A note from Jen Harvey

Hi, friends,

All the new energy surrounding the election has been a lot for every one of us to take in! As Interfaith and I navigated all the changes of the last week, we’ve revised and renewed our plan (firm this time, we promise!) for engaging Antiracism as Daily Practice together, in community.

We’ll gather on Monday, August 19, at xBk Live (1159 24th St, Des Moines), to talk about the role white folks can play in creating a world where all us flourish. This is a perfect focus for the night the Democratic National Convention kicks off. You can arrive as early as 5:15 PM and we’ll have a happy hour with light hors d’oeuvres (and cash bar) ready for you! The discussion will begin at 6:00 PM sharp.

We will wrap up the book conversation in time for the DNC proceedings—for those who want to watch in community, xBk Live plans to put up a screen for a watch party. Or, if you want to head home, that’s cool, too.

And yes: if you received a message last week saying this event was moved to September, please ignore it. Chalk it up to the changing news week. We’re on for August 19 and can’t wait to see you there!!!

Remember to make your reservation, if you haven’t already! And please share with family and friends and invite them to join you! It’s going to be an amazing discussion, I am quite sure.

So much love,
Jen Harvey

P.S. Interfaith Alliance of Iowa and I are delighted to partner with Storyhouse Bookpub who will be selling Antiracism as Daily Practice during the book launch. We hope you will support this fantastic local bookstore!

Join us for a book launch party with Jen Harvey!

Antiracism as Daily Practice
(the Role of White Folks and the State of Our Democracy)

MONDAY, AUGUST 19
5:15 PM "Happy Hour" w/light bites and cash bar
6:00 PM Program
xBk Live 1159 24th St, Des Moines

Jennifer's new book, Antiracism as Daily Practice, will be available for purchase through Storyhouse Bookpub (505 East Grand Ave, Suite #102, Des Moines).

This event is free to attend, but reservations are required.

Sponsored by Interfaith Alliance of Iowa.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
4126 Ingersoll Ave, DES MOINES

in-person and virtual options

Fighting back against religious hate and bigotry

Presenters:
Keenan Crow, Director of Policy and Advocacy, One Iowa
Connie Ryan, Executive Director, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa

Interfaith Alliance of Iowa has created the All Are Welcome in Iowa project to push back on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) passed by Republicans in the Iowa Legislature and signed by Governor Kim Reynolds. RFRA creates religious exemptions for some Iowans to skirt the law as a means to discriminate against other Iowans – using religious freedom as justification.

The All Are Welcome in Iowa project is a collaborative effort of many organizations and houses of worship to educate Iowans about the passage and potential impact of Iowa’s RFRA law, empower Iowans – including local elected officials -- to reject its implicit and explicit messages of bigotry and hate that harm marginalized communities, and amplify a new message that all are welcome in Iowa.

Join us at Crossroads to learn more about the RFRA law, the All Are Welcome in Iowa project, and how you can take action in your community to fight back against hate and bigotry.

There are three ways to attend Crossroads. Registration is required for all three:

• Attend in person (with lunch) by clicking here. Four bag lunch sandwich options are available for $15 (new price): turkey, roast beef, ham salad, and vegetarian. You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, August 14. Late orders or walk-in requests for lunch will NOT be available.
• Attend in person (no lunch) by clicking here. There is no cost for this option, but we do need your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.
• Watch via YouTube by clicking here. This virtual presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Crossroads is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Des Moines.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
ST. PAUL'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1340 3rd Ave SE, CEDAR RAPIDS

in-person and virtual options

Project 2025's threat to democracy

Presenter:
Steve Corbin, Professor Emeritus of Marketing, University of Northern Iowa

Project 2025 proposes, among a host of things, eliminating the Department of Education; deploying the U.S. military whenever protests erupt; removing protections against sexual and gender discrimination; terminating diversity, equity, inclusion and affirmative action; and siphoning off billions of public school funding for private choices. Not to mentnion restricting access to contraception.

It is perhaps the single biggest threat to our democracy in any of our lifetimes.

Join us for the first Intersections of the program year and learn more about Project 2025 – and what you should be doing to address it.

There are three ways to attend Intersections. Registration is required for all three:

• Attend in person (with lunch) by clicking here. Three boxed lunch options are available: turkey, ham, and vegetarian; boxed lunches are $15 each (new cost). You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on Tuesday, September 3. Late orders or walk-in requests for lunch will NOT be available.
• Attend in person (no lunch) by clicking here. There is no cost for this option, but we do need your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.
• Watch via YouTube by clicking here. This virtual presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Intersections is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Cedar Rapids.

This summer, Executive Director Connie Ryan is leading a number of community conversations around the GOD & COUNTRY documentary and the topic of Christian nationalism. Movies and discussions are free and open to the public. We'll add other events as they arise.

• Wednesday, AUGUST 14: 6:00 PM
  St. Stephens Lutheran Church, 610 31st St SE, Cedar Rapids
  Movie screening and discussion
  Co-sponsored by Christ Episcopal Church
• Sunday, AUGUST 25: 3:00 PM
  St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 140 Gathering Place Ln, Iowa City
  Movie screening and discussion
• Wednesday, AUGUST 28: 6:00 PM NEW EVENT!
  Sponsored by Faith United Church of Christ
  Musser Public Library, 408 East 2nd St, Muscatine
  Movie screening and discussion
• Thursday, SEPTEMBER 12: 6:30 PM NEW SHOWING!
  First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, 1800 Bell Ave, Des Moines
  Movie screening
• Monday, SEPTEMBER 16: 6:30 PM NEW DISCUSSION!
  First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, 1800 Bell Ave, Des Moines
  Discussion
• Thursday, SEPTEMBER 26: 6:00 PM
  Collegiate United Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation, 2622 Lincoln Way, Ames
  Movie screening and discussion
• Sunday, OCTOBER 6: 2:30 PM NEW EVENT!
  First Congregational United Church of Christ, 361 17th St SE, Cedar Rapids
  Movie screening and discussion
• Sunday, OCTOBER 13: 2:00 PM
  St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 2410 Melrose Dr, Cedar Falls
  Movie screening and discussion

Would your house of worship or community group like to be a co-sponsor of one of these events at no cost? Contact Connie Ryan for more information.