Thank you so much for attending Leveling Up!!!, our Alliance’s 43rd Annual Conference, last Saturday! Overall, we’ve received very positive feedback on the event!

We’re happy to announce that our 2024 Platform was ratified unanimously. Also, our new officers, Adriane Moline (Vice-President) and Haley Van Camp (Secretary) were elected by unanimous vote.

This year, our Rising Star Award, given to people who are new to our Alliance but who have made a significant contribution during the past year, was awarded to three individuals: Arlo Miller in Mesa County, Amy Dickinson in Montrose County, and Indhira Barron in Garfield County.

Our brand new Rawlins Award is given to members who have shown “determination and grit and fearlessness in speaking truth to power,” traits which are embodied by our beloved board member emeritus, Peggy Rawlins, after whom the award is named. This year, the first Rawlins Award went to Barbara Vasquez.

And this year, there was a tie for the Worley Award, established in 1999 and named after Alliance founders and celebrated activists Chuck and Betsy Worley, which goes to an Alliance member who has, over the course of their career, significantly contributed to making Western Colorado communities more healthy, just, and self-reliant. This year, the award went to Kevin Kuns, who is stepping down as Vice-President of the Alliance board after serving the maximum two terms. And the Worley Award also went to Scott Beilfuss this year, for his long-time commitment and service to our Alliance.