WILL YOU STAND UP TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM & EQUALITY?

Will you support the critical legislative work of the Action Fund to ensure our strong progressive voice continues to protect Iowans? 

Will you be a sponsoring host of Monday's reception?

Will you make your reservation today?

We know the caucuses took all our focus in January. And we know the legislature is soaking up all the attention these days.

But, we're hopeful you are planning to support and (with any luck) also attend the Doing Justice Interfaith Action Fund Celebration this Monday, February 24.

Your sponsorship will help us remain as a powerful presence throughout the 2020 legislative session. It will help us protect women’s reproductive rights, stand up for strong public schools, safeguard the rights and dignity of Iowa's LGBTQ+ community, stop an expansion of gun rights, and broaden voting rights.

Our voice is crucial in this battle for the future of our state. The advocacy and work of the Action Fund matters at the Statehouse.

5:30 to 7:30 pm
Franklin Junior High Cafeteria
4801 Franklin Ave, Des Moines 50310

With special guest Senator Zach Wahls (D–Coralville)

Multiple host levels are available, as are individual tickets.
Make plans to join us!

Beyond the Binary: Gender Expansive Iowans and the Policies that Impact Them

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21

11:45 am - 1:00 pm
Plymouth Congregational Church
4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines

Presenter: KEENAN CROW, Director of Policy and Advocacy, One Iowa

Political attacks on the transgender and gender non-conforming community are on the rise, both in Iowa and nationally. These attacks are fueled by ignorance and misunderstanding of who these people are. Join Keenan Crow, One Iowa Director of Policy and Advocacy, to learn more about transgender and gender non-conforming Iowans and what you can do to help ensure their health and safety in the Hawkeye state.

$10 per person (payable at the door) — includes lunch

RSVP required by TODAY, FEBRUARY 18. PLEASE NOTE: When you make your reservation, we order a meal for you. If you are unable to attend, we must still pay for your meal. Payment for your reservation is very helpful and appreciated. Thank you!

Anti-Semitism & the Gifts of Judaism

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

11:45 am - 1:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church
310 5th St SE, Cedar Rapids

Presenter: RABBI ESTHER HUGENHOLTZ, Agudas Achim Congregation, Coralville

The key to combatting antisemitism is understanding Judaism. What is the reality of the American Jewish experience? What is the history of antisemitism? And how can we bring communities together to confront any form of bigotry? Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz from Agudas Achim Congregation will take you on a journey of confrontation—but also hope and inspiration—as we explore the gifts of global Jewish culture and faith to build an inclusive vision for all.

$10 per person (payable at the door) — includes lunch

RSVP required by MARCH 3. PLEASE NOTE: When you make your reservation, we order a meal for you. If you are unable to attend, we must still pay for your meal. Payment for your reservation is very helpful and appreciated. Thank you!

MEET MY RELIGIOUS NEIGHBOR: HOLI AT THE HINDU TEMPLE

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Hindu Temple and Cultural Center
33916 155th Ln, Madrid 50156
 

The Meet My Religious Neighbor open house series continues March 8 with the celebration of Holi at the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center in Madrid.

Holi is an important occasion in the Hindu tradition. The festival signifies the arrival of spring, the end of winter, and the beginning of a good spring harvest season. For many, it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive.

Join us at the Hindu Temple for fun, food, and prayer. Meet your host and guide Anu Akella at 11:00 am for Holika Pooja (prayers). Throwing the colors will begin after noon, followed by dancing to Bollywood music. Stay for lunch, served at 1:00 pm.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Here are a few tips to make your experience fully enjoyable.

• The times provided for activities are tentative. Be prepared for delays.
• You are encouraged to take photos outside during Holi celebrations, but photography is forbidden inside the temple.
• Throwing colors is fun and you will get messy. Wear white or light colored clothes so the colors will show better. But be sure you don’t care if those clothes get stained.
• Bring a towel or sheet to cover your car seats before driving home.
• Bring cash to buy a delicious, traditional Indian meal. Funds help support the Temple’s maintenance and operations.
• Please remove your shoes before entering the Temple. You are welcome to keep socks on or enter barefoot.
• Please note: All Hindu Temples request that women not enter the temple at the time of their menstrual period.

The Meet My Religious Neighbor Series is a collaboration of Comparison Project at Drake University, CultureALL, DMARC, and Interfaith Alliance of Iowa. Each visit offers the opportunity to visit a local place of worship, meet the practitioners there, and learn about their religion. For more information, please visit: www.iowainterfaithexchange.com.