** Online registration has closed, but you can still attend! **
You can pre-register by calling the CCI Action headquarters at 515-282-0484 before 4 pm on Friday, August 9.
or by coming to the FFA Enrichment Center from 9-10 am on Saturday, August 10.
It’s our annual event that brings together the CCI community from across the state—rural and urban, young and old, newly activated and seasoned leaders.
Join us to get updates on our organizing campaigns, reconnect with old friends and make new ones, and build the power we need to win. If you’re concerned about CO2 pipelines, public education, clean water and more, this is the event for you. We’ll have issue-based workshops, fearless truth tellers, and tasty, local food!
And, true to form, we’ll have a great line-up of guest speakers who’ll get us energized and challenge us to think big.
Our keynote speaker this year is James E. Ford, Executive Director at the Center for Racial Equity in Education. James is a world history teacher, public school champion, and understands how education has always been the frontline of social change and is a fundamental pillar of a democratic and civil society. He also believes in the power of people to rise up and fight for strong public education systems that prepare students of all backgrounds, races, and identities for their future and our communities.
Other featured speakers include:
Vanessa Marcano-Kelly A Venezuelan-American who grew up between both countries, Vanessa is board chair of Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, a grassroots organization pushing back against politicized attacks on immigrants and new Iowans
Robert Leonard Featured in national and regional media outlets, Robert is an anthropologist who pulls no punches and speaks truth to power when writing about the politics and culture of rural Iowa
Sara Hayden Parris Founder and President of Annie’s Foundation, Sara helps lead the fight against book bans in Iowa and a fearless champion for the freedom to read and learn without interference from statehouse bullies
David Cwiertny Professor and Director of the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination at the University of Iowa, David is a prominent voice on connecting the dots between corporate agriculture and Iowa’s clean water crisis
The basics:
Saturday, August 10, 10 am – 3pm (Coffee & registration begin at 9 am)
FFA Enrichment Center on DMACC Ankeny campus (1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023)
Ample and accessible parking available
** Online registration has closed, but you can still attend! **
You can pre-register by calling the CCI Action headquarters at 515-282-0484 before 4 pm on Friday, August 9.
or by coming to the FFA Enrichment Center from 9-10 am on Saturday, August 10.
Schedule of the day
9:00-10:00 Check-in & Social Hour
Coffee & light snacks, Pie Auction & CCI Merch Sales
10:00 Welcome & Issue Updates
10:45-11:45 Fearless Truth Tellers Panel
Sara Hayden Parris, Vanessa Marcano-Kelly, David Cwiertny
- moderated by Bob Leonard
11:45-12:35 Workshops - choose your adventure!
Public School Strong, Tour Iowa's Water, It's Not Polite to Talk Politics
12:35-1:25 Lunch - Sunflower Chef Catering of Adel
*Pie Auction & Merch Sales close at 1:20*
1:25-2:15 Keynote Address (with Q&A)
James E. Ford
2:15-2:40 Funding the Work Ahead
Lisa Whelan - Executive Director
2:40-3:00 Closing
Pie Auction Results, Next Steps, Group Photo
3:00 Adjourn
Regarding health: Just a friendly reminder that if you are sick, please stay home.
Pie Silent Auction/CCI Merch for sale: Both will be open from 9:30-1:20. If you'd like to donate a pie, please email katie@iowacci.org. For merch purchases, we prefer cash & check if possible.
Other FAQs:
What to wear: We're a fairly casual crowd, BUT we do suggest wearing layers as it may be hard for us to control temperatures in the space. If you have CCI swag feel free to wear it. We love that!
Dogs? No. :(
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call the CCI Action headquarters at 515-282-0484 before 4 pm on Friday!