John Nichols To Give Keynote Address at Iowa CCI Convention

The Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI) is holding their statewide convention on July 18th and 19th. The Nation's John Nichols will be the keynote speaker on the 18th and there will be great workshops on issues such as clean elections, factory farms, and immigration.

This election season, Iowa voters have the opportunity to impact our state and nation. John Nichols, writer for The Nation magazine, as the keynote speaker for Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement’s (CCI) Statewide Convention Friday, July 18 at the Hotel Fort Des Moines, will show hundreds of Iowans the potential we have to be a powerful bloc of voters who make a difference with candidates running for office this November. Tickets for the event can be purchased for $15 in advance or for $20 at the door. To purchase tickets, call Iowa CCI at 515-255-0800 or visit www.iowacci.org.

“Nichols is the perfect speaker for our convention this year because he knows voters really can make a pivotal difference in the elections,” said CCI Board President Barb Kalbach. “I am very excited to hear him speak and encourage Iowans to shape the debate around issues that matter most.”

Nichols will also offer a book signing of Tragedy and Farce following his speech for all attendees. In addition to his work at The Nation, Nichols is a pioneering political blogger, a contributing writer for The Progressive and In These Times, the associate editor of the Capitol Times, and his columns have appeared in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune and dozens of other newspapers. He has also authored several books and is the co-founder of Free Press, a national media reform network.

Nichols will speak Friday evening of Iowa CCI’s convention, which will be held July18 & 19 at the Hotel Fort Des Moines. Friday evening features a dinner and program prior to the keynote for convention attendees, as well as a live auction. Saturday includes the launch of an electoral campaign, informative workshops and taking action on key issues.

“The convention is a great experience,” said CCI Executive Director Hugh Espey . “It’s high energy and fun, it brings together members from all across the state, it's energizing, and true to CCI fashion, it's all geared around getting action on our issues.”

The registration fee of $120 includes family admission for the full convention, lodging at the Hotel Fort Des Moines, three meals made with family farm and local foods, as well as tickets to the keynote address. Workshops will cover the election season, local vs. industrial foods, the foreclosure crisis, factory farms and the environment, ethanol and biofuels, immigration reform and much more.

Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement is an organization of thousands of people from all walks of life who talk, act and get things done on issues that matter most. CCI has been tackling tough issues and getting things done for more than 30 years.