Diversity Resource links

African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa
Preserves, promotes, publicizes and educates the public on the heritage of African Americans in Iowa.

Iowa Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a holiday in the United States honoring African American heritage by commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in 1865.

I Will Make Me A World In Iowa
I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa is a diverse collaboration of Iowans, which highlights African-American arts, culture and contributions through education, awareness and preservation during an annual enrichment celebration and with continual educational outreach.

Iowa Commission on the Status of African Americans
The commission reports on the status of Iowans of African-American descent to consider, review, and recommend programs, services, policies, legislation and administrative rules that will improve the quality of life for Iowa's African-American population.

Commission on the Status of Iowans of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage
The commission advises the governor and the general assembly in order to empower Asians and Pacific Islanders, improve their well being, and celebrate a diverse Iowa.

Iowa Asian Alliance
Iowa Asian Alliance (IAA) is a nonprofit organization of Asian American business, community, and civic leaders to forge cultural and economic growth.

Culture Inc.
Culture develops Des Moines-area youth into balanced, productive leaders, exposing participants to cultural diversity and building confidence through accomplishments.

Iowa Commission on the Status of Women
The Commission is a state agency that seeks to assure equality for Iowa women, working to equalize women's opportunities and to promote full participation by women in the economic, political, and social life of the state.

State Data Center of Iowa
State Data Center of Iowa is a complete source for population, housing, business and government statistics about Iowa, including data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Iowa state agencies, and other state and federal sources.

Young Professionals Connection
YPC's mission is to promote an environment that attracts and retains young professionals in Greater Des Moines. Our efforts focus on connecting YP's to each other and to the community through social, civic, charitable, & professional development endeavors.

Division of Latino Affairs
Originally established as the governor’s Spanish-speaking task force through legislative action in April 1974, the division now oversees the state’s Translator and Interpreter Program.

Hispanic Educational Resources
HER is a Latino learning academy specializing in bilingual, culturally affirming educational programming and experiences for children and their families.

Iowa Interpreters and Translators Association
IITA serves Iowa’s linguistically diverse community through education, training, and promotion of the translation and interpretation professions.  

Latino Resources – Latino Heritage Festival
Latino Resources, Inc. is a non-profit entity that was developed to serve as the umbrella to the Latino Heritage Festival of Iowa.

Latinos Unidos
Latinos Unidos is a non-profit organization promoting a united Latino community, positive change and achievement.

L.U.N.A. - Latinas Unidas por un Nuevo Amanecer
L.U.N.A’s mission is to assist and empower the women of our community to achieve goals of emotional, physical, and economic survival so that they may build futures free from violence.

Iowa Department of Human Services  – Bureau of Refugee Services 
A part of the U.S. Refugee Program, helping those who were forced to leave their homes and their countries with very few of their own possessions to resettle and start life anew in a strange new land.

Lutheran Services in Iowa – Refugee Resettlement
Refugee Cooperative Services (RCS) provides initial resettlement services for refugees who have fled their country for fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, political opinion or social group.

New Iowan Center Des Moines
These centers offer workforce development services to persons who have recently moved to Iowa and are seeking employment.

The American Immigration Law Foundation
(AILF) was established in 1987 as a tax-exempt, not-for-profit educational, charitable organization dedicated to increasing public understanding of immigration law and policy and the value of immigration to American society.

Iowa Commission on the Status of Women
The Commission is a state agency that seeks to assure equality for Iowa women, working to equalize women's opportunities and to promote full participation by women in the economic, political, and social life of the state.

Iowa Department of Human Rights
The Iowa Department of Human Rights strives to ensure that every Iowan is equally protected and respected.

Iowa Safe Schools
Since 2002, the GLBT Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force has worked to put together evidence of the problem in Iowa schools, resources for parents, communities and schools, and increased awareness in multiple venues.

One Iowa
One Iowa works for GLBT equality in Iowa through voter identification, grassroots organizing and educational events.

Women's Cultural Collaborative
The Women’s Cultural Collective is an Iowa women’s organization which seeks to promote community building and to provide a safe atmosphere for lesbians.

Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
This agency gains and maintains employer support for Guard and Reserve service members by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts.

Deaf Services Commission of Iowa
The commission serves, represents, and encourages a greater understanding of deaf and hard of gearing individuals across the state. Services include advocacy and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, community development and serving as an information clearinghouse and referral source.

Division of Persons with Disabilities
The Division exists to promote the employment of Iowans with disabilities and reduce barriers to employment by providing information, referral, assessment and guidance, training, and negotiation services to employers and citizens with disabilities.

Easter Seals
Provides services and support for people with disabilities or special needs and their families throughout their lifespan.

Employer Disability Resource Network
The network is a complete source for the recruitment and retention of employees with disabilities.

Iowa Department of the Blind
The Department offers specialized, integrated services that blind and severely visually impaired Iowans need to live independently and work competitively.

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services works for and with individuals who have disabilities to achieve their employment, independence and economic goals.

Des Moines Area Religious Council

The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) is an interfaith organization that exists to provide a common means of responding to basic human needs while serving as a liaison between member congregations and the greater Des Moines community.

Lutheran Services in Iowa – Refugee Resettlement
Refugee Cooperative Services (RCS) provides initial resettlement services for refugees who have fled their country for fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, political opinion or social group.