The Lens is the City’s newsletter to expand conversations on equity, inclusion, belonging, and access.
Area youth honored at 21st Annual Youth Human Rights Awards Ceremony
The Human Rights Commission recognized 25 area youth at its 21st Annual Youth Human Rights Award dinner. Mayor Bruce Teague delivered brief remarks to the recipients in recognition of them being honored. Watch the video recording on YouTube!
Request a Speaker or Fair Housing Training
The office is available to deliver a presentation on how to file a complaint of discrimination, Iowa’s Early Civil Rights History and Legacy, or a Fair Housing Training. Visit our website to fill out the form. This opportunity is open to Iowa City businesses or organizations, and housing providers.
Join the Iowa City Senior Center for a Soul Train Dance Party
Get ready to groove at the Soul Train Dance Party, set to light up the Iowa City Senior Center (ICSC) from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024.
Hosted by the one and only ICSC Original Mature Groovers, this dance party promises an evening of non-stop fun and funky beats. This event is for everyone! DJ BigDaddyHD will be spinning the hottest tunes from Soul Train while you showcase your best dance moves on the floor. Light refreshments will keep you energized so you can dance the night away. Don't forget to dress to impress in outfits inspired by the legendary "Soul Train" TV show – the more groovy, the better! Experience a blast from the past with a modern twist at the Soul Train Dance Party in Iowa City!
Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online or at the door. For more information, contact the ICSC at 319-356-5220. Join us for a night of nostalgia, music, and community vibes at the Soul Train Dance Party!
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend ICSC-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires accommodation in order to participate, please contact the ICSC in advance at srcenter@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5220.
July Lens Program (in Person) - Disability and Fair Housing Training
About the program
Fair housing remains a critical issue nationwide, particularly for individuals with disabilities who often face barriers to finding suitable housing that meets their unique needs. Discriminatory practices can include inaccessible buildings, unreasonable rental policies, or lack of reasonable accommodations, all of which can significantly impact the ability of persons with disabilities to secure safe and affordable housing.
This fair housing training will empower tenants with a disability to become more knowledgeable on Iowa City's Fair Housing Ordinance and how to file a fair housing complaint with the City's Office of Equity and Human Rights.
About the presenter
Kristin Watson is the Investigator for the Iowa City Department of Equity and Human Rights. She investigates complaints of discrimination and assists with programming and equity initiatives.
Kristin has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and History from the University of Wisconsin and a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School.
Kristin is a nomad, having lived in six U.S. states and one foreign country (Denmark); studied at University of Queensland School of Law in Brisbane, Australia; and visited 39 US states and 20 countries.
How to register
Register by visiting our event webpage, calling 319-356-5022, or emailing humanrights@iowa-city.org to reserve a spot. The event will be held in Emma J. Harvat Hall at City Hall.Registration is limited to the first 40 sign-ups. A lunch will be provided to attendees. The program will be recorded for future viewing.
Accommodations
If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this event, please call 319-356-5022 or email humanrights@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Watch Past Lens Webinars
If you missed one of our monthly webinars, you can view the video recordings by visiting the City Channel 4 YouTube page.
Inclusive Leadership
One sign of a good leader is someone who knows their teammates beyond the roles they serve. Getting to know your employees or teammates will allow you to understand their needs and what drives them toward success. According to Thais Compoint, a consultant specializing in inclusion and diversity, a good leader is someone who is curious about the people on their team, is aware of their own impact on others, and is able to adapt to people’s different needs.
Someone who is curious will listen, observe, and ask appropriate questions in order to connect with people. The best way to get people to be comfortable with your curiosity is to share about yourself. When you share about yourself you inspire others to do the same while simultaneously building trust. As employees realize their leader cares about them, and remembers the small things, they are more likely to commit to the project at hand, leading to a successful outcome.
Another important attribute of a good leader is someone who is aware of how their actions, or lack thereof, impact others. Thais Compoint states “To be aware of your own impact on others, you should first be aware of your own style and preferences. And then you should ask for feedback.” By asking for feedback, you are better able to understand and provide for your team members’ needs and preferences leading to a more productive work environment overall.
By being an empathetic leader, you show those on your team you care and see them as people beyond the role they are serving. Showing curiosity, awareness, and adaptability towards your team members allows you to navigate through differences smoothly and leads to success for both you and your team.
Still time to volunteer for the Human Rights Commission!
Applicants must be at least 18 and reside in Iowa City. Visit this site to apply. Applications must be received by 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Further inquiries on the Human Rights Commission can be directed to Stefanie Bowers at 319-356-5022 or sbowers@iowa-city.org.
Human Rights Commissioners Out and About
Commissioners Pries, Quadara, and Mendez-Shannon held a meet-and-greet on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Iowa City Public Library.
