Letter to the Editor: Northeast Iowa Indivisible Chapter

To the Editor:

“…indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

These recognizable words capture the spirit and intent of the Northeast Iowa Indivisible Chapter.

Our goal is to unify, not divide, by bringing Northeast Iowans together to address our common challenges, including those that have increased as a result of the last election cycle. We aim to support citizenship by providing opportunities for NE Iowans to more fully engage in the democratic process, a process in which complacency has real consequences. Our focus is local, local participants are responsible for developing initiatives to engage with our local community and with our Northeast Iowa legislators. The chapter is headquartered in Decorah but serves the broader northeast Iowa region. We are a diverse, non-partisan group; your ideas and participation are welcome.

During a recent meeting, participants broke into small groups to brainstorm the American values and ideals that our local chapter felt most critical to uphold. The following emerged: respect, compassion, equality, diversity, truth, integrity, and responsibility. In the context of these values, we have thus far chosen to prioritize a number of issues: health care rights for all; facts, a free press, and a critically-thinking, informed citizenry; science-based legislation; public education; environmental protection, sustainability, and clean water; separation of church and state; the welcoming of all viewpoints; protection of the vulnerable; and human rights for all, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+, and people of all religious traditions.

The two most prominent values that repeatedly surfaced were: RESPECT and COMPASSION. We believe these values are what make America great. We welcome all who are interested in upholding these values to join our local, growing, and enthusiastic Indivisible movement. Our members, many of whom are engaging for the first time, have found reward in taking ownership in the democratic process, knowing that their voices matter in the ongoing state and federal legislation that will continue to substantially impact the daily lives of Northeast Iowans. Join us! Find our group on Facebook “Indivisible Northeast Iowa (SD28/HD55) - March Where You Live”, or email the group at indivisibleneiowa@gmail.com.

Emily Mineart
Indivisible Northeast Iowa