Intersections meets the first Friday of each month in Cedar Rapids

INTERSECTIONS | Cedar Rapids

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

Six things you should know about religion in Iowa politics

Daniel Henderson
Author and educator

Iowa has become an incubator for Christian nationalist legislation that is being promoted through national affiliates of powerful groups. In our May Intersections presentation, Daniel Henderson will show how many in the Iowa GOP are networking with national Christian nationalist organizations to wage culture wars that erode the principles of a free democratic society. After having worked and lived on the inside of that movement for many years, he has a unique voice to reveal what is going on behind the scenes. Daniel will focus on six major trends the citizens of Iowa should know.

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, April 28. 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.

2026 AWARD CELEBRATION

MONDAY, MAY 18
5:45 PM reception | 6:45 PM dinner & program
THE MEADOWS EVENT CENTER
1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona 50009

LEARN MORE

SIGN THE LETTER FROM IOWANS TO PROTECT OUR VOTE

All Iowans who care about our democracy and the right to vote are invited to sign the "Letter from Iowans to Protect Our Vote" by Friday, May 1. The letter will be distributed to Iowa's congressional delegation, governor, and secretary of state as well as the media on Tuesday, May 5 — six months ahead of the 2026 General Election. Will you sign the Letter from Iowans to Protect Our Vote and share the petition with your network?

SIGN HERE!

No Crossroads in May

We will return June 19!

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

Standing With Our Neighbors

We are living through a period of authoritarian power in our country that is rapidly consolidating and strengthening. The dominating politics of hate, fear, greed, and division are violating our shared values and tearing our country and democracy apart. But we know there is a different, better way.

YOU CAN make a difference. Join together in the work standing with our neighbors. Here are just a few ways to do that through our Call to Action and Actions of Hope.

Countering Anti-Muslim Hate in an Era of Christian Nationalism

Thursday, April 30 | 3:00 PM virtual

Interfaith Alliance and the Muslim Public Affairs Council invite you to join them for a timely and urgent national webinar confronting the rise of anti-Muslim bigotry and its threat to religious freedom and American democracy. Over the past few months, Christian nationalist leaders have increasingly been stoking anti-Muslim bigotry and scapegoating Muslim communities for political gain. Come hear from leading national advocates, faith leaders, and policy experts about how and why anti-Muslim sentiment is experiencing a resurgence through Christian nationalist movements, how it erodes the constitutional promise of religious freedom, and how it is fueling discriminatory policies and marginalizing Muslim communities.

The State of Belief

"All Are Neighbors: How Love Won at Baylor University"

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Rev. Susie Hayward, an unstoppable faith activist from Minnesota, Dr. Greg Garrett (whom TPUSA has included in its “professor watch list,”) and Human Rights Campaign President Kelly Robinson.

May Day 2026: International Workers Day

FRIDAY, MAY 1 | various times, locations

May Day Walk-Ins: local events list

ISEA is kicking off May Day with dozens of “Walk-In” events across the state. Walk-ins are small community gatherings at local schools where we stand in support of International Workers Day and the ISEA Educator Bill of Rights. Times and locations vary by local education association.

May Day 2026: Workers Over Billionaires
3:00-5:00 PM
Gray's Lake (2101 Fleur Dr, Des Moines)
Together we will be flexing our collective muscle in a tremendous day of power - showing our unity through a day of marches, rallies, and actions including No Work No School No Shopping in many cities.

Standing up for Public Education Rally

Doors open 5:30 PM, Program 6:00-7:00 PM

Davenport West High School (3505 W. Locust) -- Please RSVP

Grab your family and lawn chairs and join ISEA for ice cream, music, and speakers as they celebrate International Workers Day and the ISEA Educator Bill of Rights!

Understanding and Engaging Young Voters

MONDAY, MAY 11 | 6:30 PM virtual

Join in to hear from Voters of Tomorrow about the reality of youth voting today, what issues matter most, and who plays a role in engaging them. You’ll learn how to have real, meaningful conversations with the young voters in your life.

Progress Iowa Weekly Briefing

Fridays | 1:30 PM

Receive timely poll-tested message guidance, updates from Iowa's leading progressive organizations, and the latest information from the capitol.

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)

5 Calls

5 Calls makes it easy for you to reach members of Congress and make your voice heard. They research issues, write scripts for you to use, and lead you toward the most influential policy makers. All you have to do is make the call and use your voice.