‘Cards for Humanity’ aims to air the political beliefs of Iowa City women through the use of postcards.

By Charles Peckman | [email protected]

As soft music played on the ground floor of the Women’s Resource & Action Center, groups of women sat around tables with the hopes of having their voices heard. In the middle of the tables, baskets full of postcards, writing utensils, and stamps lay waiting to be used.

The center hosted “Cards for Humanity,” which provided a platform for concerned women to write their elected officials on Monday.

Sheets of paper had the addresses of names often heard in the Iowa political sphere, including Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad.

In addition to addresses, there were “sample letters” to members of Congress.

WRAC Director Linda Stewart Kroon said the idea for the event was not always in the works.

“The idea for the event came from one of our student groups,” she said. “Tonight is when they would have their meeting, so we decided to host this event instead.”

Kroon said the event is a vehicle for students and community members alike to become informed about topics and give them a platform to voice their concerns.

Ireland Mahoney, a UI student who attended the event, has volunteered at the center before. In the past, she has written to UI President Bruce Harreld about introducing a zero-tolerance policy on sexual assaults on campus.

Mahoney said there are differences between, say, the flag burning that occurred on the Pedestrian Mall last week and Monday’s postcard writing event.

“I feel like it gets the point across more clearly,” she said. “Also, it gives us an opportunity to voice our concerns without angering people.”

Mahoney said she was writing to Grassley and Branstad.

“I’m especially concerned about the closing of mental-health facilities,” she said.

Kathleen Jacobs, an Iowa City resident at the event, said she was concerned about the appointment of Steve Bannon to the National Security Council.

“I am the widow of a Holocaust survivor, and the persecution of an entire group of people is something that should not happen,” she said.

In addition to the persecution of Muslims, Jacobs said, she is concerned about the actions of the Trump administration.

“I am very concerned about the trends of the current administration,” she said. “[Trump’s] appointments and executive orders continue to grow more frightening.”

Jessica Padilla, the coordinator of the Iowa NEW Leadership Program, said it is important to use a collective voice at these kind of events.

Padilla said events hosted directly by the center, as well as programs such as the Iowa NEW Leadership Program, provide women with the resources they need.

“When we come together, we can write about important issues and make sure our voices are heard,” she said.

The postcards written Monday will be mailed today with the hope offices from Cedar Rapids to Washington, D.C. will receive them.