What we’re about
About Tab (group description) updates frequently. Check back :) Update: 11-27-2024.
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- It is HIGHLY recommended that you read the gut-wrenching/very inspiring book about a female US Navy Chief Petty Officer entitled: Send Me. You can borrow my copy or reserve a copy at your local library. If your local library does not have it, ask the library to purchase it.
The title of the book Send Me comes from the Bible, specifically Isaiah 6:8:
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
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Btw, often I use "IO" (no quotes) as "shorthand" for Iowa Odysseys.
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Flash FYI: Together We Achieve pantry is, routinely, VERY short staffed w/DOUBLE the work load given recent closure of another, longtime community pantry.
Please do consider signing up to help at the pantry either via IO or their web site: togetherweachieve.org. Thanks for any and all consideration :)
The pantry is located corner at 12th St and 27th Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids. Address is: 1150 27th Avenue SW Cedar Rapids, Ia 52404.
It is open (w/sufficient volunteers) Tues Wed Friday 4-7pm and Sat 12 noon to 3p.
If it is your first time at the pantry please direct message me if/when you are able to volunteer. As my schedule permits, I will join you :).
You can also volunteer directly from their web site: togetherweachieve.org :).
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In summary, principal "goals" for IO are to post events that:
- Serve others above self especially w/service to nonprofit organizations and their valued clients.
- Facilitate "immersion in nature" :). Nature is GREAT "medicine" and a "teacher" if you are "open" to its "teachings".
- Events suggested by other members.
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A Hearty Welcome from Iowa Odysseys (IO) to our newest members, MJ and tanatswahama, who joined IO recently. :). If you would like to offer a "welcome aboard IO" to them, please do direct message them.
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Fyi, we are currently at a SOLID 388 members strong! :) Thanks to all IO members for your join up! My next goal for our group is to grow to 400 members strong. We are "close". Sooo...please, do tell your friends and family about the group :).
Read on (at end) re how to become an Iowa Odysseys (IO) Assistant Organizer :)
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Check out the organization (below). It does incredible work and just get better and better. - campcourageous.org
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Iowa Odysseys is a group for adults 18 and over who would like to meet new people, look to find ways to serve others and socialize especially during outdoor activities such as hikes. Children of adult members often will be eligible for events with their parent(s) present. (Please check each event specific description re the eligibility)
For those of you who are parents your children would be welcome at many IO events :)
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Iowa Odysseys Group Cover Photos can be found in an album entitled "Previous Cover Photos"
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If you look in top right corner of the group web page, you will see an icon for "Messages". This is for meetup members to send/receive direct messages. If you see a red dot next to messages icon, this means that a group member has sent you a direct message. Just click on the Messages icon and the group member name to receive your message.
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For all events in Iowa Odysseys, safety of all attendees is the highest priority. Safety concerns include but is not limited to:
- attendees properly equipped for events
- attendees sufficiently fit for events
- weather concerns - Please note: Organizer may cancel events (even on short notice) if driving safety may be an issue.
See Iowa Odysseys Discussion entitled:
"Outdoor Gear Requirements for Safety on Outdoor Events with Iowa Odysseys Group"
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Currently, there are no required dues for Iowa Odysseys members either to join the group or attend its events.
That said, IO members will be requested (but not required) to furnish $2 cash/per person/per event to offset approximate annual cost of $400 and to help finance equipment purchases for Iowa Odysseys.
If you wish to contribute further to the annual expenses of Iowa Odysseys any contribution would be greatly appreciated.
Carpools are encouraged for events. Please do offer to contribute to cost of fuel if you are a rider.
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On hikes, it will always be an IO goal to leave any park in which we hike a little better by...
- carrying a trash bag and picking up trash along the trails
- moving fallen limbs off the trails
- assisting any park visitors not in our group by taking photos for them, answering questions about the park (if we have the answer! :) ),giving directions if asked, etc
Please note: If you sign up for an IO event that is primarily a trash pickup event, I now have three extra pick up tools and bags for trash.
You can rent a pick up tool and bag for $3 cash at beginning of event from me or
You can purchase pick up tool and bag from me for $15 cash. Please pm me at least one day before an IO event if you wish to rent or purchase a pick up tool and bag.
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Also, on some IO hikes, you will be requested to please leave your canines at home. There are multiple reasons for this that will be shared with attendees on hikes or other activities.
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This group is not "my" group. It is "our" group. With your suggestions, we can make it larger, better and stronger! :)
This group is definitely a work in progress (not a finished product) so...
By all means, if you have a concern, idea or suggestion feel free to PM me. If you include your cell phone number in your PM then we can have an actual conversation :)
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If you sign up for an event, it would be helpful if you would pm your cell to me if you feel comfortable doing so. This is why: If you are late to an event, you can be contacted to confirm that you will be there soon so that group will wait for you. Thank you :)
Otherwise, if your plans change and you cannot make the event please "de-RSVP" as soon as you can. Thanks again :).
Please note: If there are no attendees other than me (IO organizer), I may cancel the event with option to possibly relist event at a later date.
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The group is "private". This means that only members can see the events. Anyone can still join the group, however.
If any of your friends or family members would like to join Iowa Odysseys, please do refer them to the direct URL (below) to join. All they have to do is click the red "Join" button (assuming they have already joined Meetup itself).
meetup.com/meetup-group-ujajrggt
All you need to sign up is an email address (other than work email recommended) and a first name (even just a first initial works). No lengthy profile, photo of yourself, fee etc is required :).
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Also, when you do attend an event, feel free to add your photos (and comments) after the event :).
Please do ask permission of any member at an event to take his/her photo and/or post it. (Also, please note that no photos allowed at the pantry).
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If you have photos of Iowa wildlife, there is an album that I created for this group called Nature and Wildlife in Iowa. Feel free to add your own photos of Iowa wildlife :).
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If anyone would like to become an Assistant Organizer for Iowa Odysseys, please pm me with your cell so that we can set up a time, date and place to meet in person to discuss you becoming an Assistant Organizer. Fyi, as an Assistant Organizer, you will be able to list events on your own :).
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Thanks! Antony