Ames strives to be a welcoming community, not a community of fear. Most Ames residents were accustomed to “diversity” inherent to a college town that hosts international students, people from all over the world subsequently raising their children within the school system and sharing the experience of strong neighborhoods and community. But in recent years, the understanding of “diversity” in Ames has become a different matter all together. Ames has seen an influx of new residents, mainly due to migrations from major Midwestern cities, followed by increased criminal activity, socioeconomic and racial tensions, and a fear of such “diversity.”

In 2008, with the support of the City Council and the Mayor’s Inclusive Community Task Force, the city created the Community Conversations on Diversity. From these, four current “action teams” have focused on various social issues. They have succeeded in addressing key elements of a healthy, thriving, diverse community: engaging youth and parents, strengthening neighborhoods through self-empowerment and creating a welcoming environment for all Ames residents.

Through city-based initiative and grassroots action, an energy has carried the Ames community through a dynamic summer. Community members hosted a welcome booth at the Annual July 4th Pancake Breakfast, offering information from city departments and local nonprofits and name tags for all 1,200 residents in attendance. This event allowed citizens to connect with one another on a first-name basis and access community information.

The Street’N’Greet block party trailer was purchased and introduced over the summer. Collaborating with AmeZone, a new youth service organization, the first block party took place on Tripp Street, part of a neighborhood known for socioeconomically and racially diverse residents. With more than 200 people, two police officers on segways, and a fire engine, rescue vehicle and staff for children to interact with, the event allowed relationship building between apartment renters and house owners, and residents and officers.

Looking toward the future, the One Community action team has been implementing a youth logo and motto competition to rebrand the Community Conversations on Diversity under the new name “United Ames.” The education-focused action team will be hosting an information booth about Ames schools for new families at Ames High School’s parent night.

Ames is working to transform fear into something else: inclusiveness and appreciation for the growing diversity the city is experiencing. By allowing Ames residents to discover their own capacity for unity, their own creative ability to find peace that transcends fear, we have become a stronger community with unique neighborhoods and potential for a diverse future worth celebrating. I look forward to seeing where such a motivated community can go from here.

Adam Cotton is with AmeriCorps VISTA – Iowa Civil Rights Commission