FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Plymouth Congregational Church
Waveland Hall
4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines

in-person and virtual options

Being non-religious in a faith-dominated society

Jason Benell
President, Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers

People in the United States who identify as atheist and agnostic have doubled in numbers over the last decade. While still a relatively small count, the trend is headed upward. What does it mean to live in a nation hyper-focused on religion --- particularly from one dominant belief that leaves you on the sidelines much of the time?

Jason Benell, President of the Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers, will discuss the basics of atheism, living in a society that emphasizes religion, and the impact and intertwining of religion and government from an atheist perspective.

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: turkey, roast beef, ham salad, and vegetarian. You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, January 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 must have your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.
• Watch via YouTube by clicking here. This online presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

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

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

Speaking for the unheard: Legislative trends, challenges, and progress in Iowa mental health policy

Leslie Carpenter
Iowa Mental Health Advocacy

Leslie Carpenter will share the recent legislative changes intended to improve the delivery of mental health and substance use treatment in Iowa, some of the challenges in getting other legislation passed, and the bills proposed for the 2026 session here in Iowa.

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 for $15: turkey & swiss on ciabatta, roast beef & cheddar on wheatberry, and garden veggie salad. You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on Tuesday, February 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 must have your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.
• Watch via YouTube by clicking here. This online presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8
6:00 - 7:30 PM
via Zoom and in Des Moines

This event brings together community leaders and advocates for reproductive freedom in Iowa to get ready for the 2026 legislative session. We’ll share basic legislative information, priorities, set expectations, and ways to stay engaged and coordinated as we continue protecting our reproductive rights.

Below are ideas for how you can get in good trouble!

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR U.S. SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES

Senator Joni Ernst
(202) 224-3254 (https://www.ernst.senate.gov/contact)

Senator Chuck Grassley
(202) 224-3744 (https://www.grassley.senate.gov/contact)

Representative Marianette Miller-Meeks (1st Congressional District)
(202) 225-6576 (https://millermeeks.house.gov/contact/offices)

Representative Ashley Hinson (2nd Congressional District)
(202) 225-2911 (https://hinson.house.gov/zip_authentication?form=/contact)

Representative Zach Nunn (3rd Congressional District)
(202) 225-5476 (https://nunn.house.gov/contact/offices/)

Representative Randy Feenstra (4th Congressional District)
(202) 225-3193 (https://feenstra.house.gov/contact/offices)