Resource Library

Crime & Violence
  • Violent Crime Statistics--FBI Uniform Crime Report (2013)
    • Includes violent crime, murder & non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, property crime, burglary, larceny/theft, and motor vehicle theft.
  • The Gun Report
    • Everyday anecdotes of gun violence across the United States, compiled by New York Times Op-Ed Columnist Joe Nocera 
  • The Innocence Project
    • National litigation and public policy organization that works to free people who have been wrongfully convicted. Methods used to accomplish goals include DNA testing and reforming the criminal justice system to reduce future wrongful convictions.
  • Raising Children to Resist Violence: What You Can Do--American Psychological Association
    • People learn aggressive behaviors early on in life. This general guide for parents and anyone  else who takes care of children offers tips on how to help children avoid developing violent behaviors.
  • Violent Crime Statistics--Bureau of Justice Statistics
    • Information on violent crime based on data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports.
  • Violent Crime Statistics--FBI Uniform Crime Report (2013)
    • Includes the raw data on violent crime, which includes offenses like murder & non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, and aggravated assault.

Environment
  • DeSmogBlog
    • A blog devoted to providing accurate information on climate change and debunking what it calls "the PR pollution that clouds climate science."
  • Energy--Iowa Economic Development
    • News, events, and information from the Iowa Economic Development Authority
  • Environment--IowaWatch
    • News on the environment in Iowa from the Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism
  • Environmental Protection Commission--Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources
    • The Environmental Protection Commission is a nine-member panel that provides policy oversight for Iowa's environmental protection efforts. The governor appoints members and they are confirmed by a vote in the Senate for four year terms.
  • Hazardous Substance Incident Tracking Database--Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources
    • An online database that lets the public see spill data in their communities, allow the DNR to track incidents, and lets parties responsible for an incident to submit information.
  • Nuclear Information and Resource Service
    • A national organization that seeks to connect people concerned about the effects of nuclear energy. It also organizes demonstrations and public education campaigns.
  • Yale Project on Climate Change Communication
    • The Yale Project studies public opinion and knowledge of climate change, develops strategies to engage the general public on climate change, and provides resources for educators to inform their audiences.

Human Rights

  • Amnesty International
    • An organization of activists and supporters who seek to end human rights abuses. "Our vision is for every person to enjoy all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards."
  • Human Rights Watch
    • A human rights advocacy group that investigates and reports on human rights abuses around the world.
  • Transparency International
    • A politically independent organization that seeks to free the world of corruption. It operates in over 100 countries, working locally and globally to expose corruption and hold perpetrators legally accountable.

 Democracy

  • American Civil Liberties Union
  • OpenSecrets.org--Center for Responsive Politics
    • Tracks political campaign contributions, the revolving door between government employees and lobbying and consultant firms, and the activities of lobbyists and special interest groups.
  • FollowTheMoney--National Institute on Money in State Politics
    • Provides a database on state-level political campaign donations and their influence on public policy.
  • Freedom House
    • An organization dedicated to the spread of freedom and democracy. Its research looks at political debate in the United States and the world through the lens of growing or declining freedom.
  • Project Vote Smart
    • A non-partisan organization that tracks elected officials' voting records, lists biographical and contact information, relationship with interest groups, public statements, and campaign finances.
  • The Sunlight Foundation
    • An organization that seeks to improve transparency by providing a number of interactive online tools and data to analyze government activities at the state, national, and international levels.
Local Organizations
  • Allamakee County Protectors
    • An organization of citizens concerned about the environment that is committed to fighting frac sand mining in Iowa.
  • AMOS: A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy
    • A nonpartisan organization that seeks to serve the common good through organized, collective action.
  • American Friends Service Committee--Des Moines Chapter
    • A Quaker organization that seeks to lessen violence by voicing opposition to war and fixing its root causes.
      • Iowa Peacebuilding Program
        • Educates Iowans on and supports peaceful solutions of international conflicts.
      • Iowa Immigrant Voice Program
        • Helps immigrants participate in U.S. politics and advocates for immigration reform by working with other central Iowa immigrant ally organization.
  • Catholic Peace Ministry
    • Independent organization, which pursues peace through prayer, discussion and action. Catholic Peace Ministry offers educational workshops, lobbies for nonviolent foreign policies and engages with ordinary people.
  • Catholic Worker House--Des Moines Chapter
    • An organization committed to simple, nonviolent living while working among the poor. The home is open for those who need basic necessities. It also participates in actions that support social justice.
  • Center for Active Nonviolence and Peacemaking
    • Operated by the Clinton chapter of the Sisters of St. Francis, the Center for Active Nonviolence and Peacemaking advocates for nonviolence, social justice and environmental protection.
  • Immigrant Allies of Marshalltown
    • Works with people from all backgrounds to embrace local diversity.
  • Interfaith Power & Light: A Religious Response to Global Warming
    • Responds to global warming by promoting of energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy. This campaign works to protect the ecosystems and ensure sustainable energy for all.
  • Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement
    • Helps unite people of all backgrounds to control their communities and advocates for social, environmental and economic justice.
  • Iowa City Foreign Relations Council
    • Hosts speakers from around the world to educate audiences on international issues.
  • Iowa Climate Advocates
    • Volunteer organization dedicated to educating others about the threat climate change poses and supporting policies that help slow or reverse the growth of greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Iowa Mediation Service
    • Nonprofit organization that helps resolve conflicts in areas ranging from banking to family problems to public policy.
  • Iowa Move to Amend
    • A local affiliate of the national organization, Move to Amend, which seeks to amend the U.S. Constitution to reverse the 2010 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which effectively allowed corporations to donate unlimited sums of money to election campaigns. Local chapters exist in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City.
  • Iowa River Friends
    • An organization committed to protecting, educating people about and recreationally enjoying the Iowa River watershed.
  • Iowa United Nations Association
    • Organization seeking to educate Iowans about the world through informational programs, humanitarian relief events, and celebrations of global connectedness.
  • Methodist Federation for Social Action--Iowa Chapter
    • Seeks to move the Methodist Church to be an inclusive, justice seeking, and risk taking Body of Christ in the world.
  • Nebraskans for Peace
    • Statewide organization working for peace through community building, education and political action.
  • Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center
    • Provides a location for education and networking. The organization helps promote peace, human rights and social and environmental justice.
  • Peace Education and Action Center of Eastern (PEACE) Iowa
    • Educates eastern Iowans on peace issues and facilitates collective action.
  • Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility
    • Exists to promote policies that protect our health from weapons of mass destruction, environmental degradation, and gun violence. It uses advocacy, research and education in its activities.
  • Veterans for Peace Des Moines Chapter, Iowa City Chapter, Linn County Chapter
    • International organization of veterans that educates the public about the causes of war, its costs and advocates ending wars.
  • Winneshiek County Protectors
    • Organization in Winneshiek County dedicated to protecting natural resources, defending the area's natural beauty, protecting infrastructure, and supporting the local tourism industry.
Social Justice
  • Sojourners: Faith in Action for Social Justice
    • A national Christian organization that focuses on mobilizing people of faith to work for social and racial justice, peace, environmental protection. Sojourners publishes a magazine and publishes stories on its website and blogs.
  • Coalition on Human Needs
    • National organization composed of various groups that cooperate to advocate for public policies that help poor and vulnerable populations in the United States.
     Immigration
     Poverty
  • Child Poverty Rates in Iowa 1969-2009--Iowa State University Dept. of Sociology
    • A report analyzing the growth of child poverty and its implications for the state.
  • Earned Income Tax Credit Q&A--Internal Revenue Service
    • Discusses eligibility to receive the earned income tax credit, which is directed toward workers with low to medium income.
  • Poverty Rates by County--U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service
    • Data from 2012.
  • Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates--U.S. Census Bureau
    • Information on median household income and poverty rates by state, county and school district.
  • Unprecedented Challenges for Iowa Kids--The Des Moines Register
    • A special, yearlong report about challenges that children in Iowa are facing and will face over the coming years relating to poverty, dropout rates, hunger and other issues.
Volunteer Service
  • AmeriCorps
    • Volunteer organization that serves others on a local, state and national level.
  • Brethren Volunteer Service
    • An organization dedicated to working toward peace and justice, serving others and caring for the earth. It is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren.
  • Peace Corps
    • Volunteers work with citizens of developing countries to achieve greater peace and prosperity.
War & Conflict
  • Churches for Middle East Peace
    • An organization that supports peaceful, comprehensive resolutions to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
  • Costs of War
    • A comprehensive report on the damage and implications of the the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Over 30 economists, anthropologists, lawyers, humanitarian personnel, and political scientists helped compile and continue to update it.
  • The Drone War--ProPublica
    • Investigations by a nonprofit American news organization that provides reports, statistics and other information on the U.S. Government's use of drones across the world.
  • Friends Committee on National Legislation
    • An organization that lobbies Congress to push for peace and justice.
  • Gaza Crisis--Al Jazeera English
    • The latest reporting and information on the crisis in Gaza.
  • Global Zero
    • An international organization that aims to eliminate all nuclear weapons by 2030 with a step-by-step nonproliferation plan.
  • International Crisis Group
    • Independent organization dedicated to preventing and resolving conflict around the world.
  • Iran Tensions--Al Jazeera English
    • The most recent stories about growing pressure between Iran and its rivals. 
  • Iraq Veterans Against the War
    • A group of Iraq veterans that works to end U.S. militarism by transforming themselves, military culture and U.S. society.
  • On Earth Peace
    • Provides trained professionals to help individuals, congregations, communities, and other groups grow in peace.
  • Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
    • An organization that works for peace and racial, economic, and social justice for everyone.
     Conscientious Objection
  • Call of Conscience
    • Website created by the Church of the Brethren to help youth develop their own beliefs about conscientious objection to war.
  • Center on Conscience and War
    • The Center on Conscience and War is a group of religious organizations that protects and extends the rights of conscientious objectors. 
  • Courage to Resist
    • Courage to Resist focuses on supporting GI resisters and providing them with political, emotional, and material support. It works with resisters and their families to raise funds for civilian legal representation and public education campaigns.
  • War Resisters Support Campaign
    • The War Resisters Support Campaign helps American troops who refused to take part in the Iraq War and sought asylum in Canada.
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