Civil Rights Pilgrimage

Who We Are

We firmly believe that the college journey should also open hearts and minds to histories and experiences that are sometimes not fully appreciated by all. The Civil Rights Pilgrimage through UW-Eau Claire is a unique opportunity to travel the path of the civil rights movement and walk through these pivotal places and stories in our history. Each year, we offer two travel immersion experiences for students to explore issues of social justice and the history of the civil rights movement in the United States.What We're Fundraising For

The Civil Rights Pilgrimage would not be possible for many students without the continued support from our generous community. Gifts to the Civil Rights Pilgrimage & Student Immersion Programs fund allows us to offset the cost of the trip to ensure those that want to take part in this transformative trip can do so.

Your Impact

Without the continued support from donations like yours, the UW-Eau Claire Civil Rights Pilgrimage would not be possible for many students. Through contributions, students can learn in great depth and experience the civil rights movement.

Matching Gift Opportunity

Make a gift to the Civil Rights Pilgrimage on Giving Tuesday, and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $2,500! Thank you to Jodi Thesing-Ritter and Sarah Tweedale ’12 for sponsoring this year's match. Jodi, who recently retired after nearly 20 years of leading the Civil Rights Pilgrimage, and Sarah, who first joined the trip as a student in 2010 and most recently participated in January 2025, are both passionate champions of justice and this transformative experience. 

Join them in supporting the Civil Rights Pilgrimage and make twice the difference with your Giving Tuesday gift!

Event
Fill the Map Challenge - $6,000 match!
Our Blugold impact spans across borders! Last year, we got a gift from ALL 50 STATES on Giving Day and we are aiming to do it again! They've pledged to match the first $100 donated from each state! To sweeten the deal, if we receive contributions from every single state, they will contribute an extra $1,000 to support UW-Eau Claire students! Help us make this a nationwide success!
Event
Student Org Food Drive Challenge
Alum Eric Wan is challenging students to get involved on Giving Day by participating in an on-campus food drive for the Campus Harvest Food Pantry. Student organizations can take part by dropping off food donations at the pantry, and the organization with the highest total will win a pizza party. In addition, for every item donated, Eric will contribute $1 to the Campus Harvest Food Pantry. Help ensure no Blugolds go hungry!
2
Match
Civil Rights Pilgrimage - $3,500 match!
Make a gift to the Civil Rights Pilgrimage on Giving Tuesday, and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $3,500! Thank you to Jodi Thesing-Ritter and Sarah Tweedale ’12 for sponsoring this year's match. Jodi, who recently retired after nearly 20 years of leading the Civil Rights Pilgrimage, and Sarah, who first joined the trip as a student in 2010 and most recently participated in January 2025, are both passionate champions of justice and this transformative experience. Join them in supporting the Civil Rights Pilgrimage and make twice the difference with your Giving Tuesday gift!
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Or you can contact us at giving@uwec.edu.