This week in Iowa organizing…
In light of some pretty hateful and dangerous rhetoric from Governor Reynolds and some GOP lawmakers last week (more on that below), I take solace in knowing our work is rooted in love.
We fight for clean water, climate justice, safe and welcoming communities and more out of love for each other and our planet. We approach this work through love for one another regardless of identity, gender, background or ability. Because each and every one of us is worth it. Because we all do better when we all do better.
So let's cut to the chase and get to it. Read on for ways to take action, engage in civic love, and build community.
In love and solidarity,
Matthew Covington (he/him)
Strategic Operations Director
At the statehouse
Too much hate and division, too little on pressing issues
A few unfortunate things became even clearer over the last week - some in the GOP have become drunk on power and laugh in the face of accountability, and Gov. Reynolds has thrown any plans of unity out the window.
At the "Moms for Liberty" event in Des Moines last Thursday, Gov. Reynolds leaned hard into once again vilifying public schools and teachers, and Rep. Jeff Shipley showed he knows nothing about civil rights and mental health.
So instead of cleaning up our polluted waterways, addressing the workforce (other than just having teenagers do everything), or talking about the CO2 pipelines, Reynolds' GOP is manufacturing a culture war of division over schools, trans kids, and race. That's not leadership, it's bullying.
The first legislative funnel is just less than a month away, meaning bills must pass out of a committee in order to still be eligible for debate. That's why this Wednesday we're launching our campaign to make sure Senate File 101 makes it past this deadline - more on that below!
Take action
This Wednesday (Feb. 8) - NO eminent domain for private gain!
We believe eminent domain should not be used for projects without a clear benefit to the general public. That’s why we are supporting Senate File (SF) 101, which would prevent the use of eminent domain for hazardous liquid pipelines like the proposed CO2 pipelines.
Pipeline companies like Summit Carbon Solutions, Wolf, and Navigator stand to make a killing off these pipelines by hijacking public dollars for private profits. No way should they be allowed to be use eminent domain to push a false climate solution that endangers our lives and degrades the land.
That's why we're meeting online on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 6pm to discuss ways to build support and passage of SF 101. On the call, we'll cover the details and significance of SF 101 in stopping the CO2 pipelines, talk about how we can build momentum and support to pass it, and share concrete ways folks can take action to hold their elected officials accountable.
RSVP to join us on Feb. 8 here.
This Saturday (Feb. 11) - No Wolf CO2 pipeline in Scott County!
While we feel the impacts of climate change ramping up in Iowa, large corporations that have significantly polluted our air, land, and water are scrambling to find “solutions”—false ones— to cover up the environmental damage they inflict on our state.
What these greenwashing, money-hungry corporations fail to tell us is that CO2 pipelines are dangerous, don't solve climate change, and bolster industries that capitalize off dirty energy and destructive agricultural practices.
But we're not ones to just stand by, and the pipeline resistance continues to grow! If you live in the Scott County area or along the route of Wolf's proposed pipeline, join us Saturday, Feb. 11 in McCausland to fight back!
At this meeting, we'll present information on CO2 pipelines proposed in Iowa, hold space for community discussion surrounding pipelines, and offer chances to take action and plan next steps to bring CO2 pipeline projects to a halt.
More information and RSVP here!
Join us for cookies and calling this Valentine’s Day!
We are looking for volunteers to come help us spread some love on Tuesday, Feb. 14! We are holding a Thank-A-Thon phone bank from 1-6 PM at our office in Des Moines. Drop in to decorate a sugar cookie, socialize with staff and other volunteers, and help us call and show our appreciation for all the people who make CCI such a powerful force for good!
We will be making easy calls to thank folks that have been involved with CCI recently, and we expect to leave a lot of voicemails. Whether you only have time for a cookie and a couple of calls, or you plan to hang out with us all afternoon, we would love to see you on the 14th!
To RSVP, or if you have any questions, please give us a call at (515)255-0800 or email toby@iowacci.org. (This helps make sure we have enough snacks for everyone.)
P.S. If you want to help out but can’t make it in to the office, reach out and we can talk about remote options!
Join us on Zoom Feb 21 for Civic Love
Iowa CCI is excited to continue this social experiment crafted by the National Public Housing Museum that a CCI board member brought to our attention.
As organizers, the work we do to reach a lot more people across the state in increasingly polarized times takes "compassionate conversations" - which simply means sharing and listening. People - and these types of conversations to build relationships for social change - are the heart of everything we do.
For that reason, 36 questions for Civic Love seems like a great fit for our work. We hope you'll join us on Zoom and give it a try.
Tuesday, February 21
6:00 - 7:30pm
Free!
Read more and RSVP here.
March 10 & 11 - Candidate Leadership Training for our people and planet
We know that the legislators at the Statehouse putting forward bills like school vouchers and proposals to take food away from Iowans don't serve us or our neighbors, they serve corporate interests. It's clearer than ever before that we need folks like us - folks who share our values and our dream for a better Iowa - in elected office.
That's why we are holding our first Candidate Leadership Training on March 10th and 11th. We’ll cover everything you need to know to run a successful campaign grounded in building people power to win on our issues. This training is for prospective candidates, campaign workers, and CCI Action members committed to building base through elections.
Application deadline is February 17 and can be accessed here. Questions? Email kbiechler@iowacci.org
Become a Sustainer - Get this Mug
Giving a monthly donation is an automatic, easy-on-your-budget way to ensure that your membership is always current and that CCI Action has the steady resources to keep organizing to do politics differently to put People & Planet First - for us and for future generations. Sign up today!
What We're Reading
These are a few links that are informing our work - we've shared them so that you can read, too!
Governor's plan would gut independence of Iowa Consumer Advocate [Bleeding Heartland]
The Great Carbon Boondoggle, part 2 [Farm and Dairy]
Climate change and a population boom could dry up the Great Salt Lake in 5 years [NPR]
US spends most on health care but has worst health outcomes among high-income countries, new report finds [CNN]
How can Ottumwa schools address racism without admitting racism? [Des Moines Register]
Why is rural America red? Coastal liberals should visit a rural diner to ask. [Iowa Capital Dispatch]