INITIATIVES
COMMUNITY PRAYER AND POTLUCK
The “Community Prayer and Potluck” is an initiative that invites all churches, community leaders, organizations, dignitaries and the community at large to one central location to fellowship, break bread and pray. In the wake of so many unfortunate incidents in the community, including shootings, murders, people experiencing loss through health and being economically and socially crippled by financial and social issues we are humbled to look towards the hills which cometh our help. We recognize that prayer changes things for good. We recognize also that where two or more are touching and agreeing the only one true healer and the one that brings peace is in the midst.
BEAT THE HEAT
Hip-Hope Inc. is excited to announce that we have been rewarded with the opportunity to participate in the “Doing More In The Core” initiative with our “Beat The Heat” program for the 3rd year in a row. Thanks to the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, United Way and the African American Leadership Forum we can offer opportunities to the under privileged and under served residents on the east side of Des Moines. “Beat The Heat” responds to a significant need within the city’s urban core for youth centered activities that offer diversion from unhealthy and damaging behaviors. The initiative offers youth and their families a safe and entertaining space to enjoy and explore Iowa Arts & Culture.
YOUNG MEN OF COLOR CONFERENCE
On October 29, 2016, The Institute for Student Empowerment, in association with Hip-Hope Inc., and Drake University will present our 1st Annual Des Moines Young Men of Color Conference. The conference will be held on the campus of Drake University. The theme of this year’s conference is “I Rise!”
Our young men of color are underperforming in virtually every category academically. Coupled with the absence of positive adult male role models and negative environmental challenges, the plight of these disproportionately affected youth is questionable, at best. The conference will act as a beacon of hope and provide the attendees with dynamic guest speakers, breakout sessions, and positive networking opportunities. For many of the young men it will be their first opportunity to visit and tour a college campus. Drake University has graciously committed to host the conference, thus enabling us to fulfill one of the conference objectives, which is to inspire our young men to believe in their ability to attend college.
