who we are & what we’re about

Founder & Joy Forager

The idea for a book about joyful resistance came to me in 2018. I began collecting stories from people all over the country and even other parts of the world about practices they have that give them pleasure but that also are about change. Via Covid I became much more focused on my local community and what each of us can do in our zone. I also wanted proceeds to go directly to support young people in my area. So I shifted to a zine format and am loving the DIY ethos of the zine community!

It’s important to me that this community is diverse in multiple ways, including that it’s intergenerational. I began adding gatherings to the slate of offerings as a way to bring unlikely people together. The perfect JOY event is one were people who had never met before are all hugging each other before they leave!

Events & Community Connections

Hello All! I am Maddie Abu-Nameh and honored to be a member of the JOY Brain Trust. As a Palestinian-Irish American born and raised in Iowa I'm an advocate for self-acceptance and cross-cultural joy. Infused with excitement for serving others, my journey has included; Child Care, Hospitality Management, Non-Profit work, and currently Benefits Administration. I'm here because of my commitment to children and their perspectives. I want to help foster an everlasting joyfully resistant community and I believe the transformative power of empathy, sharing, and paying attention (especially to the "small" things) will help get us there.

Food Is Joy Leader

My name is Kylie, and I’ve been working in the hospitality industry for a decade. I’ve been part of opening and working at some of Iowa City’s top restaurants and local favorites. Along with being my creative outlet, food is a way to share and make memories with others. Find me at https://gourmetgolladay.square.site.

Web Genius, Vibe Checker

Raneem is a nature-lover, a food-lover, and a people-lover. She enjoys traveling and especially misses returning home to Khartoum, Sudan. She grew up organizing in Iowa City and is passionate about community empowerment and sustainable development. She is the Director of Cultural Narrative at Resilient Sustainable Future for Iowa City where she tells stories about Iowa City neighbors building community strength resilience.

Campus-Community Connector

Travis Kraus is an educator, urban planner, vegan, sometimes-artist, wannabe filmmaker, spreadsheet guru, futon expert, environmental advocate, and longtime Iowa City resident. Travis is an Associate Professor in the University of Iowa School of Planning and Public Affairs and Director of the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC). Through IISC, Travis helps facilitate and lead community engaged-learning projects that promote economic opportunity, social justice, and sustainability. His work experiences span planning, economic development, film, and entrepreneurship. He enjoys serving on the board of the local arts non-profit Public Space One, being part of the local Transition Team, and spending time with his family and friends.

Smile Bringer

Born and raised in West Des Moines, I am currently a student at the University of Iowa studying political science and urban studies. I tuned in to the Joy Project last fall, and have since enjoyed every hour engaged and learning in this nourishing niche. After graduation, I intend to work with local and tribal governments towards decolonizing urban spaces. In my free time I enjoy writing, painting, and playing the piano.

Envoy for the Youngest

Tricia earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Iowa State University and is the Preschool Director of Preucil Preschool. Inspired by her preschoolers, she cofounded The LENA Project to amplify the voices of young people who are concerned about living in an unsustainable world. She is passionate about environmental education and creating a better future for all.

The Joy Team is an evolving group who supports the overall concept of joyful resistance We love new ideas and new members who want to help create zinesor related programs. (Art by Liz Sexton)