Status Date: 9/24/2010

Purposes:

• Reduce the tensions perceived to arise out of persons coming to Ames whose racial and economic backgrounds differ from those of the majority of community residents;
• Involve recent newcomers in the Ames community;
• Build communication and community action networks that incorporate both newcomers and long-time residents in community problem-solving; 
• Extend public transportation accessibility to Ames residents of all income levels.

Current Action Steps:

• Interview persons who have worked to reduce community tensions over the past two years to determine steps already taken and the success thereof;
• Starting with community faith groups, work on lines of communication to develop trust among the various racial and socio-economic groups in the community; 
• Co-ordinate with racial/economic intergroup communication training;
• Facilitate the creation of a sports equipment exchange for k-12 students;
• Work with school principals to take part in National Mix it Up at Lunch day sponsored by the Southern Poverty Law Center (informal activities, particularly seating at lunch, with students in groups other than the one with which you identify) in the Ames Middle and Senior High schools;
• Work with other interested groups in assessing and addressing accessible housing in Ames;
• Work on free or reduced fares on public transportation for people who have low income or are differently abled;
• Survey residents between the high school and the aquatic center to determine the interest in having sidewalks in the area.

Contact People:

         Heather Withers: e-mail hwithers@iowatelecom.net

         Mary Richards: e-mail maryrich@isunet.net