Welcome to the first Uncompahgre Valley Alliance Quarterly Update! As I approach my first year anniversary of organizing in Montrose County, I wanted a platform where I could update our existing members along with all the great new community members we have brought into the mix. I hope to email you all at least once a quarter with all the Uncompahgre Valley Alliance & Western Colorado Alliance happenings in Montrose County.

As you may know, UVA’s last big issue campaign was to organize for quality, affordable child care in Montrose County.  We persuaded the city and county to invest in a child care needs assessment, and that assessment helped provide the impetus to recently open a new child care center in the Colorado Outdoors campus, adding up to 70 new childcare spots for infants and preschoolers. It is gratifying to see the work of so many UVA members meet a growing and urgent need in our community.  If we can accomplish such important work during the height of the pandemic, imagine what the future holds if we all pull together.

If you are new or simply need a refresher, I’ll briefly explain what Uncompahgre Valley Alliance (UVA) is, and how affiliate groups function within Western Colorado Alliance:

Local affiliates are the “roots” in Western Colorado Alliance’s grassroots efforts. It’s here that you can work with your neighbors to improve your local community, and tap into our Alliance’s training and support resources – all while building our collective power. UVA was created in 1982 and has successfully responded to diverse issues that have faced our community– from stopping toxic waste dumps to working on affordable childcare for all!  As a member of UVA, you can choose to get involved in trainings, a local issue campaign, and/or any of our Alliance’s regional issue work.

Being a member of UVA is a really unique and impactful way to be involved on the local level. And there’s room for everyone: all backgrounds, abilities, and even those of you who lead busy lives. If you are curious as to where we are going as an affiliate, here’s a graphic that outlines UVA’s journey for the year.

In summary, the plan this year is to:

• Assemble an organizing committee whose job it is to help get UVA back to a working status. (Done as of April 4!)
• Continue our deep listening campaign through small group conversations and 1:1 meetings.
• Launch a new campaign informed by our deep listening conversations.

I can’t do it alone though! Community organizing only works when local voices are guiding and leading the work. Together, we have the ability to create major change. If you want to be a part of this revival, or just want someone to talk to, let’s set something up! I look forward to speaking with you soon.

P.S. I am always on the lookout for additional folks to bring into this work and encourage you to share any relevant contacts you may have with me!