On Wednesday evening, nearly 60 community members from across Southeast Iowa gathered at the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Pleasant for Building Toward Change—an evening of strategy, collaboration, and action aimed at shaping a stronger, more connected future.
The event, organized by the Henry County Democrats, brought together four speakers whose expertise spans education, public health, environmental advocacy, and sustainable agriculture.
- Aaron Williamson, Mt. Pleasant Community School Board member, answered questions in a personal capacity about the challenges facing Iowa’s schools, underscoring the need for transparency, community engagement, and adequate funding to ensure strong public education.
- Katie Reuter, Director of Henry County Public Health, outlined the importance of addressing mental, physical, spiritual, and environmental needs as part of a whole-community approach to wellness.
- Wally Taylor, representing the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter. Wally shared stories from Iowa’s ongoing battles to protect air, water, and land. His message urged climate-smart leadership and sustainable policy-making.
- Jonathan Lawrence, Education Program Director at the Iowa Farmers Union, highlighted the vital role of local farmers and regenerative agriculture in improving public health, protecting the environment, and securing the state’s food future.
Audience members engaged actively throughout the evening, posing thoughtful and challenging questions. The evening served not only as a platform for sharing ideas but also as a reminder that lasting change is built through community involvement, collaboration, and a willingness to tackle difficult conversations head-on.