It’s been less than 24 hours, so forgive us if our hearts are still full from the second annual Community Conversation hosted last night by Uncompahgre Valley Alliance at the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose. Nearly 50 members and supporters came together to talk about life in Montrose County.

As part of the event, we asked participants to write answers to a few questions. Some of the comments we heard in response seemed to be provoked by an emotionally charged election season:

“What does it mean to be an American?”

“Let’s turn to community building!”

Some folks had thoughts regarding community organizing:

“… realized that in order for change to happen, I can’t hope and wait on leadership to do it for us, much less do it right.”

“Recognition of the incredible intelligence and capability of people in our community and wanting to be with them in an organizing capacity.”

And some of the folks attending last night’s Conversation reflected on how groups in Montrose could collaborate better, particularly around our Alliance’s current campaign on public transportation.

We couldn’t be more grateful for those who showed up and participated in these small but important conversations, and for those who collectively donated over $300 to sustain our work. As we close out the year, Uncompahgre Valley Alliance is dedicated to taking your feedback and ideas to continue building, strengthening, and growing our organization in 2025!