Much work yet to do in achieving connected, inclusive communities
Riding the roller coaster of diversity, equity and inclusion
Many people of color report not feeling included in Boulder County, despite the area’s reputation as a progressive stronghold. Several large institutions have recognized this is an issue, to the point where many are prioritizing efforts to become more diverse, inclusive and equitable.
Police confrontation sparks firestorm over racial bias
The most visible recent step backward for Boulder’s racial equity efforts came in March 2019, when a Boulder Police officer tried to arrest Zayd Atkinson, an African American Naropa student, on suspicion of trespassing while picking up trash outside his apartment. Atkinson disputed the officer’s right to arrest him, and he was eventually confronted by nine officers, with guns drawn. The incident sparked a community firestorm and led to a police oversight task force to look at racial bias. The arresting officer resigned.
Seeing white male privilege as a transgender woman
Paula Stone Wiliams was the CEO of a large religious nonprofit. She hosted a national television show. She preached in megachurches.
Longmont immigrants face racist comments, but also feel support
Donna Lovato is a 7th-generation U.S. citizen with no discernible Spanish accent. Yet, she’s had to put up with people saying they can’t understand her accent, and others who’ve told her, “Go back where you came from.
Cultural brokers advance equity, create change
As one of four national participants in the Knight Foundation’s Community Information Lab, your Community Foundation had the unique opportunity to explore what it means to create the conditions for Latino Bilingual Cultural Brokers (LBCBs) to help drive decisions locally.
Locals mobilize for complete census count
The decennial census of population and housing in the United States is the basis for how federal funds are distributed to such programs as WIC, Head Start, education, transportation and public transit. It’s the starting point for how major public policy decisions are made. It determines how many people a state’s voters can send to Congress. This very TRENDS Report relies on the Census for a majority of its data.
Trump wakes up County voters
The 2016 election of Donald Trump has apparently shocked Boulder County’s Democratic and unaffiliated voters into action.
Boulder County’s $68 million giving opportunity
Boulder County residents gave $292 million to charitable causes in 2015, according to the most recent data crunched by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. In sheer dollars, we gave more than 95% of counties across the country.
Pledge 1% Colorado inspires startup giving
Focused on early-stage corporate philanthropy, Pledge 1% Colorado is a network of 252 local entrepreneurs – and counting – who share a common commitment to make a difference in Boulder County and beyond.
Nonprofits create jobs, boost the economy
Little Bear Preschool in Nederland closed its doors for good in 2019, after 29 years. The closure left families in the remote mountain town with only two preschool options — one of which had no summer hours nor extended care during the school year.
Reaching out to see what’s needed
Cindy LIndsay’s evolution from startup entrepreneur to philanthropist happened over time.
The importance of connecting with those outside your orbit
Chester Kurtz credits his parents and his upbringing in a hardscrabble Montana town for motivating him to give to and volunteer for nonprofit organizations.
Civic Participation & Giving: WHAT CAN I DO?
If you’re an employer, recruit, hire, promote and retain people of color in your business or organization, and make sure your white employees are culturally competent and receive cultural competency training.
Institutions across our county are prioritizing equity in their work, but charitable giving rates remain well below average and surveys show we aren’t very open to immigrants or racial and ethnic minorities.
