This week in Iowa organizing…
Last week wasn't great.
It was devastating for those who lost loved ones, family, and friends. And it's troubling for our country to see the power of hate, anger, and propaganda.
Violence, including political violence, is not okay and must not be met with more violence. We can disagree, we can debate, but we must also remember that we are tied together.
Political polarization can lead to an "us vs. them" mentality, but when we strip away the labels, we are neighbors, coworkers, community members - human beings. Humans who deserve life, safety, and dignity.
A more perfect union is what the American purpose calls us to. It can be, and oftentimes is, hard. But it is what we must do.
In solidarity and compassion,
Matthew Covington
Strategic Operations Director
Take action
Tomorrow: hit the doors to defeat the Cancer Gag Act (again)
Bayer has corporate lobbyists (and a lot of money), we have each other and people power! After failing to pass their "Cancer Gag Act" at the state legislature earlier this year, Bayer has set their sights on the federal to seek immunity from pesticide lawsuits. So we're building our people power to defeat them again!
That's why we'll be knocking doors to engage people and collect petition signatures to remind our elected officials they need to put Iowans' health over corporate profits! Join us tomorrow, Sept. 16, in Polk County at 4pm, details and RSVP here.
September 23: Organizing 101
Have you ever seen a problem in your community and wished you could do something about it? Maybe talked to a neighbor or two about their thoughts on it, but didn't know what to do next?
Join us for an interactive workshop to learn about community organizing - the practice CCI uses to build power with and for everyday Iowans to tackle the issues we face. Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6pm over Zoom - RSVP here.
We know the solutions we need to the issues we face. And we know that by working together, change is possible - that's community organizing!
October 7: meeting with Des Moines Police Chief
Has policing changed in Des Moines for the Black community? What steps can the police and community take to create better relations with one another?
Join Iowa CCI and community members for a meeting to hear updates and share your questions and concerns with Des Moines Chief of Police Michael McTaggart. October 7 at 6pm in Des Moines, more info and RSVP to join here.
CCI's fall book club & author events
We're back with another installment of Iowa CCI's book club! This time we picked Dodge County, Incorporated: Big Ag and the Undoing of Rural America, by Sonja Trom Eayrs, winner of the 2025 Midwest Book Award and a finalist for the 2025 Minnesota Book award.
It's a well-timed read for anyone concerned with Iowa's escalating corporate ag-fueled water crisis and lack of action from elected leaders. And, it's a fitting read for our 50th anniversary, as Sonja's powerful personal account of fighting a hog factory in southern Minnesota mirrors that of CCI members' organizing to stop factory farms for the past three decades.
Click here to learn more about the book, then plan to join us for one of three opportunities to be in conversation with the author and fellow Iowans concerned about our land, water, and communities.
Water Talk
First of two DNR hearings this Thursday
The Iowa DNR will host 2 virtual public meetings for a Triennial Review of water quality standards. “Under the Clean Water Act, a state shall, from time-to-time, hold public meetings for the purpose of reviewing applicable water quality standards and, as appropriate, modifying and adopting standards. This review includes, but is not necessarily limited to: designated uses, water quality criteria, and antidegradation.”
The public hearings are Sept 18 at 9:30am and Sept 23 at 2:30pm. Zoom links to join found here. The DNR agenda is the same for both hearings with questions and public comments at the end.
After the first hearing they will also take public comments via email through Oct 20. Stay tuned - we'll send out an action alert when the public comments are open.
If you plan to join one of the public hearings, please send an email to kim@iowacci.org to let us know which one.
Whether you're able to attend the DNR hearing or not - join us to talk about it! The water testing crew meets on the last Thursday of the month. We'll get folks up to speed on what we heard, and we can strategize together about how to take advantage of the public comment period.
Click here to get registered for our next monthly Zoom on Thursday, September 25 at 5pm.
Articles of interest
House bill amending the Clean Water Act could mean dirtier water nationwide - and especially in Iowa
Eastern Iowa airport director, Wings2Water founder Lenss receives Iowa Water Quality award
Farmer sick of being poster boy for stewardship
We're Hiring
We're searching for a Communications Director to lead the development and implementation of an integrated communications program that expands CCI’s visibility and frames our issues in ways that resonate with and motivate people. More info and how to apply at www.iowacci.org/jobs
What We're Reading
These are a few links that are informing our work - we've shared them so that you can read, too!
The federal farm policy trap: why some farmers are stuck raising crops that no longer thrive [Pro Publica]
MAHA report moves further away from restricting pesticides [Civil Eats]
The climate solution both the right and the left can get behind [The Guardian]
Statement from Farm Aid on the 40th anniversary festival [Farm Aid]
ICE detained, deported two Iowa workers without due process [Bleeding Heartland]