Diversity, equity, and inclusion are three closely linked values held by many organizations that are working to be supportive of different groups of individuals, including people of different races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.
The National Association of REALTORS® represents more than 1.5 million REALTORS® in diverse communities across the country. NAR staff fosters a culture where diversity and inclusion are integrated into each of our five core values. Through inclusive collaboration and mutual respect for our colleagues, we focus on the principles that matter to the organization and drive how we engage each other to reach our common goals. We fully embrace perspectives from all walks of life—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, national origin, socioeconomic status, political affiliation or any other qualities by which we may define ourselves. We commit to bringing out the best in ourselves, uncovering our hidden talents, and celebrating differences in our day-to-day interactions. These beliefs are essential as we serve our members who help fulfill the dream of home and property ownership in America.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Promote the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities through events and programming and encourage diverse representation within the real estate profession. Partner with affiliates and community organizations to amplify voices and extend the reach of our efforts to close the homeownership gap. Advocate for equal opportunity in real estate across Iowa.
Iowa's History of Discrimination in Housing
For hundreds of years, minority groups have been marginalized in a variety of ways, but especially in terms of housing. Within Iowa alone, unfair lending practices, redlining, and neighborhood steering, left several groups at a significant disadvantage due to discrimination. Specifically discrimination on the basis of race has been at the forefront of Iowa housing history. As a result, minority communities are still feeling the effects of these practices decades later.
Housing Discrimination Today
Extensive research in recent years has displayed the disparities that still exist in homeownership across the country. Lack of access to affordable housing, biased and unfair lending, and minimal home buying education have served to exacerbate these gaps, specifically in the homeownership rate between Caucasian and Black homeowners in the state. With one of the largest gaps in the country in homeownership across race, Iowa still has a long way to go in providing equitable and fair access to the American Dream of owning a home. This was just one of the many reasons the Iowa Association of Realtors created the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
NAR Resources: NAR supports Diversity and Inclusion, as well as a continued commitment to Fair Housing as part of its core values.
https://www.nar.realtor/diversity/diversity-equity-inclusion-resources
IAR Resources: By developing a business practice rooted in inclusion and equality, REALTORS® can help buyers of all cultural backgrounds achieve the dream of home-ownership.
https://www.iowarealtors.com/members/diversity-equity-inclusion/dei-resources
Multicultural Groups:
INDIA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION:
India Cultural Association (ICA) of Central Iowa, located in Ames, was formed in 1992 as a non-profit organization. ICA aims to assist and promote educational, youth, literacy, charitable, and cultural activities with the intent to maintain, preserve, and foster the cultural and secular heritage of India and also enhance friendship and understanding with people from various cultural backgrounds. Each year ICA sponsors several cultural events to promote a better understanding of Indian art, music and culture among the people of Ames and Central Iowa. The organization is focused on extending its offerings of cultural and community events to communities outside of the ICA membership bas as well.
https://www.icaiowa.org
AMES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION:
The Ames Human Relations Commission's (AHRC) purpose is to study the existence of discrimination in the community and work to minimize or eliminate it, promote goodwill among the various racial, religious, and ethnic groups in the City, and cooperate with other organizations to develop programs designed to eliminate racial, religious, cultural, and intergroup tensions. AHRC generally meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 pm. For questions, contact the City Manager's Office at 515-239-5101.
https://www.cityofames.org/government/departments-divisions-a-h/city-clerk/boards-commissions/human-relations-commission
ISU Multicultural Student Organizations:
Iowa State University had many multicultural students organizations on campus. Through education, advocacy, leadership development, and community-building initiatives, the office of Multicultural Student Affairs aims to empower all students to succeed while recognizing and valuing the unique contributions and experiences of the individual.
https://www.stuorg.iastate.edu/organizations/15/type
Ames Pride Group:
Creating opportunities for LGBTIA+ community-building and education around gender and sexual diversity in Ames.
https://www.amespride.org/
Latino Center of Iowa:
Latino Center of Iowa provides a space where the Latino community can unite, develop leadership, and share its culture and heritage.
https://www.latinocenterofiowa.org/
Asians & Pacific Islanders in Iowa:
Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity (formerly Monsoon United Asian Women of Iowa) serves victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities in Iowa. Monsoon’s mission is to end all forms of gender-based violence and build healthy communities through transformative justice and social change. The organization serves all 99 counties in Iowa. Monsoon’s programs include direct services, community outreach and education, violence prevention and technical assistance. Monsoon has two offices: in Des Moines and in Iowa City. All staff members are multilingual and together speak 14 languages. Monsoon’s services are free and confidential. Monsoon is funded by the Iowa Crime Victim Assistance Division (CVAD), U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (DPH).
https://monsooniowa.org/asians-in-iowa/
African Communities Network of Iowa:
Welcome To the African Community Network of Iowa ( ACN of I). African Communities Network of Iowa is incorporated under the Iowa Nonprofit Corporation Act, Chapter 504A, Code of Iowa as a not for profit organization. This nonprofit organization registered under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c) was created with the goal of building a platform for Africans to come together, get to know each other, discuss issues within the community, provide assistance to members, integrate better with their host communities and contribute towards solutions to problems that arise within the community. The founders envisage that this organization will present an opportunity to come together, share ideas, journeys', hardships, accomplishments with each other and, be a channel for presenting Africa to the rest of the world.
https://africomnetwork.org/index.html