For so many of us, summer on the Western Slope means warm weather, bright sunshine, and an opportunity to enjoy the bounty of the summer season.

For our Alliance, summer is also when we get ready for the Annual Conference in August. Like the beginning of a new school year, the Annual Conference signals a fresh start, forward thinking, connection with friends old and new, and a renewed energy and commitment to the values that matter most.

There’s a lot to love about the Annual Conference. It’s when we celebrate wins from the past year, honor outstanding individuals, get inspiration for continued action with our keynote speaker, and add to our toolbox of skills in the workshops.

Attendees will see the Alliance’s near-future as we proudly share the recently approved three-year strategic plan after it was developed for a year with member input. As a member-led and democratic organization, we’ll also be electing officers and voting on our platform during the business meeting.
This year, we’re also leveling up the awards! In addition to the Worley Award (our Alliance’s highest honor) and the Rising Star award, we will also be bestowing a new award, presented to recognize the efforts of an Alliance member who demonstrates dogged determination to fight for healthy, just, and self-reliant communities in the face of adversity. This award is named in honor of Peggy Rawlins, a longtime Alliance member leader and board member emeritus who lives and fights for these values every day.
In addition to the scheduled content and workshops for this year’s conference, we’ve made sure to build in plenty of social time to reconnect or build new connections! At the end of the day, we’ll raise a glass to toast each other, our alliance, and our continued commitment to build grassroots power through community organizing and leadership development.

I sincerely hope you’ll join us at Western Colorado Alliance’s 43rd Annual Conference on August 26, at the Doubletree Hotel in Grand Junction. If you can’t join us in person, please join us virtually! Be sure to register today!