Beginning in 1989, the Milwaukee Chapter invited local individuals and groups to come together in a unique bridge-building venture known as the Milwaukee Ethnic Council. The overarching goals of the Council are to foster understanding and cooperation among all peoples, defend the rights of individuals and groups to fair and equal treatment, and oppose ethnic stereotyping and discrimination.

The Council achieves these goals by facilitating the exchange of information and ideas, creating opportunities for ethnic sharing, sponsoring educational events, supporting ethnic causes, and rewarding achievement in promoting multicultural harmony.
The Milwaukee Ethnic Council presents a yearly Vision for Milwaukee Award to an individual or group for activism in the cause of multicultural understanding and cooperation.