Changing the Narrative of Local Politics - a nonpartisan panel discussion on Monday, October 23, 2023, 6-7:30 PM at the Longmont Public Library. Photos of four panelists. Marta Loachamin, Boulder County Commissioner. Justin Brooks, Mayor of Erie. Doris Crespo, Dacono City Councilor. JD Mangat, Mayor of Lafayette.

Changing the Narrative of Local Politics

Colorado 50-50 is proud to be partnering with The BIPOC Alliance to present, “Changing the Narrative in Local Politics.”

We aim to demystify the process for running for office and show how lived experience can open doors in politics. By harnessing the power of difference, we can change the narrative of local politics to one that is reflective of our democracy and more inclusive than ever.

The event will be a panel discussion followed by an intentional networking session.

Our panelists are:

  • Boulder County Commissioner Marta Loachamin
  • Lafayette Mayor JD Mangat
  • Erie Mayor Justin Brooks
  • Dacono City Councilor Doris Crespo

Date: Monday, October 23, 2023
Time: Doors open 5:45 PM with light refreshments
Panel discussion begins at 6 PM
Networking with local elected officials begins at 7 PM
Event ends at 7:30 PM
Location: Longmont Public Library, 409 4th Avenue Longmont, CO 80501

Registration is free and available through Facebook or EventBrite.

Please share this event with any women you’d like to encourage to take their next steps in leadership!

Winter Social 2020

You won’t want to miss our Winter Social!

It’s happening Sunday, January 26, 5-6:30 PM, at Monroe’s Lounge at the Best Western at I-25 and 34 in Loveland.

This is an enjoyable and informal local opportunity to meet people interested in promoting women in leadership, as well as candidates, and elected officials. 
The event is free with a cash bar. Donations furthering the work of Colorado 50-50 are encouraged and will be happily accepted.

Our special guests include:

  • State Senator Joann Ginal
  • State Senator Vicki Marble
  • State Representative Jeni Arndt
  • Larimer County Treasurer Irene Josey
  • Windsor Mayor and candidate for Weld County Commissioner Kristie Melendez
  • Fort Collins City Councilwoman Julie Pignataro
  • Estes Park Town Councilwoman Carlie Bangs
  • Loveland City Councilwoman Kathi Wright
  • Evans Town Councilwoman Ally Johnson
  • Thompson School Board Director Lori Hvizda Ward
  • Candidate for U.S. Senate Lorena Garcia
  • Candidate for State Representative Holly Herson
  • Candidate for State Representative Yara Zokaie
  • Candidate for Larimer County Commission Kim Akeley-Charron
  • Candidate for Larimer County Commission Jody Shadduck-McNally

By the way, if you are an elected official, former elected official, or candidate, we would love to include you in this event! We will be updating this list here and on social media. Please let us know if you are attending.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, January 26!

Councilwoman Coming To Longmont on Sept. 22

Film poster for Councilwoman with photos of Carmen Castillo

We are showing Councilwoman at the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center! It is an inspiring new documentary about a Dominican-American hotel housekeeper who runs for city council in Providence, Rhode Island. The film will be followed with a panel and audience discussion about civic engagement and getting more women in leadership.

Do you know a woman who should take her next steps in leadership? Bring her with you!

Co-presented with the League of Women Voters of Boulder County and the Longmont Museum.

Sunday, September 22, 3 pm
$5 general admission, $3 students/seniors, free for museum members. Tickets here.

(Seguido en Español – Sinopsis de la película)

Film synopsis: Politicians aren’t often full-time hotel housekeepers, grandmothers, union members and immigrants working service jobs. But Carmen Castillo changes that when she wins a seat on the City Council in Providence, Rhode Island. Carmen Castillo is a Dominican City Councilwoman who maintains her job cleaning hotel rooms, as she takes on her new role in politics. She faces skeptics who say she doesn’t have the education to govern, the power of corporate interests who take a stand against her fight for a $15/hourly wage in the City, and a tough re-election against two contenders—all of this while balancing the challenges of managing a full-time job cleaning hotel rooms, and a personal relationship. It’s a journey behind the scenes of politics after the victory.

Total Running Time: 56:53 – Spanish/English with English subtitles

Sinopsis de la película: los políticos no suelen ser camareras de hotel, abuelas, miembros del sindicato e inmigrantes que trabajan a tiempo completo en el sector del trabajo. Pero Carmen Castillo cambia eso cuando gana un asiento en el Concejo Municipal en Providence, Rhode Island. Carmen Castillo es una concejala Dominicana que mantiene su trabajo de limpieza de habitaciones de hotel, mientras asume su nuevo papel en la política. Se enfrenta a escépticos que dicen que no tiene la educación para gobernar, el poder de los intereses corporativos que se oponen a su lucha por un salario de $15 por hora en la ciudad y una reelección difícil contra dos contendientes: todo esto a la vez que se equilibran los desafíos de administrar un trabajo a tiempo completo limpiando habitaciones de hotel y una relación personal. Es un viaje tras bambalinas de la política después de la victoria.

Tiempo total del documental: 56:53 – en español / inglés con subtítulos en inglés

Colorado Premiere of Councilwoman on April 30

(Seguido en Español)

Join Colorado 50-50, the League of Women Voters of Larimer County, Fuerza Latina, Alianza NORCO, CSU Women and Gender Collaborative, CSU Straayer Center for Public Service Leadership, and Foothills Unitarian Church at the Colorado premiere of Councilwoman. This exciting new documentary will inspire you! The film will be followed by a discussion.

The film will show April 30th at 7pm at Foothills Unitarian Church, 1815 Yorktown Ave., Fort Collins, Colorado.

Tickets: $5/adult and $3/student available here

Childcare available. RSVP by Sunday, April 28 required. Please email SallyHarris@Colorado5050.org to RSVP.

View the trailer: https://www.councilwomanfilm.com/

More information is available about the film at:

Facebook: @CouncilwomanDoc Twitter: @CouncilwomanDoc Instagram: @CouncilwomanFilm

Total Running Time: 56:53 – Spanish/English with English subtitles

Film synopsis: Politicians aren’t often full-time hotel housekeepers, grandmothers, union members and immigrants working service jobs. But Carmen Castillo changes that when she wins a seat on the City Council in Providence, Rhode Island. Carmen Castillo is a Dominican City Councilwoman who maintains her job cleaning hotel rooms, as she takes on her new role in politics. She faces skeptics who say she doesn’t have the education to govern, the power of corporate interests who take a stand against her fight for a $15/hourly wage in the City, and a tough re-election against two contenders—all of this while balancing the challenges of managing a full-time job cleaning hotel rooms, and a personal relationship. It’s a journey behind the scenes of politics after the victory.

******

Únase a Colorado 50-50, la Liga de Mujeres Votantes del Condado de Larimer, Fuerza Latina, Alianza NORCO, CSU Women and Gender Collaborative, CSU Straayer Center for Public Service Leadership, y Foothills Unitarian en el estreno de “La Concejala” de Colorado. ¡Este emocionante nuevo documental te inspirará! La película será seguida por una discusión.

La película se mostrará el 30 de abril a las 7 pm en Foothills Unitarian Church, 1815 Yorktown Ave., Fort Collins, Colorado.

Entradas: $ 5 / adulto y $ 3 / estudiante, disponibles aquí

Cuidado de niños disponible. Se requiere confirmación de asistencia antes del domingo 28 de abril. Envíe un correo electrónico a SallyHarris@Colorado5050.org para RSVP.

Ver el trailer: https://www.councilwomanfilm.com/

Más información está disponible sobre la película en:

Facebook: @CouncilwomanDoc Twitter: @CouncilwomanDoc Instagram: @CouncilwomanFilm

Tiempo total del documental: 56:53 – en español / inglés con subtítulos en inglés

Sinopsis de la película: los políticos no suelen ser camareras de hotel, abuelas, miembros del sindicato e inmigrantes que trabajan a tiempo completo en el sector del trabajo. Pero Carmen Castillo cambia eso cuando gana un asiento en el Concejo Municipal en Providence, Rhode Island. Carmen Castillo es una concejala Dominicana que mantiene su trabajo de limpieza de habitaciones de hotel, mientras asume su nuevo papel en la política. Se enfrenta a escépticos que dicen que no tiene la educación para gobernar, el poder de los intereses corporativos que se oponen a su lucha por un salario de $15 por hora en la ciudad y una reelección difícil contra dos contendientes: todo esto a la vez que se equilibran los desafíos de administrar un trabajo a tiempo completo limpiando habitaciones de hotel y una relación personal. Es un viaje tras bambalinas de la política después de la victoria.

Greeley Winning With Women

Colorado 50-50 was happy to present our third Winning With Women – this time in Greeley on November 29, 2018. It was a great turnout with about 50 attendees, plus our fabulous panelists. Stacy Suniga (Greeley City Council), Carly Koppes (Weld Clerk and Recorder) and Rochelle Galindo (formerly on Greeley City Council and recently elected State Representative) shared their journeys. We were grateful to hear their stories and advice about getting on a path to leadership.

We also want to thank our sponsors: the University of Northern Colorado Political Science & International Affairs Department and the Gender Studies Program; Electing Women PAC; and the League of Women Voters Greeley-Weld.

Winning With Women Panelists Announced

Winning With Women will be happening at UNC in Greeley on Thursday, November 29, at 6 PM.

Colorado 50-50 is happy to announce the panelists for our upcoming event!

  • Stacy Suniga, Greeley City Council
  • Carly Koppes, Weld County Clerk & Recorder
  • Rochelle Galindo, State Representative-Elect

We invite you to join us on Thursday, November 29, 2018, at the University Center at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Doors open at 6 PM.

There will be information from our sponsors Electing Women, League of Women Voters, and the University of Northern Colorado Political Science Department. We will also provide handouts and maps about local offices, boards, and commissions.

The panel will begin at 6:30 PM, followed by an intentional networking session. Light refreshments will be served.

The event is free and open to the public. However, seating is limited and donations are being accepted, so we encourage you to register and donate here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/colorado-5050-13445338125

Save the date for our Fall Social

Want to meet other fabulous people who are interested in promoting women in leadership? Mark your calendars for our fall social! Have fun discussing politics and policy. Meet women elected officials and candidates. Bring your checkbook in case you meet some you would like to support financially. Get connected with people working on campaigns, hear what campaigns are like and discover volunteer opportunities.

Suggested $5 donation to support the work of Colorado 50-50. We chose the Best Western at I-25 and Highway 34 in Loveland, because it is conveniently located. We hope people will come from near and far to join us. Cash bar and dining – Monroe’s Lounge serves appetizers and dinner.  An RSVP on our Facebook page event would be greatly appreciated. Come hang out with us!

Run As You Are

Run As You Are Training

Women from all over Colorado – from Colorado Springs to LaPorte and Aurora to Boulder – came together on March 3, 2018, for a full day of workshops designed to get more women running for office. The Run As You Are training was put on by Colorado 50-50 and VoteRunLead. The morning kicked off with lead trainer Faith Winter, who started her political career on the Westminster City Council and then became a state legislator. She was joined by Dominique Jackson and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, also state representatives. The lunch panel brought even more insights and anecdotes from women politicians, including State Representative Joann Ginal, Larimer County Treasurer Irene Josey, and Greeley City Councillor Rochelle Galindo. From practicing stump speeches to starting a 90-day challenge, participants walked away with practical information, new connections and a newfound energy. To see a photo album from the day, visit us on Facebook.

Colorado 50-50 and VoteRunLead greatly appreciate the time and expertise shared by the trainers and panelists. We would also like to thank our sponsors and donors whose contributions made the training possible: Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Judi Wagner, Pemberly Woods, King Soopers, and Kathy Yates. And, here’s a big shout-out to our volunteers!

The last thing participants did was sign a pledge that included these words: “We are the leaders we have been waiting for.”

One Won’t Cut It – Invite your friends to the next Winning With Women

Only one.

 

Eight city or town councils in Northern Colorado have only one woman on council. That corresponds to 14% female representation. Not 50-50, but 86-14. Colorado 50-50 analyzed the membership of 15 city and town councils across our region. Even with women making up half our population, these councils have only one woman each.

 

Overall, we found 98 elected council members, but only 23 of them were women. Crunch the numbers and you find that means women make up 23% of all elected council officials in our area. It’s a good thing Eaton, Evans and Milliken are leading the way with three female members each, or these numbers would look much worse. Johnstown had an all-male council until very recently.

 

At Colorado 50-50, we believe this must change. We are advocating for gender parity in politics. Research has shown the many benefits of women becoming elected officials. They collaborate. They reach across the aisle. They solve problems.

 

We believe the best place to start changing is right here – by talking to our women friends and encouraging them to get on a path to leadership. Supporting them to apply to boards and commissions. Urging them to run for office.

 

That’s why we’re happy to announce our second #WinningWithWomen, happening Wednesday, November 15, at All Saints Church in Loveland.

 

We are going to demystify the process of running for office through a panel discussion of elected women officials along with a networking session. In the panel discussion, we will hear how women decided to run and what their experiences were both on the campaign trail and in office. After the panel discussion, we will move into a speed networking session. Bring a stack of business cards!

 

Tickets are available for $15. Childcare is available for a fee with an advance RSVP. Seating is limited, so get tickets today!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winning-with-women-tickets-38849375528

 

 

How to run efficient meetings (and get home before midnight)

Has your use of parliamentary procedure gotten a little rusty since high school? Were you never introduced to Robert’s Rules back then? Maybe you know something about it, but you have wanted to learn more ever since someone used it against you in a meeting.

One of our Winning With Women panelists – former Fort Collins Mayor Susan Kirkpatrick – urged us to learn parliamentary procedure and how to run a good meeting. She said it would pay dividends for anyone in public office, or on a board or commission. Now, we have the opportunity to take her up on her advice at a training on Saturday, September 23, in Fort Collins!

In this day-long workshop, you will learn pragmatic parliamentary tips that will help you in any leadership role. Professional Parliamentarian Lola Fehr will help you get familiar or refresh your knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order. Understand the duties and responsibilities of board members, what constitutes a conflict of interest, and how to solve problems and work through disagreements. By the end, you will know how to run a great meeting!

Saturday, September 23, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Foothills Unitarian Church in Fort Collins. A catered lunch is included. Co-sponsored by Foothills Unitarian Church and Colorado 50-50. Fee for non-church members is $35. Childcare available for $5  with advance RSVP to childcare@foothillsuu.org.

This training is open to the public. Space is limited, so register now using the following link.

https://foothillsuu.churchcenteronline.com/registrations/events/77317