June 04, 2018 12:35 PM UTC

Two years on: what you can do to fight back this week (June 4)

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• by: ProgressNow Colorado

June 1 was my second anniversary as the executive director of ProgressNow Colorado. I wanted to take just a moment to talk about the experience.

Since our founding in late 2003, ProgressNow Colorado has served as the state’s first line of response in support of progressive solutions to the problems our state and nation face. We made our mark in Colorado politics by holding the far right in Colorado accountable, while championing a positive vision based on fairness and opportunity for all. From fighting to preserve the integrity of Colorado’s elections in 2016, to helping pass ballot measures increasing Colorado’s minimum wage, I’m incredibly proud of the role this organization has played in making Colorado a progressive success story.

But as we saw today in a disheartening U.S. Supreme Court ruling, we have a long way to go. If you believe as we do that LGBTQ rights are one of the great remaining civil rights battlegrounds in American society, then you know we have to keep fighting in the wake of the Masterpiece Cakeshop ruling for an inclusive society free of discrimination. We know that our values are right, we know that no one should ever be turned away from public accommodation of any kind because of who they are. Working together, we’ll keep trying to end discrimination–and we know we’ll prevail in the end.

The best part of this job, by far, is working with you. None of us expected the result of the 2016 elections, but the new birth of progressive activism that resulted has accomplished more than just answering Trump’s excesses. We’ve set the stage for lasting change in our state and nation. I’m personally grateful to everyone who supports our work, and I look forward to fighting alongside you for years to come.

And here are some great ways to take action for the week of July 2:

One Colorado: Masterpiece Decision Day Rally

Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court does not change our country’s long-standing principle that businesses open to the public must be open to all. While we are disappointed the Court ruled in favor of Masterpiece Cakeshop and their discrimination against Dave Mullins and Charlie Craig, the fact remains that Colorado has a civil rights division and anti-discrimination laws that equally protect the fundamental rights of all Coloradans.

Where: Denver (still working location confirmation – will update the event when we have it – will likely be at state capitol)
When: Monday, June 4 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Where: Wayne N. Aspinall Federal Building, 400 Rood Ave, Grand Junction
When: Monday, June 4 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

3rd annual Fort Collins LGBTQ+ Proclamation

Please join us for the 3rd annual Pride month City Council meeting, when our Fort Collins Mayor Troxell will proclaim June as LGBTQ Pride Month!

Where: Fort Collins City Hall, 300 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins
When: Tuesday, June 5 at 5:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Everything You Need to Know about the Colorado Primaries

There are some very big races this year: Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, US House/Senate, State House/Senate, and more. What are each of these offices, and how do they affect your day-to-day life? How will unaffiliated voters be able to participate in the election? How can voters find unbiased information about who is running for office? Join us for this FREE event on Tuesday, June 5, to learn everything you need to know about the 2018 Colorado Primary Election. Come with questions and we will have answers (and if we don’t know on the spot, we will make up an answer – just kidding).

Where: Denver Open Media, 700 Kalamath St, Denver
When: Tuesday, June 5 at 5:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Lafayette Council – Do Not Legalize Drilling in our Town

The Lafayette City Council majority is attempting to legalize oil and gas drilling, the construction of fossil fuel infrastructure, and the burning of cancer causing volatile organic compounds within city limits. Ignoring the damage this will cause to public health, our local environment, and the global climate, Councilors are being asked to approve industry-reviewed drilling regulations in defiance of public safety and concern.

Where: Lafayette City Hall, 1290 S Public Rd, Lafayette
When: Tuesday, June 5 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Public Banking And Climate Justice, With 350 Denver

Please join 350 Denver to hear about the various ways that public banking can be a tool of social and environmental change in Colorado. Bernard Douthit will speak to us about how we can create a more just set of solutions for Colorado through this tool that helps to create the financial capital to fund the change we all want and need in racial, social and environmental justice.

Where: Highlands United Methodist Church, 3131 Osceola St, Denver
When: Tuesday, June 5 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Ignite Adaptive Sports: Pints for the People at Upslope-Lee Hill

Upslope Brewing is generously hosting a fundraiser for Ignite Adaptive Sports as part of their “Pints for the People” series Wednesday, June 6 at their Lee Hill location in Boulder. $1 from every pint sold on Wednesday will be donated to Ignite. What better reason to hit happy hour?!

Where: Upslope Brewery, 1501 Lee Hill Rd #20, Boulder
When: Wednesday, June 6 at 2-10:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Candidate Event, League of Women Voters of Estes Park

The League of Women Voters of Estes Park would like to invite the candidates for the U.S. House 2nd District. We will be inviting both the Democratic and Republican candidates so that all registered voters, including Independents, will have an opportunity to meet and speak with all who are running.

Where: Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Ave, Estes Park
When: Wednesday, June 6 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

New Era Colorado: Toast to Democracy

We’re thrilled to invite you to New Era Colorado’s annual event, Toast to Democracy. Join us for a fresh and memorable cocktail reception on June 6th to celebrate and expand the power of youth-driven democracy across the state. We can’t do this work without you, so we hope you’ll join us!

Where: Space Gallery, 400 Santa Fe Dr, Denver
When: Wednesday, June 6 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Colorado Common Cause: Who’s Paying to Influence Your Vote?

As Colorado’s election season heats up, our mailboxes are filling up. From now through November, Coloradans will become increasingly inundated with campaign literature in the mail, on our computer screens, and via TV and the radio. Those messages vary from glowing to vicious – even about the same candidate. And it isn’t always clear where the message is coming from – or how they paid for the message.

Where: Irish Snug, 1201 E Colfax Ave, Denver
When: Thursday, June 7 at 5:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

One Colorado presents: A Gubernatorial Forum on LGBTQ Issues

Join us at the EXDO Event Center on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 6:00PM for a forum with candidates for Governor to discuss issues that impact LGBTQ Coloradans and their families. Attendance is free, but a suggested donation of $10 is highly encouraged. When you sign up, you can also submit a question to be asked of the candidates. Please keep in mind that not all questions submitted will be able to be used at the forum.

Where: EXDO Event Center, 3500 Walnut St, Denver
When: Thursday, June 7 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Brewery Dragstravaganza: Punk Rock Drag Show

To help kickoff Denver Pride, join Ratio Beerworks for the fourth edition of our punk rock-themed drag show performance supporting One Colorado and the LGBTQ community. Proceeds from beer sales will go to support this tremendous organization.

Where: Ratio Beerworks, 2920 Larimer St, Denver
When: Friday, June 8 at 9:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Latinas LEAD Power Summit

Join Latinas LEAD and the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado (LCFC) for the 2nd Annual Latinas LEAD Power Summit, Uniting Our Power to Advance Our Influence, a full day conference designed to create a shared learning environment and highlight the unique strengths, challenges and opportunities Latina women face as they continue in their personal and professional development.

Where: Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 1101 13th St, Denver
When: Saturday, June 9 at 8:00am

Click here to RSVP.

Harm Reduction Action Center: Community Clean UP

Join the HRAC in our first community clean up of 2018! This is a great chance for folks to get involved with us on a weekend and show some appreciation for the Cap Hill neighborhood. We supply the materials, just meet us at 231 E. Colfax at 11am. Volunteers must be 15 years and older. Keep an eye out for changes depending on weather. In the event of a sunny day, come prepared with hats and sun screen!

Where: Harm Reduction Action Center, 231 E Colfax Ave, Denver
When: Saturday, June 9 at 11:00am

Click here to RSVP.

Colorado Gubernatorial Candidate Forum on Drug Policy & More

Colorado voters will elect our next governor on November 6, 2018. This new leader will influence the direction of Colorado’s criminal justice system, marijuana regulations and broader drug policies. All candidates were invited and we’ve received confirmation so far from Mike Johnston, Cary Kennedy, Donna Lynne and Jared Polis. Join us as these candidates share their perspectives and answer timely and compelling questions on these issues. This event is for general educational purposes only. The sponsors are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and do not endorse candidates or otherwise provide support to a candidate.

Where: 430 W 9th Ave, Denver
When: Saturday, June 9 at 2:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

Thanks very much for everything you do and will do. If you have any events coming up you’d like to see included in this weekly alert, click here to drop us a line! And we’ll see you next week with more ways to take action.

Sincerely,

Ian Silverii