Research Teams
  1. Economic Justice Contact: Chris Rehmann or Shari Reilly
  2. Healthcare Justice. Contact: Jim Gaunt or Dee Thompson
  3. Youth & Education: Contact: Jerry Chase or Jeanne Warning
  4. Immigration. Contacts: Sheryl Rippke or Dee/Scott Thompson
  5. Environment. Contact: Ken Shaw

About AMOS at STA

In 2007, St. Thomas Aquinas became a member of AMOS (A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy) - an interfaith, ecumenical, political - but non-partisan - community organization dedicated to re-creating community and the common good.

Together with five other congregations and community organizations in Ames and the members of Des Moines AMOS, we have been part of a process to bring to the surface the real needs of our community and work together for social change.  Personal stories shared at House meetings in the fall of 2006 led to the creation of five research teams focused on current needs in the community of Ames.  Those issue teams are listed to the left.  Find a link to a current report of their activities.  Any STA parishioner is invited to join one or more of these Research teams, and/or STA’s CORE team which coordinates the work of this ministry.

The heart of the AMOS process is building relationships and community through 1:1 relational meetings.  Any parishioner interested in getting involved in this ministry is invited to participate in trainings, offered occasionally, to learn more about conducting 1:1 meetings. It is an excellent way to become better acquainted with others in the parish.

What does AMOS do?

AMOS is distinguished from other community-based organizations in its commitment to the IRON RULE:  “Never do for others what they can do for themselves.”    AMOS believes in the inherent dignity of each person, that the Iron Rule affirms their dignity and violating the Iron Rule fosters dependency and passivity.

  Therefore, in its essence, AMOS will never be about programs, projects or issues.  AMOS strives to identify potential leaders among “average citizens” and train them to participate in “politics” related to their self-interests.  In this way, AMOS leaders can impact the programs, projects and issues that affect their own families, communities and neighborhoods.  Using this approach, AMOS’ efforts result in systemic changes that outlive any single accomplishment.  AMOS’ base of congregations and their leaders sustains the permanence of its work.  With the Iron Rule philosophy and its member foundation, AMOS is able to generate real and lasting improvements in Central Iowa.   

 

How is AMOS organized?

AMOS is made up of member institutions.  Each member institution or congregation organizes its own leadership team or ‘core team.’  AMOS is comprised of two geographic “clusters.”  Monthly cluster meetings have been established in metropolitan Des Moines for the AMOS member institutions in Dallas/Polk County and in Story County for the Ames member institutions (ACT – Ames Core Team).

A Central Leadership Team comprised of two members from each member institution governs the organization.

AMOS is an Iowa affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) and is organized as a 501(c) 4 non-profit organization.  Contributions to AMOS are not eligible for tax deductions.  AMOS does not accept government funding and is funded primarily by the dues from its member congregations and institutions.

What has AMOS accomplished?

At STA
  • Conducted 50 1:1 relational meetings within the parish
  • Involved 120 parishioners in 16 House meetings, Fall 2006 to identify needs for the AMOS agenda
  • Members are represented on the five research teams, STA Core planning team, and ACT (Ames Core Team)
  • Offered series of four workshops on Catholic Social Teaching and its relation to AMOS, Fall 2007 – (involved nearly 100 parishioners)
  • Participated in AMOS fundraising activities 2007, 2008
  • Fifteen STA parishioners participated in the caucus training, fall 2007; four were elected to their respective precinct platform committees
  • Religious Education classes (6th – 12th grade) were involved in youth conversations identifying and ranking issues of concern (as part of the work of the Youth and Education research team)
In the community
  • Conducted 80 House meetings, fall 2006
  • 88 plus AMOS supporters presented AMOS resolutions at the January 2008 caucuses
  • Health Care Justice team working with Mary Greeley Medical Center, improved the Financial Assistance Policy for charity care (families uninsured)
  • Environmental team encouraged city council to implement the Cool Cities Initiative and the Climate Protection Agreement for the City of Ames
  • AMOS Representation on the Ames Inclusive Community Committee appointed by the Mayor
  • Participated in several legislative days at the Capitol and lobbied for legislation to support AMOS issues (minimum wage, predatory lending caps, expanded Earned Income Tax Credit, etc.