When people hear the words human trafficking , many picture something happening somewhere else, in another state or another country. The reality is much closer to home.
Human trafficking exists in Iowa, including right here in Central Iowa. With our location at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 35, our communities are particularly vulnerable. It is a crime that often hides in plain sight, making awareness, education, and collaboration critical to protecting those at risk.
Recognizing that no single organization can solve this issue alone, 12 Rotary clubs in central Iowa joined forces to take action through Civitas, an initiative of the Greater Des Moines Rotary Multi-club Committee. Guided by Rotary's commitment to Service Above Self, these clubs have united to educate Rotarians, fund training for law enforcement, support nonprofits working on prevention, support survivors, and build lasting partnerships throughout Iowa.
One of the committee's most impactful initiatives has been investing in specialized human trafficking training for Iowa law enforcement officers and their adjacent partners working in the field. Since launching this effort, more than 200 officers and professionals have completed the training in two years, with the number to grow with the annual training October 5-6, 2026, in West Des Moines. Participants overwhelmingly praise its value, with 100 percent saying they would recommend the training to others and agreeing that every law enforcement officer should receive it. Today, Iowa ranks second in the nation, behind only Georgia, in providing this specialized training.
Leading these training efforts is Dan Nash, founder of the Human Trafficking Training Center and retired Missouri State Patrol, whose expertise has helped transform how professionals identify and respond to trafficking. His work provides officers with practical tools to recognize victims, investigate trafficking cases, and connect survivors with the support and resources they need.
The Greater Des Moines Rotary clubs have also demonstrated that meaningful change requires more than education alone. Between 2022 and 2025, Civitas and its Rotary partners invested more than $133,000 toward combating human trafficking. Those funds have supported law enforcement training, local nonprofit organizations working on prevention or serving survivors, and product drives to provide essential items that help individuals rebuild their lives after exploitation.
This work is a powerful example of what happens when communities unite around a common purpose. Rotary clubs, nonprofit organizations, law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and generous donors have come together to create a network of hope and support for some of our state's most vulnerable individuals.
While significant progress has been made, the work continues.
Every training session equips another professional to recognize the signs of trafficking. Every community presentation raises awareness. Every donation strengthens organizations serving survivors. And every conversation helps bring this hidden crime into the light.
Rotary's current theme, Create Lasting Impact , reflects what this partnership is about. Every training, every survivor supported, every nonprofit strengthened, and every conversation that raises awareness helps create safer communities across Iowa. When Rotary clubs come together with community partners, we don't just make a difference today. We create an impact that lasts.
Together, we are proving that lasting impact begins when people choose to serve beyond themselves.
Interested in learning more or getting involved? CONTACT: Tamara Kenworthy, CIVITAS Co-Chair, tamara@on-pointstrategies.com , 515-314-6568 Clubs Currently Serving in the Greater Des Moines Rotary Multi-Club Committee – CIVITAS Initiative Ankeny Ankeny Evening Des Moines Des Moines AM East Polk County Indianola Johnston NW Des Moines Waukee West Des Moines West Polk County Winterset & MCREC
