The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center

08/18/2026

Come visit us at the MidAmerican Energy Education Center at the top of Expo Hill at the Iowa State Fair! Learn more about Character Counts and KidsFit Wellness Club and get some fun swag while you're at it. We'll be here from 10-1, hope to see you soon!

07/27/2026

We are so thankful for our event partners:
- Fox 17
- Prairie Meadows
- Hy-Vee
- Murphy Enterprizes
- Delta Dental
- Gartner Family Foundation

Iowa Character Awards wouldn't be possible without you! 💙

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07/01/2026

Ready to Strengthen Your School or Organization’s Culture?
Join one or both of our upcoming CHARACTER COUNTS! workshops and discover how to build character, connection, and belonging using the Six Pillars and Kindness 101.
Learn more and register at charactercounts.org/workshops

06/29/2026

At The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, we believe civility is about respecting others, listening to different perspectives, and engaging in difficult conversations with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to listen.

Our Executive Director, Scott Raecker, recently spoke with Iowa Capital Dispatch about the importance of restoring civility in public discourse and strengthening our communities through respectful dialogue.

Read more here: https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/06/26/civility-advocates-look-for-ways-to-restore-iowa-nice-to-campaigns-public-discourse/

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A group of former and current officeholders are looking to encourage civility by encouraging civic participation and civil interactions.

05/26/2026

Brody Middle School in Des Moines, IA received the School of Character Award in 2025.

You can learn more by watching the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=2xn346Y-8pNhdOiq&v=Z6OFt33_YYA&feature=youtu.be

Stay tuned to find out the 2026 recipients soon!

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05/23/2026

We're so proud to work with On the Road with Steve Hartman to provide heart-warming videos and lessons to teach kindness and character.

Check out Steve's most recent story on CBS News and make sure to check out Kindness101.com

https://youtu.be/XvX0KbeD2fg?si=LOhmf4qrcEfuoX5p

Schools teach kids how to read, write and do math. But what about a...

05/01/2026

LAST CALL Iowa Character Awards nominations close tonight at midnight.
Take 10 minutes to recognize someone who leads with character.
Nominate now: https://raycenter.drake.edu/iowa-character-awards/

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04/30/2026

Nominations close TOMORROW at midnight! Don’t miss your chance to recognize individuals, schools, teams, and organizations who lead with character across Iowa. Take a few minutes today to make your nomination count. https://raycenter.drake.edu/iowa-character-awards/

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04/29/2026

Only 3 days left to submit Iowa Character Awards nominations! Take a few minutes to recognize the people, schools, and organizations who exemplify character across Iowa. Nominations close Friday at midnight: https://raycenter.drake.edu/iowa-character-awards/

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