:30 p.m. You can get contact information for the commission, including information on filing complaint forms here. You can get copies of the agendas and minutes for the commission meetings here. You can find a calendar of annual human rights observances here. Observances for the current month are included in this website here.
The Human Rights Commission’s International Human Rights Day celebration on Sunday, December 7th, recognized the Appalachian Prison Book Project “for its many years of dedication to protecting Human rights & Promoting Volunteerism” and Natalie J. Sal, Esq. “for her many years of dedication to advancing the Human Rights of Morgantown’s most vulnerable.”
Vacancies on Human Rights Commission. There are currently three vacancies on the commission. According to the City of Morgantown’s website, “Appointments of to the Commission are made by City Council, and all must be residents of the City. All seats are non-ward specific.” Information on applying for the commission is available here.
Blessing Boxes. Laura Fletcher, one of the members of the commission, has posted a google map of Blessing Boxes in northern West Virginia at https://www.morgantownwv.gov/272/Human-Rights-Commission . These are places where people can donate or take food and, maybe, other items as needed.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of morgantown / monongalia County (LWV-MM)
Thanks to Cynthia Nelson, the new secretary of the LWV-MM, for this report:
On January 7, 2026, LWV of West Virginia will co-host a webinar with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority entitled “Real People Casting Personal Votes to Make Real Impact.” This free webinar features a speaker from the WV Center on Budget and Policy discussing “WV and the Big Beautiful Bill.” D4 Women in Action will lead a discussion entitled “Project 2025-A Year into the Trump Administration.” Additional topics are “Casting Your Personal Vote” and “Call to Action” for 2026. Registration is required and there is no charge to sign up. Visithttps://zoom.us/meeting/register/CoQqvwY7RpOJevc66DgKVw to register for access to the webinar prior to the January 7 event.
On Saturday January 10, 2026 LWV-MM will be at the Morgantown Library on Spruce St from 9:30am until 12 noon. The Not Your Grandma’s League Anymore themed event is open to all League members and interested potential members. Please join us for refreshments, discussion, Q&A, education, and organization.
The WV Legislature begins session on January 14, 2026. LWV-WV LLAW team is watching attentively and will be alerting citizens to be aware of bills introduced that are in opposition to, or in support of League priorities. We feel those priorities are congruent with CCSJ member interests and encourage you to participate in the “Make Some Noise” alerts in your email, if you are a member, or on the League of Women Voters of West Virginia Facebook page. LLAW has been successful in years past drawing attention to legislation that is of great importance that mainstream media outlets have ignored. When legislation is introduced that impacts your concerns, the best time to contact your representative is immediately. The 2026 election cycle is going to be a decisive time for office holders and they should know how their constituents feel about their sponsorship and votes on the laws that impact us all!
The League of Women Voters of Morgantown-Monongalia County is a constituent member of West Virginia Women Vote (WVWV) and a member of the CCSJ. The group invites everyone to subscribe to LWV-MM's Substack. A subscription gets you automatic updates. And it's free.
The next monthly board meeting will be via zoom on Thursday January 15, 2026 at 6:30pm. They encourage all members to participate in the monthly meetings! The Morgantown/Monongalia County League has been a member organization of CCSJ.
Follow this group on Facebook and contact them by email at lwvmorgantown@gmail.com. Interested in joining the League of Women Voters? Join online.
GREATER MORGANTOWN INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION (GMIA)
You can follow GMIA on Facebook or on the web. Their email address is faulkeseve@gmail.com.
MORGANTOWN NOW CHAPTER
Follow the group on Facebook or their website. Email this group at morgantownnow@gmail.com.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 13th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Friends Meeting House, 648 Brockway Ave. Judy Ball of the Morgantown & WV League of Women Voters (LWV) will be the speaker, explaining the LWV legislative scorecard. This program will take place on the evening before the first day of the WV legislative session.
Morgantown-Kingwood Branch of the NAACP
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 20 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Contact the NAACP at 3241naacp@gmail.com for more information and to learn how to participate.
The branch has a Readings on Race and Rights group and does its work with a variety of committees, including Education, Political Action, Legal Redress, Criminal Justice, and Health.
Follow the NAACP on Facebook.
We appreciate the fact that the Branch shares the CCSJ Update with its membership and is contributing to our Martin Luther King Jr. Day program this year.
Morgantown Civilian Police Review Advisory Board Needs One Member
The City of Morgantown is currently accepting applications for one vacancy on the Board, and you can get a link to the application and more information by going here. “The Board shall consist of nine members appointed by the City Council. Each member shall be a resident of the city or an active member of an organization that works within the city to promote purposes consistent with the purpose of the Board.”
The board meets the second Tuesday of each month at noon at the Morgantown Public Safety Building conference room. For links to agendas and minutes of past meetings, go here.
MORGANTOWN CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN-MENNONITE
Sunday School is at 10 a.m.. Services take place in-person or via Zoom each Sunday at the church at 10:30, followed by potluck in the Fellowship Hall at around 11:45. For Zoom instructions, please go here.
The church has a Blessings Box outside the church at 464 Virginia Avenue, Morgantown, where you can drop off extra food you may have or take some if you need it, or swap food. Feminine hygiene products are also welcome.
Their Facebook page has a list of Monongalia County food pantries and blessing boxes and a “Grocery List” from the Scotts Run Settlement House of ways people can help by volunteering, donating to the pantry, or sponsoring a family for Thanksgiving or a child for Christmas.
Follow them at their website or on Facebook. The church is a member of the CCSJ.
monongAlia Friends
First Day meetings are at 11:00 a.m. at 648 E. Brockway, Morgantown. Contact them at monquakers@gmail.com.
Monongalia Friends Meeting is a member organization of CCSJ.
First Presbyterian Church, Morgantown:
The church is located at 456 Spruce Street. Adult Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m. Online worship is at 10:00 a.m., and in-person worship is at 11:00 a.m. The church’s Facebook page is here and has details about the many activities. The church is a member organization of CCSJ.
"It is a value of First Presbyterian Church that when we gather, we welcome one another just as God loves us, without any conditions.
No matter who you are or where you’re from
No matter where you live or work
No matter your family of origin or ethnicity
No matter who you love or how you identify, or wherever you are on your spiritual journey
We welcome you just as God loves you, without any conditions.
“Blessing of the Toys - Epiphany Sunday, Jan. 4. We are starting a new tradition and blessing the toys and other gifts that help us play and use our imaginations. Children and youth are invited to bring along a favorite toy, hobby, or item that sparks their imagination to worship on Jan. 4. We will take time in the service to ask God to bless our sense of play and imagination! We encourage toys and items that are not screen-related. ”
Bev’s Mitten Tree is now available for donations through January 4. Late member Beverly Shumaker started the tradition of collecting cold weather accessories in children and adult sizes to be donated to local school districts and community members. Please decorate the tree with warm hats, scarves, gloves and socks!
Fairmont Pride
Their webpage is here and their Facebook page is here.
See photos of Fairmont Pride’s successful PRIDE month events here.
DISMANTLING RACISM TOGETHER
For more information about the group please go to their website or Facebook or email dismantlingracismtogether@gmail.com or contact rebeccarodd@yahoo.com. Currently the organization "Is On Break." Stay tuned for futher information in January.
WEST VIRGINIA COALITION FOR TRUTH IN HISTORY
The Coalition was very active during the legislative session, including, after the session, publishing an op ed in the Charleston Gazette and a letter to the editor in the Dominion Post about its issues. See our Legislature Updates/Alerts page for information on issues of concern. Send your email address to ccsjwv@gmail.com, and we will pass on your information to the coalition’s leadership.
For more information about the group please go to their website or Facebook or email dismantlingracismtogether@gmail.com or contact rebeccarodd@yahoo.com.
MORGANTOWN PRIDE
For information on this group and descriptions of Board positions, go to their Facebook page or their website. The Facebook page is very active so check it regularly for updates and more events. Morgantown Pride also has an Instagram page here.
Our Place: "Come together in real time! Talk, eat, dance, hang, play games in a SAFE SPACE for all LGBTQ+ people.
Raising Trans Kids Community Group
The Raising Trans Kids community group is for West Virginia parents, guardians, and families who are raising transgender or gender diverse kids (of any age), or have kids who might be transgender or gender diverse. Follow Morgantown Pride on Facebook.
Anyone interested in joining the meeting for the first time or to get more information can email raisingtranskids@gmail.com.
Project Rainbow
Project Rainbow provides shelter and support services to vulnerable young folks in the LGBT community who come from all across WV. They need our support. Follow this group on Facebook.
Scotts Run
Osage Soul and Gospel Choir: The choir will be singing during our Martin Luther King Jr. Day program.
MONONGALIA COUNTY CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER (MCCAC)
Follow this group at its website or on Facebook.
Trivia Night: Friday, January 3, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the WOW! Factory.
Vegas is calling and so is Girls Night out 2026! This year’s theme is Lights, Glamour, Vegas ---and we can’t wait to bring the glitz, sparkle and unforgettable fun of the Boulevard right here to Morgantown. Tickets will be available soon. Grab your girlfriends and get ready for show stopping style and Vegas vibes; entertainment, auctions, and surprises; a night out that gives back to children in our community. Location: Erickson Alumni Center.
Morgantown Mutual Aid
Follow this group on Facebook.
“In these chaotic and stressful times, community is more important than ever, and that’s why we are hoping you’ll assist us in fulfilling these TWO mutual aid requests we received.
1: One of our disabled community members needs to raise $372 for rent by Jan. 5th. Funds can be directed to our MoMA member, Danielle, who will post receipts once funds are given to her landlord.
Cashapp: $DanielleStoneberg; Venmo: @Danielle-Stoneberg; Paypal: @daniellestoneberg
2: A community member needs to raise $375 by January 5th for rent. Funds can be sent on Venmo to
@Aaron-Woodson-7.
Help us take care of one another!”
