We discovered something amazing in the last couple of years that I want to share with you. Actually, it’s more accurate to say we rediscovered something that’s so effective it’s energized us in ways we wouldn’t have thought possible in these troubled times.

What is it, you ask? Well, we rediscovered and recommitted ourselves to traditional, on-the-ground, direct community organizing. Yep, it’s so old school it’s retro-cool and new again. And it works!

As we look forward to celebrating Iowa CCI’s 50th anniversary next year in 2025 (huge milestone!), it’s intriguing to realize we’ve re-dedicated to ourselves the activity we’ve always done best—direct organizing that builds People Power.

That’s the work CCI is known for. It’s what put us on the map—locally and even nationally. But like pretty much everyone else doing organizing in the last couple of decades, we started relying on technology more and personal contact less. Big mistake!

We love how Zoom has connected so many of us this year. And, these days you’re more likely to find us out in communities than in the office or online. It’s profoundly satisfying to be working so closely with you—in your community, in-person as much as possible, on issues and campaigns that you’ve identified as your priorities.

Going back to old-school organizing has rekindled our awareness of the tremendous power of relationships, the power of real connections, and ultimately the power of participation. So much is said about the divisions in our country today. But working together on community-driven campaigns allows all of us to establish relationships that open doors to deeper understanding. It’s very hopeful work.

What makes this work so special, and so hopeful is you, and what we can accomplish when we work together to build people power. It’s your participation, your engagement, your energy, your enthusiasm that makes CCI Action so effective, and so inspiring.

We have a tremendous amount of work going on, and I want to highlight three major multi-year campaigns and let you hear directly from people involved.

Before I get to that though, I have a request. Help us build the Dollar Power we need to greatly expand our People Power! Our Year-end Fundraising Campaign starts December 2nd.

Our big, ambitious goal for the work ahead: raise $65,000 in 5 days!

DONATE NOW to CCI Action. Your gift will be DOUBLED!!

I’m going to be honest with you. We do something risky that most organizations don’t do. We work with you on community-driven issues even when we don’t have designated funding for it.

We have a kind of ‘if we build it together, money will come’ attitude. Your donations give us a lot of flexibility and power. We don’t have that range of options when we rely primarily on foundation backing.

Your contribution now will fund these campaigns along with our other exciting, on-going work:

• Public School Strong Campaign—Involves parents, students, teachers, and community members in showing up and speaking up for honest, equitable, and fully-funded public education.

  Quote: “I feel supported in my hope of improving standards, opportunities, and equality education for all children. Hope is a wonderful feeling to have in these tumultuous times!” -Anne Marie
  Growing People Power:  Since we kicked off the campaign in August, we’ve trained 115 people and 41 have participated in school board meetings in 12 Iowa school districts. And 190 people
  have participated either in our Book Club or Author’s tour related to the campaign.

• No CO2 Pipelines—Supports communities working to prevent construction of hazardous CO2 pipelines in Iowa.

  Quote: “CCI has really helped us build organized opposition to the pipeline in the community. At first, we thought these guys didn’t know what they were up against. But looking back we can see how CCI helped bring us together, and now we see how many people are with us in fighting the pipeline.” -Mike

  Growing People Power:  Hundreds of people have joined our contact lists and meetings since the campaign began a year ago in Mitchell and Worth counties. And we’ve spoken with 167 people during our door-knocking efforts.

• Our Homes, Our Community—Works with mobile homeowners, renters, and other residents to put decision making power about housing back into the hands of our community.

  Quote: “When we started working with CCI, our efforts got focused. We knocked on doors, filed complaints, then started to get meetings, get blighted areas cleaned up, and started to see steppingstone wins. We’re not going anywhere!” -Karla

  Growing People Power: We’ve doubled our membership in Dubuque since we started these campaigns. And, this year alone, 123 brand new people have engaged and taken action with us.

Building strong People Powered approaches that can truly influence outcomes on issues like stopping CO2 pipelines and recommitting to public schools is far more resource intensive than tech-driven approaches. But it’s worth it—the additional benefits to our communities are huge.

I cannot overstate the importance of your donations, your membership, and your active involvement—they’re critical! Things change when we talk with each other, connect with each other, and above all get organized! People Power is how we win!

Please make a donation, become a member, or renew your membership today! You’re an essential part of this tough and tenacious people’s organization. Join with others in the CCI Action community to create a better Iowa for us, our kids, and our grandkids.

It’s easy—either send a donation by mail to: 2001 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311 or give online here.

Thanks so much for all you do!

Lisa Whelan,
Executive Director, long-time CCI Action member and staff member

P.S. Please donate NOW, TODAY—your gift will be DOUBLED! You get more for your money, and so do we. All size gifts make an impact. Talk about a WIN/WIN!