This week in Iowa organizing…
Yesterday marked Malcolm X's birthday. On education, he said "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Last week I joined with several CCI members to call folks like you who took action on education issues during the legislative session - to see what issues people were following during the session, and more importantly to see where we go from here (more on that and chance to weigh in below!).
Decisions about public education and our schools don’t just happen at the statehouse. And we firmly believe in the power of organized people taking bold action for a public education system that works for all kids, our families, and our communities.
Education has always been and will always be critically important for our future. Governor Reynolds and the select few loud voices injecting politics into the classroom prepared themselves, and we must do the same. It's our passport to the future after all.
So in that vein, let's get to it,
Matthew Covington
Strategic Operations Director
Update!
Mitchell County poised to act on CO2 pipelines!
Last week members in Mitchell County delivered over 200 petition signatures to the Board of Supervisors urging them to take action to protect their community from the proposed CO2 pipeline. You took action and they listened!
The Supervisors agreed to draft an objection to the Iowa Utilities Board regarding CO2 pipelines. Tomorrow they plan to vote on submitting the objection. And then they'll begin conversations with county planning and zoning officials to draft a hazardous pipeline ordinance to protect the people and places we love.
This is a step in the right direction and we'll continue to show up strong throughout this process. Thanks to all of you who've taken action, it's working!
Take action
May 23 and 30: Let's go to the movies!
Iowa CCI is coming to an outdoor theater near you!
On May 23 we'll be watching LN3: The 7 Teachings of the Anishinaabe Resistance - a frontline documentary on the effort to stop fossil fuel expansion and encourage real energy security.
On May 30, we'll be watching The Biggest Little Farm - a film about a couple who left their city life behind to set out to grow food for their community while creating a farm that doubles as a functional ecosystem for both people and planet.
Together, we'll talk about ways we can take action for our water and people and places we love, meet neighbors, and build community. Our screenings are for everyone, so come hang out at the park for this inspiring doc and some CCI-style fun! We'll have good snacks and refreshments waiting for you.
May 23 @ 7pm at Worth County Lake Park: info and RSVP here
May 30 @ 7pm in Iowa Falls: info and RSVP here
May 25: what's changed in Des Moines since George Floyd?
Join our allies with JustVoices on Saturday, May 25 at 1:00 pm to learn, discuss, and recognize the memory of George Floyd on the fourth anniversary of his murder.
The workshop will be held at Franklin Ave. Library in Des Moines. Come and learn if progress on police and legal system reform has been made in Des Moines. There will be music, poetry, and light refreshments. Plus you’ll hear from other organizations who are committed to social and racial justice in Des Moines and across Iowa.
There is no cost but a free will donation will be collected. Register here if you can join. If you have any questions, please email: info@justvoicesiowa.org.
Public education - where do we go from here?
Thankfully the legislative session is over. Our public schools, AEAs, and more were once again under attack, but thanks in large part to folks like you speaking up and taking action, it could have been a lot worse.
Our AEAs will see changes, a Betsy DeVos protégé - McKenzie Snow – is now our state’s Director of Education, and school vouchers will continue and expand in the coming years. Yet Reynolds was forced to dial back her ambitious proposals because of the volume of calls, emails, and noise folks like you made.
Thanks for taking action! But, where do we go from here? What is your vision for public education?
Please take a few minutes to fill out our public education survey here.
Input from folks like you is incredibly important as we plan the next steps in our organizing on education issues in the months ahead (and before the next legislative session).
DNR - our water is not for sale to pipeline profiteers
Our water is not infinite and we can't afford to let corporations like Summit extract billions of gallons of it so they can line their pockets. That’s why we have this sign on letter demanding the DNR deny water permits for Summit.
Reach out to groups, elected officials, and other influential figures that you know of to add their support to protect our water from CO2 pipelines.
June 8: Teach Truth day of action in Iowa City!
Join our allies in Iowa City as we face down attacks on our public education! Young people, educators, parents, and community members are all welcome!
Iowa was one of the first states to adopt legislation that attempts to require educators to lie to students about the role of racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression throughout U.S. history. As Iowans, we stand against this harmful legislation and pledge to take action for full and honest education.
There will be live music, a book exchange, and many opportunities to network, strategize, have fun, and play games. Bring some books to exchange, food or drinks to share, friends and family, or just yourself. Join us to party with a purpose!
This event is part of a national effort led by the Zinn Education Project, AAPF, and Black Lives Matter at School to stand in solidarity for Youth and Truth. Locally this event is organized by grassroots organizers, Great Plains Action Society, and more!
June 8 from 2:30pm - 6:30pm in Iowa City at College Green Park. More info can be found here!
Save the Date
August 10 - CCI Action's "People Power is How We Win" Summer Meeting!
Join CCI Action members and supporters on Saturday, August 10 in Ankeny for our annual Summer Meeting! We'll connect with folks from across the state, get educated on the issues, and plan the work ahead.
Our theme this year is “People Power is How We Win”- a recipe for success in my book! Here’s the basics:
What: “People Power is How We Win” Summer Meeting
When: Saturday, August 10, 9am – 3pm
Where: FFA Enrichment Center, DMACC campus in Ankeny
Who: CCI members, supporters, and folks from across the state ready to take action for our people and planet
Registration: $25 early bird rate until July 31 ($35 beginning Aug. 1) – register today to save your spot here!
Our keynote speaker this year will be Dr. James E. Ford. Dr. Ford is an award-winning world history teacher, community leader, and founder of the Center for Racial Equity in Education (CREED) based in Charlotte, NC. He knows that attacks on our education aren’t new, but also believes in the power of people to rise up and fight for strong public education systems that prepare all students for their future and our communities.
More details coming soon!
Water Talk
Let's talk about water! Below we have a selection of some stories that caught our eye relating to water quality and ways to take action for our water.
Articles of interest:
Across farm country, fertilizer impacts not just health, but water costs, too [Civil Eats]
Iowa's water quality in shambles: what is the cause and are there solutions [The Kalona News]
Don't miss our next monthly call Thursday, May 30!
Plan to join us Thursday, May 30 at 5pm on Zoom to hear from Jason Palmer, Natural Resource Biologist with the DNR. He will help us understand what happens to our surface water during the summer months. What's the deal with E. coli and algae blooms in lakes? You don't want to miss it!
Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, to share an update about your water testing, or if you have ideas for a topic for a monthly call. And please take photos of your testing if you can. If you need a new test kit, visit the Iowa CCI website to get one ordered.
Look forward to seeing you on the call May 30!
What We're Reading
These are a few links that are informing our work - we've shared them so that you can read, too!
Big news - Biden administration cancels future coal leases in Powder River Basin [The Cocklebur]
Iowa legislators benefit from government subsidies while blocking assistance to others [Iowa Starting Line]
Iowa school vouchers prompted tuition hikes, researchers find [Bleeding Heartland]
Partisan clash or 'Grand Bargain'? Dueling proposals set the stage for the Farm Bill's uncertain future [Barn Raiser]
Brenna Bird disrespects America's legal system [Along the Mississippi]