GREATER DES MOINES, IA (October 8, 2020) – Capital Crossroads, the organization driving our region’s strategic vision plan, is excited to announce the launch of the Events 4 Equity calendar. The calendar is available on the Capital Crossroad’s website.

The Events 4 Equity calendar features a variety of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)-related events happening throughout the Greater Des Moines region. Events featured on the calendar are informational, educational and/or informative in nature, and are open to all residents, workers and visitors of the region.

“The Events 4 Equity calendar will be a go-to resource for our region as we seek to learn through events and community conversations focused on racial equity, diversity and inclusion,” said Kristi Knous, Co-Chair of Capital Crossroads and President of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. “The Events 4 Equity calendar strives to encompass a variety of cultural and educational events that celebrate diversity and provide opportunities to learn about equity within our region.”

The idea for the calendar was born out of discussion in meetings between community leaders and organizations that came together to find opportunities for the region to celebrate and share diversity, equity and inclusion-related events. Capital Crossroads, through community conversations and the work of the Social Capital, recognizes that there is more to be done to lift up, elevate and engage in diverse experiences that challenge us all to live out the vision of our region to be one that stands for equity.

“We are excited to share One Iowa’s work with the Events 4 Equity Calendar alongside other amazing organizations in the community that are doing important work to make Des Moines a more inclusive and welcoming place for all,” said Courtney Reyes (she/her), Executive Director of One Iowa.

Capital Crossroads is proud to host the Events 4 Equity calendar on behalf of the robust diversity, equity and inclusion efforts taking place in our community. This community resource builds upon Capital Crossroad’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through the Social Capital. The Social Capital has developed the 4 Equity Tool as an opportunity for organizations and businesses to invite critical questions to ensure the diversity of our community is reflected at points of decision making. The 4 Equity Tool can be found here.

“We’re working to build on all the work the Social Capital and other organizations have done to make our region a more equitable place to live and work,” said Izaah Knox, Chair of the Social Capital and Executive Director of Urban Dreams. “Our region is just starting to consider what moving beyond diversity and into racial equity really means and could look like. This calendar is another piece of the puzzle to do just that.”

To submit an event for consideration on the calendar, individuals and organizations can use the “Submit an Event” button on the Capital Crossroads Events 4 Equity page linked here.

 

About Capital Crossroads

Capital Crossroads is a bold but achievable vision pushing Central Iowans to dream big, not settle for good enough, think long term, and work together. Capital Crossroads brings together nearly 700 community volunteers to meet the challenges of the future while building on our past successes. It is in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Prairie Meadows, Catch Des Moines and the United Way of Central Iowa.