We’re so excited for the upcoming Annual Conference, because it’s such a great time to connect with you, the members who are the lifeblood of Western Colorado Alliance. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to meet in person, but our common cause remains unchanged as we emerge strong from the last year and a half of COVID.

COVID has rocked us. It has challenged our collective resolve and shaken loose our expectations of “life as normal.” The ever-changing patchwork of reactions, restrictions, and social norms filled us with uncertainty, illuminated and exacerbated inequities, and introduced a rethinking of the very ways we live our life.

Among other things, the pandemic has helped us see our own true colors. The initial shutdowns and restrictions shot cracks in our expectations and long-held beliefs about work and social interaction. The fits and starts of reopening have forced a consideration of things that just weren’t working before and allowed us to begin envisioning a new way to forge ahead. We’ve become more resilient and honed the skills of pivoting and being flexible with ourselves and our communities. Though we’ve felt more isolated than ever before, we realized how deeply inter-connected we all are through our health and behaviors. Nothing like a global pandemic to appreciate the multiplicative impact of our actions on others.

Out of the haze of the pandemic, our priorities, and the things we value become clear.

Now is our opportunity to connect the dots on the many lessons learned and realities uncovered with our deep-rooted values to craft our vision for a better and more just future.

Just like each of us as individuals, our Western Colorado Alliance has examined what works, what doesn’t, and what needs a second look within the organization. We’re looking forward to connecting the dots with you at this year’s Annual Conference on August 14. You’re warmly invited to join us for this virtual conference and workshop series. We’ll be excited to work with you to connect the dots on what’s most important to you, to learn from each other, and to chart our path forward together.