116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
#NotToBrag Iowans, but let’s share the good stuff
It's time to brag, Iowa. The latest awareness campaign from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs boils down to pride. We believe every city and town will benefit.
The #NotToBrag social media initiative is asking Iowans to share stories and highlight cultural and historic attractions unique to their communities.
We're excited to listen in as Iowans showcase their points of pride.
To get the ball rolling, the Department of Cultural Affairs has produced a video featuring a handful of the state's more well-known residents and places. Corridor residents and attractions like the University of Iowa Writer's Workshop, the Mother Mosque and Grant Wood's Carriage House have starring roles.
'We've really wanted to give Iowans a license to brag,” department spokesman Michael Morain told Gazette reporter Alison Gowans.
Combined with the Iowa Culture app launched last year, this social media campaign offers visitors, new residents and younger Iowans an opportunity to learn about the hidden pieces of history and culture that surround them. And, with more than 3,500 sites already in the app and the added bonus of crowdsourcing more content, long-term residents should learn something new too.
Your parents probably raised you to be humble, but taking pride in our communities can be contagious and beneficial. Hometown pride is a cornerstone of local economic development and community improvement.
Even as we work to improve, it's important to recognize the many people, activities and assets that make our communities great places to live. It's how we come together and forge strong community bonds. It motivates us to work for an even better future.
And, yes, showing off what you find special about your part of the state is fun.
So, #NotToBrag, but Iowans are well-known for their practicality. Experience has taught state residents that bottom-up development works best over the long term. Take this chance to build on that knowledge.
What unique aspect of Iowa will you promote? What makes your town great?
Snap a photo. Shoot some video. Don a costume, if you want. Compose a poem, or maybe a song.
However the spirit moves you, it's time to express your pride, fellow Iowans. Let's share the good stuff.
' Comments: (319) 398-8469; editorial@thegazette.com
Indiana-based artist Tom Torluemke (right) and his friend and fellow artist Bill Pozzo of Valparaiso, In. work on a mural in the courtyard adjacent to C.S.P.S. Hall in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. The mural has was commissioned as part of the observation of the 125th anniversary of the CSPS Hall building, and the artist is a longtime friend of Legion Arts co-founders F. John Herbert and Mel Andringa. The piece is based on the poem 'Letters to a Father' by Waterloo-born poet Mona Van Duyn, in which a grumpy, chronically ill father writes letters to his daughter, who tries to cheer him up by bringing him a bird feeder. The mural, titled, 'The Pulse of Life,' features scenes from Cedar Rapids and Iowa history and Torluemke says it is meant to celebrate community and the people who contribute to its strength. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)
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