Iowa Department of Human Rights Newsletter

iowa department of human rights

January 20, 2023


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.



Refugee Community Services RFP Workshop

The Iowa Department of Human Rights is hosting a proposal development workshop for people and organizations interested in submitting a proposal for the Refugee Community Services Request for Proposals (RFP) (Bid Number REF-24-001).  

The goal of this workshop is to provide information and assistance for people and organizations that may have less experience in submitting proposals to state government.  In the workshop, we will cover a number of topics including:

  • How to develop a well written proposal that addresses the key elements outlined in the RFP and also meets the needs of your organization’s clients.
  • How to identify and quantify your budget needs and develop a budget within your proposal submission and more.

When:  February 16, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 pm 

Where: Lucas State Office Building on the 2nd floor

To reserve your spot, email Maria Guevara at maria.guevara@iowa.gov by 12:00 pm February 13, 2023.  In your email, please include the names of the person or people who will be attending.


National Poverty Awareness Month

January is National Poverty Awareness in America Month. The Iowa Department of Human Rights, Division of Community Action Agencies (DCAA) works to reduce poverty by promoting self-sufficiency, strengthening families, and improving communities.  Local community action agencies offer a variety of programs, including employment readiness, home energy assistance, Head Start, child health, emergency assistance, and food and nutrition assistance. Contact your local community action agency to see what services are offered.   Additional Community Action Agencies resources include:  


People You Should Know: Maanya Pandey

Image of Maanya Pandey

At the Iowa Department of Human Rights, we are honored to know many Iowans who work without fanfare to make our state better. Our People You Should Know series introduces  Iowans who give their skills, talents and knowledge to make a real difference in human rights in Iowa.

This month we feature Love For Red Founder and President, Maanya Pandey.  Maanya actively works to fight period poverty in Iowa.  

Learn about Maanya and other People You Should Know by subscribing to Iowa Department of Human Rights on YouTube.


Job Accommodation Training ADA

Are you looking to learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act, job accommodations, and other disability employment topics?  The Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a service of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy/ODEP is hosting the "JAN Accommodation and Compliance Webcast Series 2023".  

To register for upcoming sessions and learn more, please visit https://askjan.org/events/register/2023-webcast-series.cfm


MLK Virtual Celebration

In case you missed it, you can watch the 2023 Iowa Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Commemoration at https://www.facebook.com/iowadepthumanrights

2023 MLK Commemoration Video thumbnail

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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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