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The Lens - July 2025
City of Iowa City sent this bulletin at 07/14/2025 10:00 AM CDT
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July 2025 |
The Lens is the City’s bimonthly newsletter to expand conversations on access, belonging, and
engagement.
Upcoming Webinar: Exploring the Power of Restorative
Justice
*The views and opinions expressed during The Lens Webinar Series are those of the presenter
and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Office or the City of Iowa City.
Join us on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, from noon to 1:00 p.m. (CT) for an upcoming webinar that
delves into the transformative potential of Restorative Justice (RJ). Participants will hear real life case
accounts where RJ principles are actively applied, including powerful stories of restorative encounters
between those harmed and those responsible - drawing focus on how these meaningful meetings can
foster healing and understanding.
The program will highlight the lasting impact of RJ, showing how these processes bring life-changing
effects not only to the individuals involved, but also to their families, law enforcement, and entire
communities. These stories emphasize the potential of restorative approaches to foster genuine
accountability and repair.
Beyond individual cases, the webinar will explore how RJ practices can humanize and reshape the
U.S. criminal justice system from the ground up, moving away from purely punitive models toward
those centered on healing and community restoration.
About the Presenter:
With nearly 20 years as an elected prosecuting attorney, Gerald Partridge brings deep legal expertise
and a powerful voice for restorative justice. A graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law, he has
co-authored three books on police science and educated law enforcement professionals in 38 states.
Partridge also leads a monthly RJ webinar series, serves as a longtime prison volunteer, and is the
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founder of a distance learning platform serving 45,000+ public safety professionals across North
America.
How to Register
To secure your spot for the Aug. 27 webinar, please register via Zoom.
Be Part of Something Impactful - Apply Today!
Are you a creative thinker with a passion for visual storytelling and community impact? Join our team
as an Hourly Communications Assistant and bring your skills to life in support of human rights and
public engagement.
Responsibilities include designing compelling graphics for both print and digital platforms; supporting
video production, photography, and writing projects; and assisting in managing social media and
website content. The position also involves providing logistical support for monthly commission
meetings and contributing to the production of The Lens newsletter. Additionally, the role focuses on
initiatives advancing human rights. This is an excellent opportunity to build a professional portfolio
while making a meaningful contribution to the community.
Application deadline: Aug. 4, 2025
Learn more and apply: www.icgov.org/jobs
City Council Approves Human Rights Grants to 11 Iowa City
Organizations
Iowa City’s commitment to advancing human rights took a major step forward this month as the City
Council on July 8 approved funding for 11 local organizations through the Human Rights Grant
Program. The recipients are Bike Library, Community Inclusion Club, The Dream Center, Escucha Mi
Voz, Greater Iowa City, Inc., Great Plains Action Society, Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson
County, Mogul Consulting, Open Heartland, Restorative Community Works, and the Wright House of
Fashion.
The grant application period was open from March 1 to April 1, 2025. Projects selected for funding
align with at least one of the grant’s core goals: building the capacity to organize communities around
human rights, strengthening the ability to mobilize community support for human rights, and educating
the public on human rights issues, including through forums and public events.
These investments reflect the City’s ongoing dedication to fostering a more informed and engaged
community.
Join Human Rights Commissioners for Party in the Park
Come connect with Human Rights Commissioners during Iowa City’s Party in the Park series!
Commissioners will be tabling at:
Willow Creek Park, 1117 Teg Drive, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Thursday, July 24
Frauenholtz-Miller Park, 4329 St. Patrick Drive, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Thursday, July 31
These family-friendly events are a great opportunity to gather with neighbors, enjoy live music,
participate in outdoor activities, and visit the ICPL Bookmobile. The Party in the Park series runs
Thursdays from 6:30 – 8 p.m., June 12 through Aug. 14, at various city parks.
These events are open to the public. If you need disability-related accommodations to participate,
please contact Malory Smysor, Recreation Supervisor of Adaptive/Inclusive Recreation & Outreach, at
MSmysor@iowa-city.org.
Commissioners Out and About
(L-R) Commissioners Viana Qadoura and Liz Mendez-Shannon participate in NAMIWalk held on May
10, 2025.
Commissioners Viana Qadoura and Liz Mendez-Shannon joined community members at this year’s
NAMIWalks, showing their support for mental health awareness and advocacy. Their participation
underscores the commission’s ongoing commitment to promoting mental wellness and reducing
stigma in our community.
(L-R) Commissioners Viana Qadoura, Liz Mendez-Shannon, Mark Pries, Roger Lusala, Kelsey Paul
Shantz, Douglas Kollasch, and Mayor Bruce Teague at the Commission’s annual Youth Human Rights
Awards Ceremony on May 21, 2025.
The Youth Human Rights Awards ceremony recognized young changemakers for their efforts in
advocacy, volunteerism, and creating positive change in their schools and neighborhoods. Mayor
Teague’s participation underscores the City’s strong support for empowering youth and uplifting the
next generation of community leaders.
(L-R) Past Commissioner Bijou Maliabo and Neema Ash at the 2025 UNA-USA Advocacy Summit on
June 23, 2025.
Past commissioner and community activist Bijou Maliabo and her daughter Neema Ash, who will begin
her studies at Iowa State University this fall, attended the 2025 UNA-USA Advocacy Summit. Their
presence highlights a continued legacy of civic engagement and intergenerational leadership in
advancing human rights.
(L-R) Commissioners Douglas Kollasch, Emily Harkin, and Liz Mendez-Shannon celebrate at Iowa
City Pride on June 21, 2025.
Commissioners Douglas Kollasch, Emily Harkin, and Liz Mendez-Shannon joined the festivities at
Iowa City Pride, showing support for the LGBTQ+ community. Their participation reflects the
commission’s ongoing commitment to human rights and dignity for all.
Questions or accommodations
If you have questions or need disability-related accommodations to participate in any of our programs,
contact the office at 319-356-5022 or humanrights@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly
encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Questions?
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