“Move Your Heart, Mind and Body” at the Equity & Justice Symposium Series

The Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commissions annual symposium is taking a new format this year. The Equity & Justice Symposium Series will offer Greater Des Moines (DSM) residents five unique and free opportunities to connect and learn about social justice and equity issues. By providing multiple events at various times, locations and for more age groups, the Equity & Justice Symposium Series aims to increase access for more residents to participate and engage in these meaningful and impactful activities and discussions.

About the Equity & Justice Symposium Series

This year’s theme, “Move Your Heart, Mind and Body,” is intended to be more experiential and empathy-driven. We are partnering with the Des Moines Art Center, Mindspring Mental Health Alliance and Can Play to curate sessions that encourage movement — whether physically moving the body, exercising the mind or sparking an emotional reaction. Below is a description of each opportunity to learn more:

“In Loving Memory” Gallery Talk with b. Robert Moore
Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 at 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.

“Raising Awareness Through Experience” Adapted Simulated Recreation Activities
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at 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.

“Move Your Mind” The Hearing Voices Simulation
Session 1: Tuesday Oct. 22, 2024 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Polk County River Place
Session 2: Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 from 10 a.m. – Noon at East Side Library

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.

“Art For All” Social Equity Participatory Walk for Families
Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 11 a.m. to Noon 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 their museum learning and engagement manager, Mia Buch. This fun and engaging event invites adults and their little ones to explore themes of equity and identity through playful activities in our galleries. Together, participants will 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.

Space for each event is limited, so registration is required in advance. To register, visit dsm.city/SymposiumSeries.

Des Moines Civil & Human Rights is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at HumanRights@dmgov.org or call (515) 283-4284 at least seven days prior to the date of the event.

In addition to the Symposium Series, the Civil & Human Rights Commission will be seeking nominations for the annual Equity & Justice Awards, which honors local leaders, activists and organizations located in Polk County, Iowa. We are proud to work with Artforce Iowa to design and create the awards. Nominations will be open now through Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. More information about the awards can be found here.

From Pride to Juneteenth to the Latino Heritage Festival, big, inclusive events are par for the course in Greater Des Moines (DSM). But there are smaller events celebrating diversity here, too. Attend one of the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Multicultural Receptions, an event celebrating veterans or a sensory-friendly event in the region. Learn more here.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.