City of Des Moines, IA
09/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2024 08:43
Des Moines Civil & Human Rights Commission Announces Equity and Justice Symposium Series
Press Release
Des Moines, Iowa- Tuesday, September 17, 2024 - The Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Department's annual symposium is taking a new format in 2024.
This fall, Des Moines residents will have five unique and free opportunities to learn about opportunities to connect and discuss a variety of experiences centered on issues of social justice and equity as a part of the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Department's Equity and Justice Symposium Series. The theme of this year's events is "Move Your Heart, Mind and Body."
"We are excited to advance the conversations in our community with the Equity and Justice Symposium Series," Des Moines Civil and Human Rights interim director Manisha Paudel said. "The variety of events were chosen to provide a multiple types of learning opportunities on issues affecting different members of our community- including starting discussions about justice and equity with our youth."
During the months of October and November, there are events presented in different parts of our community, in partnership with the Des Moines Art Center, Mindspring Mental Health Alliance and Can Play.
"We can't wait to see our community members experience these events and stimulate meaningful and intentional conversations on how inequities and unjust practices affect Des Moines," Paudel said.
Each of this year's Justice and Equity Symposium events are free of charge but do require advanced registration as capacity is limited.
"In Loving Memory" Gallery Talk with b. Robert Moore
Thursday, October 3, 5:30 p.m. at the Des Moines Art Center
Des Moines artist b. Robert Moore's exhibition "In Loving Memory" has drawn rave reviews from visitors to the Des Moines Art Center. Moore is excited to be a part of the Civil and Human Rights' inaugural Equity and Justice Symposium Series by offering a tour of his exhibition followed by an intimate discussion sharing his personal journey becoming an artist later in life, and delving deep into the stories and inspiration of his work.
Moore's artwork presents themes of Black life, its hidden figures, and heroes. By challenging conventional archetypes associated with the city and beyond, Moore's exhibition offers a profound exploration of family and identity through the unique perspective of an Iowa native.
This event is free, but advanced registration is required.
"Move Your Mind" The Hearing Voices Simulation
Session 1: Tuesday October 22, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Polk County River Place
Session 2: Saturday, November 2, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at East Side Library
"Raising Awareness Through Experience" Adapted Simulated Recreation Activities
Saturday, October 19, 10 a.m. at Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center
Adapted simulated recreation activities provide participants with the opportunity to experience sports and recreational activities from the perspective of individuals with disabilities. These activities, such as wheelchair basketball, visually impaired obstacle courses and other activities are designed to raise awareness, promote empathy, and foster understanding about the challenges and strengths of people with disabilities. By engaging in these simulated experiences, participants gain a deeper appreciation for adaptive sports and the importance of creating inclusive, accessible recreational opportunities for all.
This event is free, but advanced registration is required.
The Hearing Voices Simulation is an empathy-building experience from Mindspring Mental Health Alliance that helps participants understand the challenges and strengths of people who experience psychosis or schizophrenia.
Participants will listen to distressing voices in a simulated experience while completing a series of tasks, such as taking a mental status exam in a mock emergency room. Participants will be led through a discussion before and after the simulation to offer opportunities to learn and reflect.
Participants must be 18 to participate and will be required to sign a consent form. We ask that individuals who hear voices do not participate in this simulation.
This event is free, but advanced registration is required.
"Art For All" Social Equity Participatory Walk for Families
Saturday, November 9, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m at the Des Moines Art Center
Art fosters empathy, helping us appreciate and value diverse perspectives and experiences. Join us for a family-friendly interactive tour at the Art Center, led by our museum learning and engagement manager, Mia Buch. This fun and engaging event invites you and your little ones to explore themes of equity and identity through playful activities in our galleries. Together, we'll discover how art can inspire all of us to help create to a more just and inclusive world. This 60-minute free program is best suited for youth 6-10 years of age with adult companions.
This event is free, but advanced registration is required.
The Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Department is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Civil and Human Rights Department at the e-mail and phone number listed below. All requests must be made at least seven days prior to the date of the event. We will attempt to implement late requests but cannot guarantee they will be met.