It’s Time to Lead – Moving Forward Together After Election Day
At CiviCO, we exist to ignite and unite cultures of leadership. Leadership is not a title; it’s a call to action—a call to roll up our sleeves, engage in tough conversations, and shape a future we can all be proud of. And today, whether you celebrate the election results, feel anxious about them, or fall somewhere in between, we’re all on the hook to get to work.
Our biggest civic challenge isn’t simply about political outcomes; it’s about our limited perception of civic engagement. Voting or running for office are two ways to serve, but they’re far from the only pathways to meaningful impact. And, it’s not just up to our elected officials to do the work. True, collective progress only comes through more people owning their part of the mess and the steps needed to make progress. Civic leadership is daily work, not every two-to-four year work, and it requires every one of us to engage – whether that’s confronting challenges head-on, showing up in our communities, or leading change in small but essential ways.
If we’re going to strengthen our communities and build a better Colorado, it’s going to take more than sporadic engagement. It’s going to take a fierce, ongoing commitment to three pillars: Civic Knowledge, True Engagement, and Equipping People to Lead. Here’s how we can make that happen:
- Civic Knowledge: Understand the System to Improve It
A thriving civic culture begins with knowledge. Understanding how our government works—how decisions are made, and how policies impact our daily lives—arms us with the insight needed to navigate and improve our communities. When we understand how our cities, schools, and state operate, we’re better prepared to make informed decisions, to question, and to contribute to lasting change. We’ve started this work with our Purpose Hours, Fellowship and Voices of Colorado Politics series. Now, it’s time to bring civic learning to every corner of Colorado, to create access to knowledge that empowers every resident, not just a select few.
- Engagement with Purpose, Not Just Politics
Civic engagement is not just a checkbox—it’s a lifestyle. It’s the choice to show up, to reach out, and to engage meaningfully without an agenda. CiviCO does not exist to drive specific policy outcomes or party agendas; we’re here to foster genuine conversations, build trust, and connect on the issues that matter most to us. This isn’t just about politics—it’s about making sure our communities are heard, understood, and supported. When we commit to this kind of engagement, we break down barriers, find common ground, and build trust that extends beyond the ballot box. Trustworthy Process has to be the path to civic progress.
- Equipping Leaders from Every Background and Walk of Life
We need a mindset shift in Colorado—one that sees leadership as an action anyone can take, anytime, anywhere. Too often, we think, “Leadership is for someone else.” But that thinking has held us back for too long. Equipping people to lead means creating the tools, training, and support that empower anyone who wants to make a difference. Leadership is not exclusive; it calls everyone to the work. And we need to bring more voices, more perspectives, and more courage into the fold. This is about skill-building, yes, but it’s also about cultivating confidence in every person who says, “Maybe I could make a difference.” Leadership is an activity, not a position. It’s time to step up.
A Call to Action: Join Us in This Work
There’s one force that can hold us back from the work we need to do—apathy. But apathy has no place in our future. Apathy is a choice to stand still, to disengage, to wait for “someone else.” But what if that “someone else” is you?
CiviCO believes in a Colorado where every person has a pathway to leadership, and we invite you to join us in making that a reality. This isn’t work for “other people.” It’s for every person who wants to leave a better world for future generations. Join us, learn with us, and let’s build a Colorado that works for everyone.
Our journey is just beginning. Whether it’s through civic learning programs, meaningful conversations, or leadership training, there’s a place for you in this work. Together, let’s make Colorado a beacon of civic engagement, leadership, and progress.
It’s time to get to work. Will you join me in this commitment to engage?
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