Conversations that Count

As we seek to listen, learn and act to make Greater Des Moines a community where all are welcomed; the Community Foundation is convening Conversations that Count. We seek to engage with members of our community who work tirelessly advocating for equity and inclusion to be the strongest threads that weave our community together.

DonorConnect: A Tale of Two Cities

 At DonorConnect: A Tale of Two Cities, it was our privilege to learn from Teree Caldwell-Johnson of Oakridge Neighborhood and The Directors Council and Deidre DeJear of Caleo Enterprises and the Financial Empowerment Center about their work around the OneEconomy Report: The State of Black Polk County. 

Click here to view the slides from the presentation and click here to view a recording of the session. 

DonorConnect: Working for Equity

At DonorConnect: Working for Equity, speakers shared valuable insight into the persistent racial employment gaps that exist in our community and the need to create long-term, sustainable change moving forward. While some systems for support are in place, we learned that workforce disparities faced by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities have remained largely consistent over the years. Panelists reflected on the collaborative effort needed to make systemic change and close the gaps that still exist. 

Click here to view the slides from the presentation and click here to view a recording of the session.

DonorConnect: Justice for All

At DonorConnect: Justice for All, we learned from and were challenged by our panelists, Izaah Knox of Urban Dreams, Betty Andrews of the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP and Cheryl Hayes of AMOS. These leaders provided critical insight into the racial inequities that exist in our justice systems and shared information about the programs, advocates and organizations working to move the needle toward a community that ensures justice for all. 

Click here to view the slides from the presentation and click here to view a recording of the session.

Continue Learning About Racial Justice

Below are links to podcasts, books, articles and resources provided by our speakers as a place to begin exploring.

• Dive into the OneEconomy Report.
• Consider this list of podcasts about race relations.
• Review information from the Iowa Data Center on African Americans in Iowa and Latinos in Iowa. 
• Awake to Work by Equity in the Center is a good resource.
• Consider taking an implicit bias online assessment like this one from Harvard. 

Reading Lists

• For allies
• For work
• Race in America the Harvard Gazette or Forbes
• Suggestions for actions

Learn About History

Attend a virtual tour of the "Undesign the Redline" exhibit by the Polk County Housing Trust Fund Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

Use the 4Equity Tool and Ask Others to Do the Same

These 4 reflective questions can drive action in racial equity. Consider where you can use it and how you can share the 4 Equity Tool.

Give

• Invest in organizations that are led by and served by people of color. Learn more about the Financial Empowerment Center.
• Support leadership development programs like the African American Leadership Academy.
• Support black owned businesses and take advantage of the Black Iowa Business Directory.
• Connect with Community Foundation staff and GIVEdsm.

Engage in Policy Discussions

Organizational policies to legislative action require engagement.