421—40.2(216A) Functions of the division. The division of community advocacy and services is under the direction of an administrator, who is appointed by and reports to the director of the department. The functions and responsibilities of the division and respective commissions are described in Iowa Code chapter 216A.
	40.2(1) The department will assign members of the division to meet the responsibilities of each office and to assist corresponding commissions with their efforts. Commission assistance shall be provided by coordinating meetings as required in Iowa Code sections 216A.12, 216A.53, 216A.74, 216A.113, 216A.142, 216A.152, and 216A.162; providing public notice as required in the open meetings law, Iowa Code chapter 21; maintaining commission meeting records; providing data and information on programs, rules and laws which impact or serve Iowans who identify with groups represented by the offices in the division; updating the commission website in accordance with department guidelines; and reporting on division and office results, policies and processes at meetings.
	40.2(2) The division will focus on achieving long-term economic, social and cultural equity for Iowans who identify with groups represented by the offices in the division. To ascertain key needs and areas of focus, the division will assess relevant data, create opportunities for Iowans who identify with groups represented by the offices in the division to connect with one another, and with state government, to raise concerns and suggest workable solutions. This will be accomplished by holding regular listening sessions, providing leadership development opportunities, and facilitating community engagement. The division will actively engage commissioners in these initiatives.
	40.2(3) The division will provide assistance, training and consultation to state departments and agencies to enhance services that allow underrepresented populations to participate fully in the economic, social, and cultural life of the state.
	40.2(4) The division will use its knowledge of programming and information clearinghouse to provide assistance for Iowans who identify with groups represented by the offices in the division. Direct assistance consists of the following:
	a. 	Connecting Iowans with state departments, agencies and other organizations that provide the specific services, expertise or knowledge necessary to meet their needs.
	b. 	Training or assisting Iowans to self-advocate with state and local government when possible.
	c. 	Enhancing statewide and local knowledge of existing services and programs available for Iowans who identify with groups represented by the offices in the division.
	d. 	Communicating about and advocating for the needs and the value to Iowa’s economy, culture and society of Iowans who identify with groups represented by the offices in the division.
	40.2(5) The division will work in collaboration with statewide and local organizations to assess the availability and accessibility of state and local services for Iowans who identify with groups represented by the offices in the division and shall identify gaps in available services, collect data relevant to the work of the division, make recommendations for improvements, and develop and facilitate the implementation of improvements when necessary. Time may be allocated by the division to develop, coordinate and assist statewide and local organizations when the provision of that coordination or assistance is determined to be in alignment with the department’s or division’s strategic plan, and staff resources are available.
	40.2(6) The division will provide assistance to develop, coordinate and assist other organizations. This may include providing division members to serve on committees, boards or working groups; to assist in creating strategic plans or action plans; to speak at events or deliver training; and to provide information about the perspective and needs of members of underrepresented groups. Time may be allocated by the division to develop, coordinate and assist other public organizations when the provision of that coordination or assistance is determined to be in alignment with the department’s or division’s strategic plan, and staff resources are available.
[ARC 6101C, IAB 12/29/21, effective 2/2/22; Editorial change: IAC Supplement 6/28/23]