Normal Women Rising is a community of women in Bloomington-Normal, IL, who refuse to look away.
We started in Kathleen's living room in January 2026 with forty women, a lot of fire, and no rulebook. We've grown to 250 members since, and we're just getting started.
We exist because women are paying attention. They're angry. And they want to do something meaningful about it.
NWR was built for the woman who feels overwhelmed, the woman who has never considered herself "political" but suddenly can't look away, and the woman who wants to act but doesn't know where to start. Our goal is simple: meet every woman where she is, help her find what civic engagement looks like for her, and make sure the opportunities are there when she's ready.
That means two things. First, political action; staying informed on the issues that affect our lives, holding our elected officials accountable, and showing up in every way that matters, from rallies to phone calls to postcards to the ballot box. Second, mutual aid because our community is our responsibility, too. When our members see something, they say something. When a neighbor needs help, we show up. We don't wait or hope for someone else to handle it.
There are no dues, no attendance requirements, and no pressure. We meet you where you are. Whether you can make one phone call or be on the front lines every day, you belong here; every action, big or small, counts.
We don't shame. We don't blame. We inform, connect, and activate.
Because we all know what happens when women are connected to each other and their community… Things change.
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Meet the Team
Kathleen Shirk - Founder
Hi, I'm Kathleen. I'm a mom to four daughters, a wife, and a proud member of this community for the past fifteen years. My background is in marketing and communications, but for the last thirteen years, I've been home raising my girls, channeling a restlessness I couldn't quite name until recently. I was raised to believe that if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. I'm standing in what I know is right and ready to raise my voice in a way that matters. Normal Women Rising was born from that conviction. My daughters are my why. So are yours.
Kimberly Knight - Founder
Hi, my name is Kimberly Knight. I live in Normal with my husband and two sons. I've been a professional photographer for twenty years and absolutely love my job. My first protest was in October of 2013 where we marched for marriage equality. It was an amazing experience and so powerful to be among so many people fighting for the same thing. I knew from that moment on I needed to be doing more. I believe every action, big or small, is important. When women join together, there is nothing we can't accomplish.