Central Iowa ACEs 360 hosted its inaugural ACEs Community Learning Circle on November 4, 2015. The learning circles will provide a venue for professionals, community members, stakeholders, and any interested parties to network and be part of the ACEs movement in Central Iowa. The learning circle will share new information through speakers and share opportunities for engagement in Central Iowa.

Our first learning circle "The Power of Partnership" focused on increasing knowledge of how partnership can enhance response to adverse childhood experience data and identifying actionable opportunities to partner in the Central Iowa community. The keynote speaker was Jane Kretzmann, a founding member of the Minnesota ACEs Initiative and whose career has encompassed work in the fields of refugee resettlement, education, government, and philanthropy. Following Jane's inspiring words, small groups engaged in facilitated discussion on partnership.

With over 50 attendees, the first learning circle was a success. Representatives from the community, hospitals, public and private providers, faith and all levels of education joined the first circle. The next learning circle will be held in early spring of 2016.