UPDATE: Community members in La Plata County gathered at the Durango Public Library last week for an urgent forum focused on enhancing political engagement through ranked choice voting, election funding, and civic education. The event, part of the statewide Courageous Colorado initiative, aimed to empower local residents to take action in the face of national political challenges.
The Fall Activation Tour, led by Executive Director Landon Mascareñaz, kicked off last week in Colorado Springs and will continue through mid-November, making stops in towns including Cortez, Telluride, Montrose, and various cities along the Front Range. Mascareñaz emphasized the role of grassroots efforts in shaping the future of democracy.
“The big idea is that the future of our communities begins with people at the local level deciding to make a change,” Mascareñaz stated. “Our local communities are showing us that innovation and change are possible.”
Participants engaged in hands-on discussions, splitting into three groups to brainstorm solutions for enhancing civic involvement. Each group was tasked with envisioning what success could look like in 2028 for their chosen topics. The election funding group projected La Plata County as a leader in voter turnout and accessibility, attributing success to robust election funding and innovative processes.
The civic education team imagined a significant shift in community engagement, driven by well-informed young voters and a strong emphasis on civic education in schools. Meanwhile, the ranked choice voting cohort envisioned a future with increased representation and less divisive campaigning.
Despite a failed statewide initiative for ranked choice voting in November 2024, some cities in Colorado, such as Basalt, Boulder, and Broomfield, have successfully implemented this system, raising interest among Durango community members for similar changes.
In a second brainstorming session, groups listed local entities that can help bring their visions to life, including the La Plata County League of Women Voters, Visit Durango, and local youth organizations. Tiffany Lee, La Plata County Clerk and Recorder, attended the event to gauge community sentiments.
“It’s important for me to hear what the community is really concerned about,” Lee remarked. “Sometimes I get so focused on conducting elections that I forget to think about our future possibilities.”
The event’s focus on bridging partisan divides resonated with attendees, who described the discussions as “hopeful” and “energizing.” Participant Sarah Kappel expressed her desire for a more hands-on approach to political engagement, stating, “It’s really empowering to talk about how things can look at the community level. We forget that we have power here.”
As the Courageous Colorado tour progresses, community members are encouraged to take part in future discussions, reinforcing the importance of local action in shaping a stronger democracy. The next stops will provide further opportunities for citizens to engage and collaborate on vital political issues.
Stay tuned for more updates as this initiative unfolds, and consider how you can contribute to your community’s future.
