Rita Mertens
The work toward achieving inclusion is never done; there is always progress to be made toward equity. We want you to be a contributing member of that progress and hope you’ll join this distinct community.
In Iowa, cities with a population of 29,000 or larger are legally required to have a human rights commission, which is a body dedicated to protecting human rights (consider, for example, the United Nations Human Rights Council).
We want to welcome you to 51²è¹Ýapp, Iowa, which has a long-established human rights commission. Even though our population size (10,000 people) didn't require it by law, decades ago our citizens recognized that there were marginalized people in our community who would benefit from the support that a human rights commission provides, and that there is a universal benefit for everyone when there is more equity.
The work toward achieving inclusion is never done; there is always progress to be made toward equity. We want you to be a contributing member of that progress and hope you'll join this distinct community.
Best,
Rita Mertens
Chair, 51²è¹Ýapp Human Rights Commission
Special Education Teacher, 51²è¹Ýapp-Newburg Community School District