Purpose of Team Diversity Newsletter: To recognize the work of community diversity appreciation teams in Iowa and to share information about teams and diversity-related ideas and resources.
Working Teams:
Ames Diversity Appreciation Team
Sheila Lundt (515-239-5101)
Cedar Rapids Diversity Appreciation Team
Louise Lorenz (319-398-5036)
Cedar Valley Diversity Appreciation Team
Walter Reed (319-291-4441)
Charles City International Fellowship
Barb Hemann (515-228-1071)
Denison Cultural Diversity Committee
Lanetta Plambeck (712-263-2164) or
Coletta Weeda (712-263-4697)
Estherville Diversity Appreciation Team
Glenn Bohmer (712-362-3237)
Hampton Diversity Committee
Pat Sackville (515-456-5668)
Iowa City Diversity Appreciation Team
Heather Shank (319-356-5022)
Marshalltown Diversity Committee
Sandy Burke (515-294-9307)
Mason City Diversity Appreciation Team
Lionel Foster (515-421-3618)
Polk Co. Diversity Coalition
Barbara Hug (515-263-2660)
Quad Cities' Diversity and Racial Equity Roundtables/Bi-State Anti-Hate Response Team
Brenda Drew-Peeples (319-326-0717)
Racism/Race Relations Committee
Matt Boley and Connie Barrett (712-274-8678)
Siouxland Diversity Coalition
Matt Boley (712-258-5137)
Storm Lake Diversity Task Force
Dale Carver (712-732-6767)
Tama Co. Team for Intercultural Community
Bruce Leitz (319-266-1039) or
Clarence Lippert (515-484-4811)
Webster Co. Diversity Appreciation Team
Ed O'Leary (515-576-2201)
May 12, 1997
The meeting was called to order by Matt Boley, Chairperson.
The minutes were accepted as printed. The Treasurer's Report shows
a balance of $3,581.35 . . .
Diversity Workshop
The workshop has been re-scheduled for Saturday, September
6, 1997 at the Sioux City Convention Center. This is the weekend
after Art Splash. The issue of publicity was discussed. Eloise,
Maria and Matt will meet 1:30, Friday, May 23 at Mary Treglia
Community House to put together a mailing list. Beth will send
those she has to Matt. Others are asked to do the same. The goal
is to put together a mailing list which reaches churches, schools,
social service agencies, and others interested in diversity issues.
Eloise will see about getting the list on FileMaker Pro . . .
There was also discussion about getting the local Asian community
involved. It would be good to include some local talent. Beth
will check on the Asian dancers from North High. Other coalition
members are asked to get their ideas and contact names to Matt.
We will need to revise the schedule and publicity to reflect these
changes.
Maria and Laurie will check on the cost of having a banner
made. Maria will check with Steve Avery and Laurie will check
with Signs by Tomorrow. It was suggested that it be 6' x 2'.
Diversity Conference
Eloise will be attending The National Conference on Race &
Ethnicity in American Higher Education May 28 - June 2 in Orlando,
FL. She will be developing an in-service on diversity based on
information and ideas from the conference. Possible places to
present were solicited. Suggestions included the Sioux City Schools
(Carol Israel) and Head Start Staff.
Study Circles
Dick reported that 131 letters were sent out. There are enough people for two Study Circles. One will begin Monday, June 9 and run for four sessions. The other will begin Tuesday, June 3 and finish June 24. Matt, Dick, Eloise and Connie will be meeting to work out the details Monday, May 19, 6:15.
Faces and Voices, October 21-22, 1997
Help! During the morning of the first day, Oct. 21, the Lt.
Governor will ask Teams to report on diversity issues and programs
in their communities. Teams will be given an opportunity to share
their hopes, plans, and concerns with the Lt. Governor and with
everyone else at the Conference. If your Team is interested in
reporting your Team news, please contact Don Grove by Aug. 1 at
1-800-457-4416 ext. 1-8084.
Cedar Rapids
Diversity Appreciation Team Meeting
March 18, 1997
General discussion: It is important that this team move forward
with activities such as participating in the Unity Walk, encourage
education, and raise awareness of diversity within Cedar Rapids.
Future projects could include videos and commercials. In the future,
it will be necessary to look into monetary contributions from
individuals, businesses, and government to subsidize projects.
Nelson Evans shared a list of questions regarding diversity.
Leah Rodenberg shared her experience with the Des Moines Chamber
Diversity Task Force. That team worked three years to prepare
a diversity charter for chamber businesses to sign. When companies
signed the charter it was a commitment to promoting diversity
among their employees and customers. Steve Menzer commented that
working with CR Chamber businesses would be a networking tool.
Sean Rice shared his experience working with the employee diversity
team at Aegon.
M. Doolin asked the team if the focus of projects should be
directed toward community or business. The team would have to
determine the outcome of each group . . .
Discussion centered on creating a mission/vision statement
for the team. Members were encouraged to contribute comments or
sentences regarding what a diversity team should project in Cedar
Rapids. S. Menzner would like to include Linn County as part of
our planning process. The rough draft statement: "Celebrate
our community's rich and diverse population." At the next
meeting, members will provide changes and/or additions to the
statement.
The team will identify other diversity activities and events.
Kathryn Coulter suggested a calendar including activities around
the area and proclaiming 1998 as the "Year of Diversity."
The team discussed the commitment of inclusion of all groups.
Planning committees: L. Rodenberg will chair a committee to
coordinate two luncheons. A luncheon represented by business representatives
and another luncheon with community representatives.
Nancy Fielder will work on creating a proclamation for a diversity day or month.
Diversity Team Conference?
In the next few months, the ICRC will have a fully-operational
ICN classroom. The classroom will enable the ICRC to expand and
improve its services, which means more workshops, especially in
the schools, and more face-to-face investigations. With the new
classroom, we could also facilitate a meeting or conference of
all the Teams, at sites scattered throughout Iowa. Maybe we could
make the conference an annual or semi-annual event. What do you
think? Are you interested?
"Free Indeed," a drama about racism that challenges
white viewers to think about "white privilege" (23 mins).
"Blue Eyed," a workshop conducted by Jane
Elliott who discriminates among Midwestern adults based on eye
color (93 mins.).
"Skin Deep," a conversation involving a diverse
group of college students about America's racial divide (53 mins.).
"Ethnic Notions," an award-winning documentary
which takes viewers on a disturbing voyage through American history,
tracing the evolution of deeply-rooted stereotypes which have
fueled bigotry and prejudice (57 mins.).
"The Willmar 8," the story of eight women
who launched America's longest bank strike to protest pay discrimination
(50 mins.).
To borrow any of our many, excellent videos, call Carol Leach
at 1-800-457-4416 ext. 1-8354.