A model of civic engagement

Whatever your political slant, few would deny that civic engagement is Sen. Tom Harkin's life and he lived his public life to serve Iowans.

It is fitting that the Harkin Institute, newly housed at Drake University, has as one of its objectives citizen engagement. This is not about getting Iowans to run for office. It is about getting us to step up, become involved and be engaged citizens.

When you see something wrong in your neighborhood, is it not your responsibility to make it better? If a public policy is insufficient, shouldn't citizens become engaged in the process to advocate a change?

Learn more about civic engagement and the Harkin Institute at the Intersections luncheon, a project of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa. Marsha Ternus of the Harkin Institute will speak at 11:45 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, 310 Fifth St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Cost is $10. Reservations required. Call (319) 364-6148 or email crintersections@interfaithallianceiowa.org.

Connie Ryan Terrell

Executive Director

Interfaith Alliance of Iowa