The AMOS Convention on Sunday, August 30 is almost here. I’m delighted to report that we have, as of this morning, 34 people from Collegiate/Wesley who have already committed to join in. That’s wonderful progress toward our goal of 60 of us showing up together!
That’s 34 of our goal of 60, more than halfway there! Woot!
Ready to join us? Here’s the sign-up link!
We wanted to share a bit of additional info that will be helpful, whether or not you’ve already signed up:
What is this event again?
On Sunday, August 30, from 3:00-5:00 pm, we’ll join nearly 1,000 people from AMOS member institutions across Iowa to celebrate 30 years of community organizing and to engage local, state, and national candidates around issues that emerged from conversations with nearly 2,000 Iowans earlier this year. Those priority issues include water quality, EMS response times, a Silver Alert (similar to Amber Alert, for vulnerable seniors), public education, and immigrant and refugee support.
Where is it?
It’s at the Horizon Event Center at 2100 NW 100th St. in Clive–not far from Living History Farms. There’s plenty of parking and there will be people to direct you to a registration table when you arrive. It’s an air-conditioned venue with ample bathrooms. Please plan to arrive with some time to spare to get settled.
What is our role?
Our Collegiate/Wesley delegation will be seated on the main floor alongside those coming from dozens of other churches and community organizations. Each group, including ours, will have an assigned seating area–hence the importance of knowing our numbers! When you reach your seat, you’ll be handed a piece of rainbow-striped fabric, a simple “stole,” that we’ll each drape around our necks to visibly identify us as a group. If you have a Collegiate/Wesley t-shirt, it would be great if you’d wear it!
You won’t be expected to speak publicly, tell your story, or engage individually with political leaders. Simply by showing up, you’ll help demonstrate what organized communities can accomplish when they work together.
What about transportation?
There’s an Ames bus! It will depart from Ames UCC, 217 6th St., at 1:30 pm, and arrive back by about 6:30 pm. This is a great option for those who’d prefer not to drive–plus your check-in will be managed on the bus so you can go straight to your place in the venue upon arrival. The bus has its own registration; click here to reserve your seat!
We’re expecting more attendees from Ames than the number of seats on the bus, so if you’re interested in car pooling–either because you’re willing to fill the car you’re driving, or because you’d prefer not to drive yourself–please plan to arrive at Ames UCC before 1:30 pm and we’ll get folks connected, or invite folks to fill any empty seats on the bus. There’s parking east of Ames UCC in the lot just north of the Ames Public Library (free because it’s Sunday), or on street in that vicinity.
Is this a family-friendly event?
We are encouraging attendance by our middle school and high school youth! Many of our middle and high school youth participated in our Circle Conversations last winter. They reminded us that young people know they have a stake in the future of their communities—and that their voices matter. Our Children, Youth & Families director, Lauren Loonsfoot, is hoping we can fill the Collegiate/Wesley bus with this age group, and some of their parents/family members. She’ll be in touch with families to make these arrangements. (But still, please, go ahead and sign yourselves up!
Child care for younger children is available during this event at Ames UCC, with trained, screened child care workers. If you’re interested in child care, please be in touch with Jordan in our church office, 515/292-6936 or jordan@cwames.org and she’ll gather and pass along the needed information.
Still have questions?
Please be in touch with Pastor Lee (lee@cwames.org) or 515/423-0771 (cell, incl. text). Or simply ask one of the folks who’s wearing a “I’m IN” sticker on Sunday morning, and see what they can tell you.
One more thing: On Sunday, August 23, we’ll take a moment during worship to recognize and bless those who are participating before we head to Clive the following Sunday. It will be a joy to celebrate everyone who is able to be part of this day.
In June, Pastor Lee wrote that this event on August 30 is about us “practicing being the people we claim to be.” Do take a look back at that Weekly Word if you need a little encouragement. Whatever policies emerge from this work, showing up together is itself an act of discipleship. It’s one way we embody our commitment to the flourishing of our neighbors and to the common good.
If you’ve been thinking about coming, this is a great time to sign up. How cool will it be when 60 of us show up together as Collegiate/Wesley on August 30!
