Lots going on at the state capitol this Tuesday: first, rival lobby days for the LGBT advocacy group One Iowa and Bob Vander Plaats’ umbrella organization FAMiLY Leader, which is reportedly bringing in ousted Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore. Later in the day, another pro-labor rally will be held on the west steps outside the capitol building. More details on those and other events coming up this week are after the jump.
As always, post a comment or send me an e-mail to let me know of public events that should be included on this calendar.
Tuesday, March 15
MoveOn.Org and other groups are organizing a pro-labor rally at the state capitol (west steps), beginning at 5:30. They are asking people to show solidarity by wearing “Wisconsin red and white.”
The timing’s a bit awkward for Senate Democratic leaders, who have scheduled a Senate Majority Fund fundraiser for March 15 at Principal Park’s “Cub Club” in Des Moines from 5 pm to 7 pm.
From the Iowa Environmental Council calendar:
Webinar: Energy Efficiency Tips for Small Business
Location: Internet
Webinar 5: EE Tips for Small Businesses; success stories and tips from the APPA Guide, Energy Matters for Small Business. Please visit the Clean Energy Ambassadors website. On the left hand side of the screen you will see where you can click to register for the free utility webinars. If you have any questions please contact Stevie Moe at smoe AT plainsjustice.org.
One Iowa is holding its March lobby day, and Bob Vander Plaats will bring FAMiLY Leader supporters to the capitol the same day, with ousted Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore as the draw. From One Iowa:
This month, we’re celebrating our EQUALITY: Red Blue Purple coalition of more than 100 faith communities, civic organizations, student groups and statewide partners joining together to support the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community with March at the Capitol!
Please join us on Tuesday, March 15, at the One Iowa offices, wear blue, and meet us for a short training before heading up to the Capitol. Together, we will share stories about the LGBT friends, family, and colleagues who affect our lives! We’ll focus on the message we hope to send to future generations about the sort of state we are: a state that values family, diversity and fairness.
We must speak out; our future depends on it. Rather than socially divisive bills that tear our state apart, it is time to invest in our young people, protect our liberties, and focus on improving our economy. Please join us March 15!
Event Location
One Iowa
500 E Locust St., Ste. 300
Des Moines, IA 50309
There’s a PFLAG open house in Cedar Rapids from 4 pm to 6:15 pm in the Sendak room of the Cedar Rapids Public Library, Lower Level Westdale Mall.
It’s the deadline to RSVP for the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa’s Crossroads lunch on March 18 (see below).
Wednesday, March 16
Organizing for America is holding an organizing workshop at 6 pm in Cedar Rapids (Westdale Mall Panera Bread meeting room), and is running a “night school” activist training at 6:30 pm in Des Moines at the OFA field office. Click here for details.
Thursday, March 17
Organizing for America is holding an organizing workshop at 6 pm in Iowa City (Iowa Memorial Union Michigan room), and is running a “night school” activist training at 6 pm in Sioux City at the OFA field office. Click here for details.
Friday, March 18
Lynnae Hentzen is departing from the Center on Sustainable Communities, and COSC is searching for her successor:
Job Opening: Executive Director, COSC
Center on Sustainable Communities (COSC) seeks Executive Director to provide visionary leadership and managerial expertise in guiding the non-profit’s direction in programming, community relationships, fundraising and resource development that supports more sustainable communities across Iowa. The position requires skills in educational programming development, strategic problem solving, financial management, fundraising and personnel management. Send resume, cover letter and three references to info@icosc.com with “Executive Director Search” in the subject line or mailed to COSC – Executive Director Search; 219 ½ 5th Street; Historic Valley Junction; West Des Moines, Iowa 50265. Application deadline is March 18, 2011. More info at icosc.com.
From the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa:
A monthly gathering of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa. An opportunity to learn, to participate in civil dialogue, and gather with progressive people of faith and goodwill.Presenter: Nate Monson, executive director
Iowa Safe Schools Task ForceSubject: Making Schools Better: Super-sized anti-bullying efforts
Much is happening to keep kids safe from bullying in Iowa, but there is resistance as well. The Safe Schools Task Force continues to lead the charge in Iowa with new and innovative programming. Learn what is happening and how you can be part of it.Date: Friday, March 18
o Time: 11:45 – 1 p.m.
o Location: Plymouth Congregational Church, 4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines
o Cost: $10.00Reservations are necessary to attend Crossroads. Please call 515-279-8715 or email info AT interfaithallianceiowa.org by Tuesday, March 15.
Saturday, March 19
Local peace activists are organizing a rally from 11:30 am to 1 pm to mark nine years of US War in Iraq. The event will take place at Nollen Plaza (3rd and Locust in downtown Des Moines), in solidarity with the national rally in Washington, DC led by Veterans for Peace. Scheduled speakers:
Ed Flaherty – President, Iowa Veterans for Peace
Rev. Chet Guinn – Iowa Methodist Federation for Social Action
Kathleen McQuillen – Des Moines American Friends Service Committee
Brian Terrell (recently returned from Afghanistan) Maloy, IA Catholic Worker
Mary Hanson-Harrison – DM chapter, Women’s Int’l League for Peace & Freedom
For more info, contact Gil Landolt at (515) 282-8088 or peacevet AT hotmail.com.
Sunday, March 20
This is the last day to see the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit at the Science Center of Iowa in downtown Des Moines.