In September, Western Colorado Alliance organized its 40th Annual Conference.

What was initially planned as a giant, two-day event in Montrose had to be scaled back and moved online due to health restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID pandemic.

Nevertheless, and despite the fact that it was the first time Alliance staff had ever attempted an online event of this scale, the conference proved to be very successful.

The event was kicked off at 9 am on September 19 by outgoing Board President Steve Allerton. Following various business meeting activities, new Board officers were elected. Andreya Krieves was elected as Chair, replacing Allerton. Bill Wellman of Crawford was elected as Treasurer, and Brenda Bafus-Williams, former Communications Coordinator of Western Colorado Alliance, was appointed as Secretary.

Next, the draft platform was discussed and ratified. (You can read the 2021 Platform at westerncoloradoalliance.org/40th-annual-conference-platform.)
In the mid-morning, our annual awards were bestowed. This year, Steve Allerton and Brenda Bafus-Williams both received the Worley Award, presented to outstanding Western Colorado Alliance volunteers each year (and named after Chuck and Betty Worley, long-time organizers on Colorado’s Western Slope).

The Rising Star Award, given each year to someone who is new to the organization, went to Grace Logsdon.

Our 2020 Keynote Speakers: Janice “Jay” Johnson and Joe Szakos of Virginia Organizing.

Members were delighted by memorable keynote speeches by Janice “Jay” Johnson and Joe Szakos of Virginia Organizing. Both addressed how organizing across differences made their organization both stronger and healthier. Some attendees could be heard repeating Joe’s admonition that “No constituency can win alone” some days later!

Western Colorado Alliance also hosted four workshops in the weeks leading up to the main event: the always popular “Capitol Confidential” (with our Alliance’s legislative liaison, Sol Malick), “Building a Resilient Rural America,” “Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity: Working for Justice in Rural America,” and “Building the Better Normal: A Frontline Update from Work in the West.”