We are living in a time of deep division, and this week we have been looking at the forces driving us apart. But people in communities across the country are working to combat this division, and today, we meet some of Iowa's community builders using the tools at their disposal — from giant trolls to the local bar. We meet Gabi Torres and Ari Lewerenz of Clinton, Jessica Bolton of Cedar Rapids, Maggie Reyes of Storm Lake, Byron of Pomeroy and Leslie Jackson and Caroline Peterson of Des Moines.
Sheila Brummer
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Iowa Public Radio
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We meet Henry Menniga, a remarkable young resident of Des Moines who was awarded the National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award for his work promoting voter education and community service. Henry and his mom, Molly, talk about the start of his civic interests, a mock election when he was 4. Then, we talk with University of Iowa law scholar Josephine Gittler about why she drafted legislation that is now law, requiring Iowa high schoolers to pass the U.S. citizenship test. And, Iowa State University's Karen Kedrowski and Kelly Shaw discuss the new Center for Cyclone Civics. The center aims to increase civic education and engagement at the university level. (This episode was originally produced Aug. 4, 2025.) -
What began as a way to bring the community together during COVID has become a tradition six years strong. Two sisters have organized volunteer bakers and delivery drivers to make sure everyone can eat a homemade pie on Thanksgiving. -
A University of Northern Iowa professor is helping local men find community and purpose in retirement through a global initiative that’s the first of its kind in the state.
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Thirty-six percent of adults could not name all three branches of government, and 95% could not name all five freedoms protected under the First Amendment. On today's show, efforts for better civic education, starting with a new high school requirement.
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Across Iowa, funding cuts to the national service agency AmeriCorps ordered earlier this year by the Department of Government Efficiency are leaving gaps in nature conservation, youth education and community outreach programming. The cuts have eroded trust with the young people who sign up with AmeriCorps to serve their communities. -
The Iowa City Bike Library is working to broaden who a cyclist is and reduce barriers to biking.
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More than 950 students, teachers and staff in the Rock Valley Community School District were impacted when historic flooding swept across northwest Iowa in June 2024. Today, they remain united after months of recovery efforts. -
A northwest Iowa organization that helps immigrants says many are afraid of what might happen when President Trump takes office on Monday. -
Six months after floods in northwest Iowa destroyed hundreds of homes, life remains unsettled for many residents of Rock Valley. Some seek normalcy as city leaders quickly work to keep people from moving away for good.
