Judicatory leaders from across Iowa lead AMOS in prayer at November 1, 2009 Issues Summit.  Congressman Leonard Boswell addresses AMOS leaders at 2009 summit.

What Does AMOS Do?

• AMOS, an affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation is distinguished from other community-based organizations in its commitment to the IRON RULE:"NEVER DO FOR OTHERS WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR THEMSELVES."  AMOS believes in the inherent dignity of each person, and the iron rule affirms this dignity, believing in every person's  ability to act.  AMOS seeks to channel individual action into a responsible and powerfully-organized force.   Through face-to-face, one-on-one meetings, AMOS members build relationships with members of their communities.  In the process, they cut through divisions such as race, religion, and socioeconomic status, and discover the passion and concerns that unite us all.

• AMOS pursues an agenda with multiple issues and responds to the concerns and pressures people feel. These concerns and pressures are identified through hundreds of small-group conversations, and are then explored in depth by investigative issue teams who research the facts and develop possible solutions to the problems.

• AMOS then acts publicly, bringing the power of organized people to decision-makers to implement the AMOS agenda.  Through this three-step process, hundreds of people re-enter public life and reclaim responsibility for their future here in central Iowa.

Click on the following link to view a short, 3 minute video about AMOS: www.youtube.com/watch

Current AMOS Issues

The issues that emerge out of AMOS's intensive, bottom - up, listening process form the "AMOS Agenda." The current issues teams are

• Building Community
• Criminal Justice
• Economic Justice
• Mental Healthcare
• Immigration
• Workforce Development
• Environmental Justice
• Youth and Education

How To Become Involved in AMOS

AMOS is an organization of institutions and membership in AMOS is open to any institution in central Iowa that shares our commitment to the re-creation of community and the common good.  You can check our list of current institutions to see if your church, synagogue or group is already a member.  If not you can participate in one of the monthly AMOS cluster meetings or any of the issue team meetings of AMOS to learn more. 
 
Contact us if you have questions or an interest.  You can contact the person listed on the members page of the institution of your choice or an issue team leader listed on our issues page or our Lead Organizer, Paul Turner at amosipl@gmail.com or by phone at 515-554-3433 to discuss any questions or interests you may have.