Iowa Department of Human Rights Newsletter

iowa department of human rights

November 10, 2022


The Iowa Department of Human Rights (DHR) brings strength to Iowa's rich heritage.  Our three divisions - Community Action Agencies, Community Advocacy and Services, and Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning - work to reduce cultural, social, and economic barriers to opportunities for Iowans to succeed.



We are hiring!

The Iowa Department of Human Rights has two job openings.

Juvenile Reentry Navigator (Rehabilitation Associate position).  The position will aid youth with disabilities who are in the juvenile court system as they transition to their home community from group care facilities.  This position will be in the Des Moines area, serving the 5th Judicial District.  For details, visit the State of Iowa Careers website

Program Planner 3 - Family Development & Self Sufficiency (FaDSS). The position is a key team member for the Division of Community Action Agencies and is responsible for program planning, implementation, and evaluation for Iowa's statewide Family Development and Self Sufficiency (FaDSS) program, a home visitation program for families at risk of instability and economic insecurity. Duties include contract management for grantees serving all ninety-nine counties.  For details, visit the State of Iowa Careers website.  


Native American Heritage Month

The Iowa Department of Human Rights celebrates the rich heritage and culture of Native American peoples during Native American Heritage Month each November and all year long.  Our Office and Commission of Native American Affairs work to advance the interests of Native Americans in the area of human rights.  

The flags display at the Iowa State Capitol was installed by the Iowa Department of Human Rights and Commission of Native American Affairs to honor Iowa's Native American history. The flags represent tribes with current and historic ties to Iowa.  


Native American Flag3

Click on image to link to Iowa PBS's Youtube video of the flag display.

Celebrate Native Veterans

With Native American Heritage Month and Veterans Day, we honor the brave Native Americans, known as "code talkers", who made a unique contribution during World Wars I and II by using their tribal languages as a means of secret communication.  

Learn more about Native American Code Talkers through the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.  

Tribal Nations 

Currently in the U.S., there are over 500 unique and distinct federally recognized Tribal
Nations, each with their own body of government, set of laws, religious practices,
and ways of living. Indigenous Peoples today live in various places across what is now known as the U.S., either on or off their respective tribal reservation, in urban or rural
communities. As of 2022, there are over 175 Indigenous languages spoken throughout the United States.


Nominations Open for Martin Luther King Jr. Awards

The Iowa Department of Human Rights' Commission on the Status of African-Americans is seeking nominations for two awards that honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Commission will present MLK Achievement and Service Project Awards at the 34th Annual Celebration of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. virtually on Monday, January 16, 2023.  For more information, click here:  MLK Awards.


Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit 2022

Join us for the Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit!  The summit brings diverse businesses together to share, learn, and celebrate the immigrant entrepreneur experience. Learn about topics like starting and growing your business, tax planning, and more.   When you register, 

apply this coupon code for 50% off:  IESFriend2022                               

Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit 2022

Opioid Help

The Iowa Attorney General’s Office launched a website, IowaOpioidHelp.com, which provides resources for Iowans with opioid use disorder.  The site has a list and a map of providers for those who are seeking treatment or want to learn more.  



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Iowa Department of Human Rights
Lucas State Office Building
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-242-5640 or 1-800-351-4659
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