This week in Iowa organizing…

Written By Katie Bryan

14 public beaches were unavailable for recreation over the weekend. Despite the recent rains, Central Iowa Water Works' (CIWW) lawn watering ban continues because of the money and time it takes to make the water safe for human consumption.

So what are some of Iowa's elected officials and leaders saying about Iowa's water woes?

In case it wasn't clear before, we need a new crop of leaders who will hold corporate ag accountable and fight for a food and farm system that works for eaters, farmers, workers, and the environment. Let us know what you're thinking or seeing here.

This isn't an "urban vs. rural" thing, or an "anti-farmer" thing. It's an issue that's impacting all of us. And it's an opportunity to imagine bold and comprehensive solutions to protect the people and places we love and for future generations. We can't afford to wait.

Onward,

 

Matthew Covington
Strategic Operations Director

Take action

July 17: Virtual farm tour series - episode 2

Water quality continues to dominate the headlines. Politicians continue to stay silent or point fingers and rarely offer real solutions to the problem.

But we know better! It's part of the reason we're hosting a Virtual Farm Tour to uplift the folks who are implementing real solutions on their farms. RSVP to join the second stop on our tour here! 

  • July 17 at 6:00 pm - Episode 2: Soil health, water quality and cover crops – oh my!

    Featuring: Kevin Fulton, who owns and operates Clear Creek Land & Livestock, a diversified organic farming and ranching operation near Litchfield, Nebraska. Enterprises include pasture-based livestock, custom grazing, cash grains, hay and cover crops. Kevin will discuss his experience utilizing cover crops over the last 25 years.

It's going to take all of us to create a better food and farm system - one that works for farmers, workers, eaters, and the environment. Register to join us here!

July 17: Good Trouble Lives On day of action

On July 17, the anniversary of Congressman John Lewis’s passing, everyday folks are taking action across the country to defend democracy and carry forward his legacy of Good Trouble.

Good Trouble Lives On is a national day of nonviolent action to respond to the attacks posed on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration and to remind them that in America, the power lies with the people.

Find an event near you here.

July 23: volunteers needed!

Are you unable to attend CCI's 50th convention but want to participate in some way? Are you looking for some community and connection to boost your energy? Then join us Wednesday, July 23 to help prepare materials for our 2-day event!

Details to know - 

  • When: Wednesday July 23 from 10am-3pm

  • Where: CCI headquarters at 2001 Forest Ave

  • What to expect: Assembly of convention materials, great company with CCI staff and other volunteers, and snacks!

We welcome folks to drop in for an hour or so, or stay for the day! To RSVP, or if you have any questions, please give us a call at (515)255-0800 or just reply to this email. (This helps make sure we have enough snacks for everyone.)

July 25 & 26: CCI's 50th Anniversary Convention

Our annual convention is the one time of year when CCIers come together from across our issue campaigns and from across the state to connect and get recharged for the work ahead.

It's our 50th, so we're going back to a two-day event! You don't need to attend both days, but we hope you do!

  • Friday, July 25 from 6-10pm - we'll celebrate 50 years of organizing with food, a short presentation, music, and community. 

  • Saturday, July 26 from 9am-4pm - we'll have a powerful panel, skill building workshops, and inspiring guest speakers to talk about our future and the work ahead. 

Click here to register today for this amazing celebration!

Learn more about our speakers and workshops at iowacci.org/CCI50 or call 515-255-0800. We'd love to see you there! You don’t have to be a member to attend.

Water Talk

Join us July 31 for our monthly Zoom w/ guest speaker Matt Russell

The water testing crew meets on the last Thursday of the month. Click here to get registered for our next monthly Zoom on Thursday, July 31 at 5pm. Our guest speaker will be Matt Russell - a fifth-generation farmer and the Interim Executive Director of Iowa Farmer's Union. Matt co-owns and operates Coyote Run Farm in Lacona, Iowa. Hope you can join us to hear a farmer’s perspective.

Everyone is talking about Iowa’s water quality crisis – finally. Thanks to CCI water testers for sharing your data and stories with family, friends, and people in your community. One of our testers from Woodbury County is featured in the Izaak Walton League's Meet-a Monitor series! Margaret Mead famously said – “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Join CCI’s Citizen Science – click here for more info and to order a Nitrate Watch test kit

Resources:

Articles of Interest

What We're Listening To

Canary In A Cornfield is a podcast from The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement, that explores how the policies that shape our food and farming systems impact our health, our communities, and our future. Learn more and give a listen 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!

  • Republicans got their healthcare cuts. Now they're trying to hide them [Along the Mississippi]

  • What we must learn from Zohran [Carousel of Progress]

  • Iowa Education Savings Account applications total 45,000-plus for 2025-26 school year [KCCI]

  • 'Essential isn't a strong enough word': loss of foreign workers begins to bite US economy [Politico]

  • How not to be Texas [David Thoreson]

Katie Bryan
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This week in Iowa organizing…