- Our January “First Sunday” collection recipient will be CultureAll.
(Note: Due to the New Year’s holiday, the presentation for this collection has been moved to the January 8 worship service.)
What is CultureALL?
A local nonprofit that values the cultures of our community. CultureALL believes that
sharing the cultural richness of our community with others will elevate our society and
the quality of life for all. When Iowans PARTICIPATE in cultural traditions, we begin to
APPRECIATE the diversity around us. The experiences ELEVATE our attitudes and
behaviors to be more accepting and able to bridge differences.
What is Open Book?
CultureALL trains local people to become “Books” by helping them craft seven-ten
minute stories that are shared with a small group. These stories come from the lived
experiences of the Books. After the stories are shared, the Books facilitate a dialogue
with the participants. Story sharing makes space for listeners to embrace more robust
and complete narratives about others and about themselves. CultureALL works with
community organizations/businesses to find space for the Books to share their stories.
Where does DMIEC come in?
Donations from DMIEC will provide funding for Open Book training at Corinthian
Baptist Church for 10 people to become Books. The Books would also be trained as
facilitators to guide conversation about topics that arise from an honest conversation
about Black heritage in our community. Open Book could shine a light on a church
community that has been in Iowa almost 125 years. Stories may focus on experiences of
racism, family heritage, faith and culture. These stories would both honor differences
and highlight our shared humanity. Books would be paid for the training and for the
story-sharing at the churches from DMIEC funding.
How will this project enrich the community?
Corinthian Open Books will share their stories with three churches: DMIEC, Plymouth
Congregational Church and the Unitarian Universalist Church. The newly trained Books
would also be added to CultureALL’s Open Book catalog and would enhance our
programming in schools, other churches in the community, libraries, businesses and
community events.
Want to know more or have questions? Check out their website
CHECKS SHOULD BE MAILED TO:
DMIEC, P.O. Box 30065, Des Moines, IA 50310
Checks can be written either to “CultureALL” or “DMIEC” with “First Sunday” in the memo line.
We would prefer that all checks be mailed to DMIEC. If you mail your check directly to the organization, please inform Ed Arnold of the amount, if you feel comfortable, so the Social Justice Committee can get an accurate count of donations.
