#theIOWAVE

Welcome to #theIOWAVE!

Come join us at the Iowa State Fairgrounds for a day filled with music, food, and fun!

We’re kicking things off on August 17th with a grassroots Kindness campaign We believe that if we start small, with simple gestures such as smiles, waves, and even eye contact, we can continue to build back our communities.

Like many, I grew up in a small, tight-knit community – the kind where everyone would wave to everyone, even if they didn’t know them. Over time, I have increasingly sensed that the feeling of community I grew up with has seemed to disappear, even more so after the COVID pandemic. Research certainly seems to support that idea as many studies have shown increasing levels of loneliness and depression, as well as decreases in institutional trust, civic participation (attendance at local businesses and events, volunteerism, etc.), and in-person social interaction

We believe that if we start small, with simple gestures such as smiles, waves, and even eye contact, we can continue to build back our communities. Research shows that simple, small gestures can build recognition-based ties that reinforce neighborhood cohesion, trust, and overall community belonging. The resulting neighborhood cohesion (a measure of the degree of connectedness, reciprocity, and trust among neighbors) has been linked to a range of positive health behaviors and physical health outcomes, including lower risk of depression and cardiovascular disease, increased physical activity, and higher self-rated health. This individual health and happiness also leads towards a stronger collective health that boosts local economies.

On that day, we’ll gather a group of supporters to wear matching #theiowave shirts (design attached) and spend an hour or two walking the fairgrounds, smiling and waving at fairgoers and iconic attractions. We'll be accompanied by videographers and photographers to capture authentic moments of connection. These visuals will form the foundation of our first social media campaign and awareness video.

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Des Moines, Photography events in Des Moines.