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Having a community that embraces people regardless of sexual orientation is more than just One Iowa’s mission; it’s a recruitment tool that allows a larger pool of qualified workers to enter, live and feel comfortable in Greater Des Moines.

And that’s what One Iowa is here for – to create an environment that welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals into Des Moines, and the state as a whole, to live and work.

“All hard-working Iowans should have a fair chance to earn a living and provide for their families without fear of being fired for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance,” said Carolyn Jenison, executive director of One Iowa. “And luckily, gay and lesbian employees and their families are valued in the workplace more now than ever before.”

Striving for fairness, One Iowa acts as the state’s largest LGBT advocacy organization. Taking advantage of its location in the state capital, the group puts a lot of time and effort into lobbying for equal rights for LGBT Iowans.

For instance, in 2007 One Iowa celebrated great leaps and bounds for LGBT Iowans when Gov. Chet Culver and the Iowa Legislature passed a civil rights bill that protected LGBT individuals against discrimination in the workplace and in housing, said Brad Clark, director of policy and education for One Iowa. Also, the Iowa Safe Schools Bill was passed in 2007 to protect students against bullying in schools.

“Our message is simply that all Iowans deserve equality under the law and legal protections for themselves and their families,” said Justin Uebelhor, director of communications for One Iowa.

Though One Iowa stays busy lobbying, the organization also finds time to coordinate and promote events.

For example, the organization promotes house parties where volunteers from One Iowa share stories and give presentations at a host’s home about marriage equality in Iowa. These events can be large or small, public or private.

One Iowa also has steering committees that are led by community volunteers. Steering committees collect stories that are submitted to the organization, and help schedule and facilitate house parties.

“Our focus is on empowering LGBT individuals to share their stories and work toward equality,” Jenison said.