This week in Iowa organizing…
Hope you all stayed cool over the weekend, unless the heat and humidity is more 'your thing'.
Speaking of hot, I'm still fired up from our rally and action in conjunction with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) visit to Des Moines last week!
Over 50 of you from across the state were in Des Moines last Wednesday to let PHMSA know we need strong and comprehensive regulations for proposed CO2 pipelines, and that the Biden administration needs to push for a moratorium on CO2 pipeline construction until those regulations are issued.
Despite many of us being registered for the event to give public comment, folks at the downtown Marriott employed the police to prevent us from peaceably entering the venue. We heard this didn't sit well with PHMSA officials who insisted they wanted to hear from as many members of the public as possible.
But don't worry, there's other ways to comment and make your voice heard! PHMSA is taking public comments on pipeline regulations and you can weigh in here!
Our presence was certainly felt that day, and got some great news coverage too! In case you missed it, check out some coverage here, here, and here.
We won't be test dummies for Summit, Navigator and Wolf to make billions of dollars on these dangerous projects. We need a moratorium on CO2 pipelines until federal safety regulations are created and we need PHMSA to use their power to push for it.
Keep reading for more updates and ways to plug in.
Matthew Covington (he/him)
Strategic Operations Director
Take action
This Thursday: June 8 - LGBTQ 101 Training
Fear and lack of understanding have helped fuel the aggressive anti-LGBT legislation sweeping the country, which is why CCI Action is partnering with One Iowa to bring you their LGBTQ 101 Training.
Many people find it challenging to discuss LGBTQ issues - you may be afraid of offending someone, or you may not feel you "know enough" to talk about it.
This training is designed to provide a safe place to learn and ask questions, as well as provide tools to become a better ally in the work to make Iowa welcoming and accessible to all.
Join us on June 8 at 6pm for a virtual training session where you will learn about:
LGBTQ identities and terminology
The social effects of the gender binary
Best practices for conversations with and about LGBTQ individuals
We believe that Iowans of all identities, abilities, and backgrounds deserve a place in our state where they feel safe, accepted, and supported. That's why we hope you can join us on June 8!
P.S. in honor of Pride - we are launching a fundraiser and splitting the proceeds with One Iowa Action. Every donation gets you a special CCI Action sticker, and half of your donation will go to support One Iowa Action's mission of advancing the rights of LGBTQ Iowans.
June 14 - Iowa CCI Summer Jamboree in Dubuque!
We take on tough issues impacting everyday Iowans day-in, day-out, but we also like to come together in community and celebrate. So that's what we're doing on Wednesday, June 14 in Dubuque!
Join CCI members and others for a music and spoken word fundraiser at the Smokestack in downtown Dubuque! For just $10 you can see artists from Dubuque and across Iowa. Kids 12 and under enter free!
We have Dick Hubert, Iowa Rock Hall of Famer Dartanyan Brown, spoken word poet Christine Baker, and Young Forgi. We'll also have free tarot readings, informational booths, opportunities to connect, and two sunny patios to enjoy on Smokestack's rooftop.
Let us know if you can join us by clicking here!
June 22 - CCI meetup w/ guest Chris Jones
Last month the CCI membership team conducted a survey to gauge readiness for in-person events and find out what folks are looking for. There was a great response with lots of interest in getting together, and we're excited to announce the first Meetup of the summer!
Iowa CCI is hosting Chris Jones as guest speaker on Thursday, June 22 at 5:30pm in Des Moines!
Clean water is vital to healthy people and a healthy planet. Research Engineer and author Chris Jones knows the importance of clean water, having spent years researching and writing about Iowa’s water quality. He recently published a book, The Swine Republic: Struggles with the Truth about Agriculture and Water Quality, wherein he confronts the pollution of Iowa's waterways.
We're thrilled to have Chris Jones join us in the Barrel Room at Confluence Brewing in Des Moines to talk about his work and his new book, which will be available for purchase and signing.
Venue capacity is limited - register to attend here.
We hope you'll join us on June 22 to hear from Chris Jones, learn more about water quality in Iowa, and ways to take action!
August 19 - CCI Action's Summer Membership Meeting
On August 19 you'll want to be in the Des Moines metro to reconnect with friends and meet other CCI Action members from across the state for a day of information, inspiration, and action.
And we're excited to begin announcing featured speakers for the day!
Sarah Trone-Garriott, a faith leader, high-profile State Senator and progressive champion at the Iowa Statehouse
Sylvia Secchi, a well-known University of Iowa professor, fearless truth-teller and ally on clean water and CO2 pipeline issues
Lori Young, a long-time grassroots leader on racial justice and police accountability issues
Jon Green, a Johnson County Supervisor working to put people before profits and communities before corporations
At this day-long meeting, we'll hear updates about our top-tier issue organizing campaigns, educate ourselves on some Iowa history and deepen connections with key allies in our fight for justice, and enjoy some good, local food! Full program and speaker lineup coming soon.
Register today to save your spot!
Join the CCI/CCI Action team - we're hiring
We are looking for a new Community Organizer to join the Farming & Environment team.
Come work with our outstanding people and planet first staff!
Apply by June 30. More info/apply here.
What We're Reading
These are a few links that are informing our work - we've shared them so that you can read, too!
As Medicaid purge begins, 'staggering numbers' of Americans lose coverage [USA Today]
Climate Activists Decry Pipeline 'Deal With the Devil' at Protest Outside Schumer's Home [Common Dreams]
The GOP Vote Thieves Strike Again [The Hartmann Report]
Gov. Kim Reynolds approves final bills from the 2023 legislative session [Iowa Capital Dispatch]
2013—2023: A decade of declining water quality in Iowa [Bleeding Heartland]
‘Carbon Neutral’, ‘Net-Zero’ Claims Face Global Greenwash Crackdown [The Energy Mix]