The Harkin Institute

2026 Sussman Spring Lecture: Social by Nature: Environmental Photojournalism for a More Hopeful Future
2026-03-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311, United States
Join us for the 2026 Sussman Lecture featuring photojournalist and educator KC McGinnis, whose work has been published by leading national outlets and takes him across Iowa and the country to document the complex relationship between people and the environment. In his talk, “Social by Nature: Environmental Photojournalism for a More Hopeful Future,” McGinnis explores the stories behind his compelling images—from industrial agriculture and family farms to environmental justice movements and communities shaped by the land.
Drawing from years of field reporting, McGinnis examines how environmental narratives emerge through everyday lives, cultural traditions, and the natural places people depend on. His work offers an honest yet hopeful lens on the challenges and possibilities that define the future of our shared environment.
The lecture will also feature a selection of McGinnis’s photographs, accompanied by detailed captions that illuminate the context and human stories behind the images.
REGISTER HERE

2026 Harkin on Wellness Symposium: The Treatment and Prevention of Cancer
2026-03-11 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | The Olmsted Center at Drake University, 2875 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311, United States
Overview
Please join the Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement for an important event highlighting the challenges we’re facing and the progress being made across the nation in the fight against cancer, with a specific focus on environmental health and lifestyle medicine. The 2026 Harkin on Wellness Symposium will take place on March 11, 2026, focusing on the Treatment and Prevention of Cancer.
This year’s theme was chosen to explore the comprehensive landscape of cancer care today—from the environmental determinants that impact our health to the lifestyle and clinical interventions saving lives. Clean water and a healthy environment are fundamental to public health, yet the emerging link between environmental pollutants and cancer remains a critical challenge for our communities. The 2026 symposium will feature two distinguished keynote speakers:

Dr. Ricardo Salvador, co-founder and board member of the HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture, Labor) Food Alliance
Dr. Jesse Bell, University of Nebraska Medical Center expert on nitrate pollution in drinking water.

In addition to our keynotes, the event will feature two panel discussions:

Where We’re At: The Battle Against Cancer in 2026: A comprehensive look at the current state of treatment and prevention.
Reporting on the Drinking Water and Cancer Crises in Iowa: A deep dive into the local environmental challenges and the role of journalism in public health.

This year’s event will also recognize the recipients of the Harkin on Wellness Award, honoring those who have made significant contributions to the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Attend In-Person or Online
This is a hybrid event. Attendees have the choice to attend in person at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, or virtually. Register here.

In-Person: The event will take place at Parents Hall in the Olmsted Center at Drake. Lunch will be provided.
Online: Attendees will watch a live stream of all general session content and will have the opportunity to participate in real-time Q&A.
Cost: There is no cost to attend in person or online, but a donation is encouraged and greatly appreciated to help continue this important work.

Agenda for the 2026 Harkin on Wellness Symposium

Time
Session
Speakers

9:00 a.m.
Welcome Remarks

Adam Shriver, Director of Wellness and Nutrition Policy, The Harkin Institute

9:10 a.m.
Morning Keynote

Introduction by U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (retired)
Dr. Ricardo Salvador, co-founder and board member of the HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture, Labor) Food Alliance

10:00 a.m.
Break

10:10 a.m.
Panel 1: Where We’re At: The Battle Against Cancer in 2026

Moderated by Drake University Provost Dr. Sue Mattison
Dr. Richard Deming, Medical Director of MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center and Oncologist
Joe Garcia, Aflac Regional Vice President for the Northwest Region
Dr. Greg Kennedy, UnityPoint Health Chief Medical Officer – Oncology Service Line
Jean McGinnis, Physician Assistant-Certified, clinician and educator

11:30 a.m.
Lunch

12:20 p.m.
Afternoon Keynote

Introduction by Audrey Tran Lam, University of Northern Iowa Environmental Health Program Director
Dr. Jesse Bell, University of Nebraska Medical Center expert on nitrate pollution in drinking water

1:10 p.m.
Break

1:20 p.m.
Designee Presentations

John Stoddard Cancer Center | Meals That Matter and Meals That Matter at Home
Above + Beyond Cancer
Faces of Courage Foundation
Cancer Screen Iowa
Helen G Nassif Community Cancer Center
Iowa Cancer Consortium
Cancer and Environment Network of Southwestern Pennsylvania (CEN) – Project REACH & The Environmental Justice Summit Series
OurWaters & OurSoils (OWOS) – Integrated Nutrient, Organic Load, and Environmental Exposure Reduction Program for Cancer Prevention
Polk County Health Department – Ribbons of Hope
Blueprint, LLC (operating as BlueprintNav)

2:30 p.m.
Break

2:40 p.m.
Panel 2: Reporting on the Drinking Water and Cancer Crises in Iowa

Moderated by Jason Clayworth, staff writer at Axios Des Moines
Nina B. Elkadi, Editor-at-Large for Sentient Media
Carey Gillam, Managing Editor of The New Lede and contributor for the Guardian
Dan Keating, staff writer at The Washington Post

4:00 p.m.
An update on the Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors Report in collaboration with the Iowa Environmental Council

The Iowa Environmental Council

4:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks

Accommodations

ASL & Captions: American Sign Language (ASL) and live captions in English will be available for all general session content for all attendees.
Breakout Sessions: ASL interpretation for in-person breakout sessions is available upon request.
Contact: If you have any questions regarding accommodations, please contact us at harkininstitute@drake.edu or 515-271-3623.

Parking

In-person attendees will be able to park in Lot 24, located next to the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center.
Detailed information regarding a visitor parking pass will be emailed to all registered in-person attendees prior to the event date.

2026 Harkin Retirement Security Symposium
2026-02-27 09:00 - 16:15 (America/Chicago) | The Olmsted Center at Drake University, 2875 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311, United States
The 2026 Harkin Retirement Security Symposium will focus on a broader financial wellness theme supported by panels along the continuum of retirement security policy issues. The speakers will discuss policies supporting retirement savings access and accumulation, navigating Social Security and Medicare, and the intergenerational impacts of these programs, access to retirement planning, retirement income decisions, and long-term care policies and supports. The symposium is a hybrid event, with in-person and virtual options for attendance, and will be available for free on The Harkin Institute YouTube channel after the event.

REGISTER HERE

November 13 | From DC to Iowa: How Policy Shifts Will Impact the Disability Community
2025-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311, United States
Join the Iowa Disability Policy Alliance for a panel discussion, resource fair, and networking reception at the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center on November 13, 2025. Panelists will discuss the state of disability legislation at the federal, state, and local levels. Members of the Iowa Disability Policy Alliance will have tables with information and resources before and after the event. Light refreshments will be provided.
Senator Tom Harkin (retired) will provide opening remarks.

November 12 | The Heartland at a Crossroads: Bold Voices on America’s Rural Future
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311, United States
Pulitzer Prize winner Art Cullen has established himself as an essential witness to the transformation of rural America, thanks to his unique perspective as editor of The Storm Lake Times. His new book, We Crapped In Our Nests: Notes From the Edge of the World, offers an unflinching examination of how we’ve degraded our environment and communities, along with his vision for rural America’s future.
Cullen will be joined in conversation with Chris Jones, President of the Driftless Water Defenders and author of The Swine Republic. They will discuss topics including corporate agricultural dominance, water quality protection, rural community transformation, immigration and rural vitality, and more.
The event will include opening remarks from Senator Tom Harkin (retired). Books will be available for purchase before and after the event.

November 8-9 | A Taste of ReelAbilities Des Moines 2025
2025-11-08 - 2025-11-09 | Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311, United States
Founded in New York City in 2007, ReelAbilities challenges stereotypes, celebrates authentic disability representation in movies, and expands opportunities for disabled creators worldwide. The 2025 Des Moines festival is “A Taste of ReelAbilities,” screening a combination of features and shorts over two days — first at The Harkin Institute, then at the Des Moines Art Center, showing different films each day. All film screenings will be followed by a conversation with individuals from the disability community related to the specific content of the films.
All films will provide open captions and have audio description capabilities.
In addition to films being shown at the Des Moines Art Center and The Harkin Institute, The Varsity Cinema will present a related film on Wednesday, November 5, leading up to “A Taste of ReelAbilities” on Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9.
This program is supported by the Principal® Foundation.

October 28 | Data in Action: New Findings from the National Training, Education and Workforce Survey (NTEWS)
2025-10-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Join The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement and the PROPEL (Promoting Resilience, Opportunity, and Progress in Employment and Learning) Center at the American Institutes for Research for a webinar on never-before-released analyses of what people with disabilities reported when participating in the National Training, Education and Workforce Survey (NTEWS).
This webinar will describe the experiences survey participants had with nondegree credential attainment and work-based learning, as well as their educational attainment and employment. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion about using these data in practical ways as you support career planning for people with disabilities, or identify talent for your business or government agency.
Survey data were collected by the US Census Bureau. The NTEWS is a nationally representative survey of individuals aged 16 through 75 that the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics and the National Center for Education Statistics sponsored.

October 16 | 2025 Harkin Retirement Security Symposium: Inclusive Long-Term Care Policies and Supports
2025-10-16 08:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Barbara Jordan Conference Center, 1330 G St NW, Washington, DC, 20005
The 2025 Harkin Retirement Security Symposium: Inclusive Long-Term Care Policies and Supports will convene policy-makers, researchers, and advocacy organizations working on long-term care policy. The program includes discussions on federal and state policies, and workplace policies supporting caregivers, caregiving experiences and their impact on retirement security, as well as other resources to support caregivers and their families.
The cost of care has nearly doubled from the early 2000s to 2024, both for at-home care and nursing home care. These costs are out of reach for everyone except the wealthiest households. Long-term care costs are internalized by caregiver families in some combination of the following: diminished or lost earned income, early retirement, direct caregiving expenditures, and mental and physical health issues. There are a variety of policy options to address this economic burden on families across the income distribution, which will be discussed as part of the program.

October 8 | Iowa Waterways Report: Training Session for Viewing Parties
2025-10-08 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)
The groundbreaking Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment (CISWRA) report provided the most comprehensive and unbiased analysis of water quality in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers to date, revealing that agricultural runoff is the primary source of dangerous levels of nitrates and other pollutants. A presentation of this report hosted by The Harkin Institute at Drake University gathered over 600 in-person attendees and was watched by nearly 3,000 people online. Though the report was focused on Central Iowa, it has implications for waterways across the state, as many Iowans are facing challenges posed by the high levels of nitrates and agricultural chemicals in their waterways.
The Harkin Institute and Iowa Environmental Council are now providing an opportunity for concerned Iowans to host their own discussions about the CISWRA Report and what it means for their community. Join us for this online training that reviews the contents of the CISWRA presentation, provides tools for hosting your own viewing, and describes an overview of a toolkit that has been developed for people interested in hosting their own discussions.
For those who can’t attend this training live, a recording will be available on The Harkin Institute’s YouTube channel.

CANCELLED: October 3 | Meet the Author: John Dinges
2025-10-03 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311, United States
Join The Harkin Institute and Beaverdale Books on October 3rd for a powerful conversation on history, mystery, and U.S. foreign policy. Author John Dinges will discuss his new book, Chile in Their Hearts: The Untold Story of Two Americans Who Went Missing after the Coup. The book provides a gripping account of Charles Horman and Frank Teruggi, two young Americans who lost their lives in Chile during the 1973 military coup.
This program will be moderated by Alejandro Hernandez, former dean of the Zimpleman College of Business at Drake University.
About the Author: John Dinges is an award-winning investigative reporter and author, who worked in Latin America for many years as a foreign correspondent. After receiving a master’s degree from Stanford University in Latin American studies, Dinges began freelancing in Chile, writing mainly for The Washington Post, during a six-year period that included the socialist revolution of President Salvador Allende, the violent military coup that overthrew him, and the first five years of the dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet. He subsequently worked on the foreign desk of The Washington Post, traveling as a reporter to cover the civil wars in El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. From 1985 to 1996 he worked at National Public Radio as deputy senior foreign editor, managing editor, and editorial director.

September 17 | Roadmaps to Retirement 2025: Global Lessons and Paths Ahead
2025-09-17 12:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311, United States
Roadmaps to Retirement 2025: Global Lessons and Paths Ahead continues our discussion on strategies to improve retirement security at the retirement system level. The roundtable discussion will focus on the private retirement savings landscape in the US and how it compares to countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia. The roundtable will address both retirement savings accumulation and retirement income options, current policies and regulations, and future goals.

Our Water, Our Future: A Look at the Central Iowa Water Quality Report
2025-08-04 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Sheslow Auditorium, 2507 University Ave, Des Moines, 50311, United States
Join us for the first official presentation of findings from the Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment (CISWRA) report—a groundbreaking scientific study that provides the most comprehensive analysis of water quality in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers to date.
This historic event will feature a distinguished panel of scientists who were directly involved in creating this landmark 227-page assessment, offering attendees unprecedented access to the researchers behind this critical work. It will provide an opportunity for residents of Polk County to get the information firsthand and to share their reactions.
For more information about the CISWRA report, click here.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the scientists whose research will shape Central Iowa’s water future for decades to come.

July 30 | Digging Into Disability Data: Making DisabilityStatistics.org Work For You
2025-07-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Join The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement and the Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability at Cornell University for a webinar on using disability statistics in your work using DisabilityStatistics.org. DisabilityStatistics.org provides data from the U.S. Census Bureau, but instead of republishing huge tables of raw data, the site provides maps, charts, and focused tables. This hands-on webinar will use everyday examples to show you how you can take advantage of this tool in your work.

July 16 | Unveiling Ceremony and Panel Discussion
2025-07-16 15:30 - 16:45 (America/Chicago) | Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311, United States
Join us in celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and our recently awarded “Gold” certification. Earlier this year, the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center became only the second building in the United States to achieve the Gold Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification. Learn more about the certification and its many benefits here.
On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, The Harkin Institute will host an unveiling ceremony for the certification plaque that will hang in our atrium. The ceremony will be followed by a panel discussion that will cover the benefits of universal design and how to implement accessibility features in your work place. Light refreshments will be provided.
Before the unveiling, guests will have a chance to check out the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center for themselves! The building will be open for self-guided tours starting at noon. The Harkin Institute staff will be on hand for any questions you have throughout the tour.
Schedule:
3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. – Unveiling Ceremony
3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – Panel Discussion
*The building will be open for self-guided tours from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

June 9 | Workplace Accessibility Roundtable
2025-06-09 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311, United States
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is partnering with The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement to host a Workplace Accessibility Roundtable on Monday, June 9. These roundtables provide opportunities for individuals in Greater Des Moines (DSM) to build new relationships and connect with others who are passionate about fostering an inclusive community. This event is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Multicultural Reception and Roundtable series, which fosters meaningful connections and conversations.

May 22 | Long Term Care Policy Options Webinar
2025-05-22 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
The cost of long-term care has nearly doubled from the early 2000s to 2024, both for at home care and nursing home care. These costs are out of reach for everyone except the wealthiest households. Long-term care costs are internalized by caregiver families in some combination of the following: diminished or lost earned income, early retirement, direct caregiving expenditures, and mental and physical health issues. There are a variety of policy options to address this economic burden on families across the income distribution. Join us for a free webinar featuring a panel of leading experts on LTC policies to learn more about current state, national, and international policies addressing long-term care needs.

April 29 | ADA Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion of “Change Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act”
2025-04-29 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311, United States
The Harkin Institute and Iowa PBS are hosting an accessible screening of Change Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act, followed by a panel discussion with film director Jim Lebrecht and film writer/producer Chana Gazit. The screening will include open captions and open descriptive audio.
Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act tells the emotional and dramatic story of the decades-long push for equality and accessibility that culminated in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. While curb cuts, ramps at building entrances, and braille on elevator buttons seem commonplace today, they were once the subject of a pitched battle that landed on the steps of Congress. Told through the voices of key participants and witnesses, the film highlights the determined people who literally put their bodies on the line to achieve their goal and change the lives of all Americans. A story of courage and perseverance, the film brings to life one of the great civil rights movements in American history, where ordinary people made their voices heard and Congress responded. A testament to the power of coalition building and bipartisan compromise, the passage of the ADA is a shining example of democracy in action.

April 16 | Harkin On Wellness Symposium 2025: The Future of Clean Water
2025-04-16 | The Olmsted Center at Drake University, 2875 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311, United States
The 2025 Harkin On Wellness Symposium will take place on April 16, 2025, focusing on the Future of Clean Water. This year’s theme was chosen to highlight and synthesize the progress being made around the country in protecting and improving water quality through community engagement, environmental education, watershed protection, water conservation initiatives, and innovative water quality monitoring programs.
Clean water is fundamental to public health and environmental sustainability and is increasingly under threat from climate change and other human-caused risks. Community-based initiatives that protect and improve water quality have been shown to have lasting, positive impacts on both human and environmental health. Furthermore, programs that engage communities in hands-on water quality improvement and conservation can foster environmental stewardship that benefits current and future generations.
This year’s event will recognize groups working to preserve clean water, including nonprofit organizations, environmental groups, and community organizations, for the tremendous role they play in protecting this vital resource.

April 2 | Closing the Retirement Savings Gap Webinar
2025-04-02 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us for a free webinar presenting updates on the progress of the state retirement savings programs, designed to increase access to retirement savings for employees who do not have employer plans. We will look at recent studies examining the impact of these programs on retirement savings, private market retirement plan coverage, and potential interactions with other policies due to asset limits.

February 20 | Spring 25 Sussman Lecture: Students Are Humans First with Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab
2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311, United States
The Harkin Institute is thrilled to announce this Fall’s Sussman Lecture, “Students Are Humans First” with Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab. Dr. Goldrick-Rab will discuss the challenges students face in meeting their basic needs while earning a college education. She explored this topic in her award-winning book, Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream. The book documents the failures of policymakers and higher education institutions to make college affordable. Her scientific studies identifying and addressing college students’ basic needs for food, housing, childcare, transportation, and health supports sparked the internationally-known #RealCollege movement and inspired federal and state data collection and legislation, as well as countless privately-funded programs.
Find more information by clicking here.
