MONROE — Dando Una Mano: Together We Rise (DANDO) is a Green County nonprofit that promotes inclusion through outreach, education, advocacy, and cultural events. Originally part of the Multicultural Outreach Program (MCOP), DANDO became an independent organization in January 2025.
DANDO’s mission is to “create and promote an inclusive environment through outreach, education, and engagement that removes barriers and supports diversity; where all are welcomed, respected, treated equitably, and valued within the community.” Grants from United Way, Colony Brands, the Monroe Morning Optimist Club, Vicky’s Little House Community Daycare, and other individuals and local partners support their work. DANDO collaborates with many local organizations, including the Green County Family YMCA, the School District of Monroe, the University of Wisconsin Green County Extension, Green Haven Family Advocates, the Literacy Council of Monroe, Green County SARP, SSM Health, and the Monroe Arts Center, to sponsor events and provide support for local families.
Community Events & Celebrations:
DANDO sponsors multicultural events, including the December Posadas, Día del Niño/Day of the Child in April, and Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead in November.
Education & Advocacy:
The organization hosts Juneteenth community reads, implicit bias training, and panels such as Growing Up Bicultural in Wisconsin. Spanish Conversation sessions invite Spanish language learners to communicate with native speakers at the Monroe Public Library on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 5-6 p.m.
Outreach Programs:
Partnering with the Health Department, DANDO led COVID-19 vaccination clinics and distributed test kits to the community. Café con Leche is a craft group for women that meets on Mondays at Union Presbyterian Church. On Fridays, they join with Crafting Women at Payne’s Family CoffeeHaus & OddiTeas.
DANDO also offers immigration workshops in collaboration with Voces de la Frontera, legal consultations through the Catholic Multicultural Center in Madison, and small business support through Fuerza Hispana, a DANDO group sponsored by the Bank of New Glarus and the Latino Chamber of Commerce in Madison.
Upcoming Fundraiser:
On Wednesday, June 25 (4-7:15 p.m.), DANDO and the Monroe Arts Center will co-host Colores de la Comunidad/Colors of Community, a silent art auction to raise funds for DANDO, as well as a free outdoor concert featuring the Latino band La Séptima Alianza. View and bid on art at: https://givebutter.com/c/lhf7v1.
Get Involved:
A volunteer organization, DANDO, works to unite the community in celebration of its multicultural residents. They meet monthly on the first Wednesday at 5 p.m. Follow Dando Una Mano: Together We Rise on Facebook or email
dandogreencounty@gmail.com for more information.
