Reignite CommUNITY 2025 will be held on October 22. Award applications will open on April 29!
As companies and individuals embark or continue on their journey, this program’s goals are to help amplify businesses and people doing meaningful work for others. The purpose is to learn from and to also elevate those who have created inclusive work environments through their workforce, supplier diversity programs, employee development initiatives, community efforts, and more.
Reignite Community has been a community-fueled event since 2021. Check out the highlight video from last year’s event. With a room full of 300+ people from all walks of life celebrating its importance, we celebrate the work that’s been done and recognize the importance of continued progress.Â
This event intentionally revolves around four pillars: educate, elevate, celebrate, and motivate. This is all about action and impact. With over 140 applications in the first four years, we can’t wait to see that increase in the future as we learn from each other and put in the work.Â
This is all made possible thanks to the Committee, our partners, and our sponsors.
Registration will open for Reignite CommUNITY on July 8. The event this year will be on October 22 at the Des Moines Botanical Gardens. The event will take place from 5-7PM, and include engaging activities, entertainment, and recognition for award recipients!Â
In the meantime, enjoy these photos from past years to get excited about what’s ahead for our fifth year.
Applications will open in on April 29. This application will be linked here at that time.Â
You can nominate yourself, your business, or a community individual or organization to be considered for the awards. Application criteria includes sharing how the work has created a welcoming community, how it demonstrates a dedication to belonging, how the individual/organization is acting as an advocate or leader for change, measurable outcomes and accomplishments, alignment with the WDM Chamber’s community statement, sustainability of efforts, overall innovation and impact of work, and more. One supporting document may also be included such as a letter of recommendation, media created to highlight the community efforts, etc. Individuals and businesses who apply must be located in the state of Iowa.Â
Questions? Contact the Application Team.Â
One way we further the impact of this program is through a local donation. A portion of the sponsorship proceeds is donated to the recipient of the Nonprofit award category.Â
Previous donation recipients include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, CultureALL, Latina Leadership Initiative, Can Play, and Polk County Housing Trust Fund.
Additionally, there are two scholarships granted each year. One scholarship is given to the Student Leader award recipient to support their future education. The other scholarship supports the Emerging Leader award recipient being able to participate in the WDM Leadership Academy.Â
2024 EDUCATION PARTNER
As we consider the education pillar of the event, our focus is on learning from award recipients and leaders attending the events. Additionally, the Awards Committee selects one nonprofit each year to be the Education Partner, whose mission and impact are shared throughout the event to further inspire attendees.
Last year’s Education Partner is Great Plains Action Society (GPAS). Founded by Sikowis Nobiss, who began organizing over 25 years ago during the Burnt Church Indigenous fisheries crisis, GPAS has been empowering Indigenous voices in Iowa since 2014 and became an official nonprofit in 2017.
GPAS is a small society of Indigenous Folks from the Great Plains region dedicated to resisting colonization and re-Indigenizing the land and the world around us. GPAS played a significant role during the NoDAPL resistance movement in 2016, bridging the gap between Indigenous communities and rural landowners, and establishing Little Creek Camp, an Indigenous-led resistance hub in Iowa.
Their efforts have brought Indigenous voices to the forefront of Iowa’s climate movement, advocating for the reMatriation of prairie, the return of first foods, and increased Indigenous land stewardship. GPAS addresses the trauma faced by Indigenous Peoples and the Earth, fighting against further Christian colonial capitalist violence by building power in Indigenous communities through reMatriation, healing justice, and a regenerative economy.
We were thrilled to be able to spotlight the inspiring work of the Great Plains Action Society and their dedication to uplifting traditional Indigenous ecological knowledge. Stay tuned to find out who the 2025 Education Partner will be!Â
2024 NONPROFIT PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
SCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR
ADVOCATE SPONSOR
CHAMPION SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Award Sponsor
Exclusive AV Sponsor
Video Sponsor
Want to show your support for this program? Contact Kara Matheson, VP of Workforce Development & Culture, to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.Â
Our vision is to make West Des Moines the best suburban city in America to live, work and play—for everyone. Now is the time to show pride in our vibrant community and state. We look forward to you being involved in Reignite CommUNITY!Â
This statement was created in 2023 by the WDM Chamber’s Community Impact & Engagement Committee.Â
“At the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, we champion inclusion as a fundamental value. We strive for justice, equity, and love in all that we do, embracing the rich tapestry of humanity within our community. We believe that belonging is the key to our shared success, and we extend a warm welcome to all.”
