This week in Iowa organizing…
Well, I turned on the tv over the weekend only to be bombarded with political ads seeming to imply the world is about to end depending on the election results and that I can't trust some of my neighbors.
Elections do matter and carry consequences for our communities and future. And there are two visions for our country on the ballot this November.
But I also believe there is more that unites us than divides us, and after the election we're still all in this together.
We all benefit from clean water, strong public schools, and more. And I still believe we want to welcome the stranger, help each other in times of crisis, and want a government that works for everyday Iowans and not the corporate elite.
So along those lines, please read on for ways to take action, what we're reading, and more.
Matthew Covington
Strategic Operations Director
Member spotlight
Cherie Mortice
Polk County
What got you involved with CCI? What keeps you engaged/motivated? Who are you fighting for?
"I live on the Eastside of Des Moines and we have always been looked down upon as the raggedy side of town. But that is exactly why I chose to buy property and raise my son here. The fighting spirit runs deep over here and we Eastsiders are proud of it. I guess that fighting spirit attracted me to Iowa CCI.
When I first read about Iowa CCI, I thought it was too good to be true. But, I’ll be darned. Here I am thirteen years later and I’m still amazed at the commitment, tenacity, courage and spirited approach we take to the work we do. And now, here we are in Iowa facing a race to the bottom in what seems like just about everything! I have never witnessed a more cruel, irresponsible, greedy and reckless governor (along with her posse) in my lifetime.
It would be easy to feel like this state is unsalvageable, to just give up, find a hobby or distraction to weaken the pain. Not that distractions and hobbies are bad. Finding some levity and balance in our lives is important for the long haul. And that is what we have to plan for…the long haul. We can’t change all of it overnight. But, we sure as hell can be the consistent voices and resistance to block the agenda of the wealthy elite every chance we get and stay focused on our big and small victories along the way.
And that is what CCI is good at. Standing shoulder to shoulder day in and day out. Showing up, pushing back, speaking out, rising up and strategically pin-pointing the problem and sometimes…..using the pointy finger. It’s been an incredible privilege to serve this organization and lift up issues and fight on the ever-challenging front lines of social justice in Iowa."
Take action
Three stops left: 'The Education Wars' book tour (then book club!)
In Iowa and across the country, extremist groups want to ban books, limit what educators can teach, and push private school vouchers. What’s behind these efforts threatening the foundations of public education?
Join CCI Action and author Jennifer Berkshire for a conversation on what we can do together to win honest, equitable, and fully-funded public education here in Iowa. Books will be available for purchase and author signing. We've had a great kickoff to this tour with so many of you coming out - check out remaining dates and locations here.
Can't make it or want more afterward? Then join us for our Education Wars book club starting October 15 on Zoom! Book Club details: We will meet 3 times to discuss specific chapters of The Education Wars. Join us for one or all of them. We'll be taking this book in bite-sized chunks so there is no pressure to finish it all in one sitting, although you might anyway!
October 11: Bernie Sanders town hall in Dubuque
Bernie has been traveling all over the country to rally working people around our progressive agenda. Now he’s coming to Iowa!
Join Bernie for a town hall in Dubuque to discuss working class issues impacting Iowans and what’s at stake this November. Bernie will be joined by local partners in the labor and progressive movement - including CCI Action members working on housing justice!
More info and RSVP here!
October 22: Public School Strong orientation
We believe that every child – no matter their zip code, background, race, gender, identity, or ability – has an equal right to a quality education. That means fully funding our public schools, urban and rural, and it means we need local school boards free from partisan politics.
And it's why we're part of Public School Strong - a national movement of parents, teachers, students, and community members pushing for honest, equitable, safe, and fully-funded public education. Over 100 of you joined us over the past 2 months to learn more and discuss ways to take action to defend and strengthen Iowa’s public schools - thank you!
Be a part of the growing movement! Join our next orientation session on Tuesday, October 22 at 6pm over Zoom. More info and RSVP here.
How to Fight a Factory Farm podcast
Iowa CCI, three other Midwest organizations and key national allies make up the Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment. Together, we created a four-episode podcast, ‘How to Fight a Factory Farm’. Episode one went live on October 2 and features CCI’s own Board President, Barb Kalbach, and Strategic Advisor, Hugh Espey.
Episodes come out each week in October. You can listen to the first episode here. Episode themes include:
CAFOs 101, environmental and water impacts
Impacts on rural communities and economies, history of how we got here/consolidation
Communities are organizing to stop factory farms
Policy change and alternative systems to factory farms
Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to ‘How to Fight a Factory Farm’ wherever you get your podcasts!
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:
The EPA's senior most official on water discusses Iowa water quality [Iowa Public Radio]
Iowa AG leads continued fight against Massachusetts animal confinement law [Iowa Capital Dispatch]
What's new with CCI water testing...
You can still order kits and test water - especially in these weather conditions. More information can be found here!
Don't miss our next monthly call Thursday, October 24!
If you missed the monthly Zoom on September 26, here is a recording of the call. We heard from a great speaker panel testing water across the state.
Thank you for caring about this issue. Building people power in Iowa is how we get the clean water we deserve!
What We're Reading
These are a few links that are informing our work - we've shared them so that you can read, too!
Helene destroyed my hometown. I don't want climate change stories of false hope [LA Times]
One private school in Iowa says 95% of their tuition funding comes from ESA's [KGAN]
Too many Iowa officials lack concern for transparency [Bleeding Heartland]
This election, vote out politicians who enable Big Ag's plunder of Iowa, Iowans [Rekha Shouts and Whispers]
Amid Australia's chaotic climate politics, the rooftop solar boom is an unlikely triumph [The Guardian]