Nancy Pacha introduced Rotary Leadership Awards( RYLA) World Affairs Seminar(WAS)  students. RYLA is a life changing leadership training program where high students learn, develop and strengthen  their leadership skills and participate in an atmosphere of trust respect, teamwork, and personal growth. 

WAS bring young people together from around the world for an International conference designed to develop global leaders and engage citizens through an innovative academic program, thoughtful, discussion and exposure to different cultures and perspectives. 

Seven students shared what thy learned, the friendships, they made and how these experiences have influenced the way they see themselves and the world around them,. 

Co-President Liz Loeb introduced John Engelbrecht, Executive Director and Laura Moser, Community Stewardship Director speaking on Public Space One today.   The original Public Space One is located at 538 South Gilbert, formerly The Mansion. 

The new Public Space One is located at 225 & 229 South Gilbert.  The mission of Public Space One is an artist-led community-driven contemporary art center.  They aim to provide an independent, innovative, diverse and inclusive, experimental and on-commercial arts program space and resources for its members and the wider community.  Public Space One was developed in 2002.  

The Center for Afrofuturist Studies is an artist residency and programming initiative at Public Space One, dedicated to creating a world where Black artist are able to Thrive. 

The CAS collaboratively produces exhibitions, workshops, public art and conversation on digital platforms, in Iowa City and beyond.  

The PSI Medial Arts Co-op Media Arts is member-run community resource for creative production and experimentation in video, audio, and new media. The mission is to promote, encourage, and assist the production of media works and foster a local media arts community through providing access to equipment, space, education, and professional and collaborative opportunities. 

Jasmine Tsai, Board member and staff and Mazahir Salih, Executive Director of Immigration Welcome Network of Johnson County were the speakers for today. 

The Mission of The Immigration Welcome Network of Johnson County is an immigrant-and refugee-led membership-based organization founded in 2023 to prevent homelessness, build collective power, and advance housing social, and economic justice in Johnson County, Iowa.  We organize low-moderate-income immigrant and nonimmigrant families, while ensuring our programs remain open to all individuals and families in need. 

We transform moments of crisis into opportunities for leadership development, organizing, and long-term empowerment by centering immigrant leadersh9ip and fostering cross-cultural solidarity.

through collective action, we work to dismantle systemic barriers to housing, employment and inclusion while strengthening the ability of our members to shape the policies that affect their lives. 

Our Values:  Empowerment, Equity, Inclusivity, collaboration resilience.  The Network was founded in 2023.   

Ways to Help:  Become a member, join a class, Volunteer, Attend Events, support our Work, refer landlords and employers to the Network.

The Voices of Resilience is a monthly storytelling series held every third Friday from 6:00 -8:00 pm Each0 gathering highlights the powerful personal stories of immigrant and refugees -uplifting voices often unheard and celebrating journeys of struggle, hope and unshakable strength.  This fosters connection, food, empathy, and belong across cultures while honoring the  resilience and contributions immigrants bring to our community

DREAM WITHOUT BORDERS:  The Annual Gala will be held Saturday August 29, 2026 6-8 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Society, 2355 Oakdale Road, Coralville, Iowa   52241. 

YiYang (John) Shen presented Asian Food.  HE showed many pictures of exotic and unusual foods.  Spiders, male and female organs, eggs with lots of fillers.

He Showed Gooey duck, Thai Blood Soup. 

Co-President, Liz Loeb introduced Shannon Greene, CEO Ronald McDonald House the speaker for today. 

The McDonald House was built in 1985; 2001 an addition was put on.  In 2020, a remodel of kitchen and community room. 

The Mission of the Ronald McDonald House is committed to providing essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare.  

The Iowa City McDonald House provides 31 guest rooms private space for families on the NICU.  Private space for families providing sleep, shower, and meals. 

The Average Stay for a family is 31.7 days, average wait time 4 days, 98.3% occupancy.  

Ronald McDonald Statistics:  352 Families, 11,001 singles served, $1,100,100 Food Costs served $100 per day, $1,650,150 Hotel Costs, $150 per day.  3,446.050 miles traveled 3,224 loads of laundry,

Counties Served:  Johnson, Polk, Black Hawk, Scott, Dubuque, Cero Gordo, Clinton, Jefferson.   

WAYS YOU CAN HELP:  Volunteer, Donate, hold a Fundraiser, Sponsor a Meal.

The McDonald House is open 7 days a week form 7:30 am to 9:00 pm.  They employ 9 full time and 10 pt time and over 300 volunteers.  

Mark Patten moderated a panel on Death and Dying for the June 9 program.

Mary Murphy introduced Deb Dunkhase for Open Heartland with a $1400 check as a Community Grant.   Open Heartland is a non-profit in Iowa City Iowa, that supports immigrant, refugee and under-resourced families by providing essential recourses lisle food, clothing, and household goods, alongside programs for education cultural celebration and community building. 

1970 there were 759 immigrants, 2020 1400 in Johnson County.   During Covid, meals were packed consisting of:  Rice, Pinto beans, Masaka flour, cooking oil, toilet paper, and diapers.  This process has continued at Open Heartland.  The food is packaged by volunteers. 

There are partnering organizations:   Big Grove, Rotary Clubs, West Branch Church Groups, and Altrusa. 

Open Heartland offers a Christmas Gift consisting of a dozen cookies, bags of food, Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and a $50.  These packages are delivered to the families.  Last year the effort was led by Bob Brooks, partner of Mark Ruggeberg.