March 06, 2023 03:42 PM UTC

What you can do to fight for progress this week (March 6)

• 0 Comments
• by: ProgressNow Colorado

As we near the halfway point in the 2023 session of the Colorado General Assembly, I just want to take a moment again to thank everyone who has made a phone call, sent an email, and/or showed up at the Capitol so far this year to fight for our shared values expressed in legislation. With your help, important bills we’ve been working on like protections for vulnerable renters and keeping families connected with family members in custody are moving forward.

The work we do wouldn’t be possible without an active, aware majority of ordinary Coloradans who agree on the need to protect freedom, fairness, and truly equal opportunity for everyone. The voters of Colorado who elected the powerful progressive majority we enjoy this year mandated bold solutions to problems that have vexed our state for generations–and while we won’t win every legislative battle in one year, with your help progressives are delivering.

Action item #1 this week: it’s time to modernize Colorado’s strong workplace anti-discrimination laws. The 2023 POWR Act updates the definition of “harassment” to align with modern expectations, reforms the practice of using nondisclosure agreements to conceal misconduct, and updates discrimination law to better protect people with disabilities.

Call your State Senator today and urge them to support the 2023 POWR Act.

Once that’s done, here are a few more ways to make a difference for the week of March 6, 2023:

The People’s Forum by Denverite

Join Denverite and a group of community organizations, including Servicios de la Raza, Denver Justice Project and Colorado Black Women for Political Action, to hear candidates make their pitch to city residents. This forum aims to reflect what Denverites believe are the most important issues facing marginalized communities.

When: Tuesday, March 7 at 5:00pm
Where: Carla Madison Recreation Center, 2401 W Colfax, Denver

Click here to RSVP.

Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition: Phone Bank for HB-1115

Join us at the Chinook Center or by Zoom! If you attend this phone bank we ask that you bring your own laptop and headphones for this event! This is CRUCIAL moment for HB23-1115. We’re asking you to help us push our legislators to support this key housing bill in Colorado. Please reach out to our south regional organizer nayda@coloradoimmigrant.org as we organize this phone bank! And a big ‘thank you!’ to our partners Colorado Springs Housing 4 All Coalition.

When: Tuesday, March 7 at 5:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

The State of Our Streets: 2023 Denver Mayoral Forum

The State of Our Streets 2023 Denver Mayoral Forum will be held in the gym at the brand new DSST: Elevate NE HS and our distinguished panel will be pressing the candidates to speak directly in explaining the actions they would take if elected Mayor of Denver. We welcome you to add your voice, as a member of the community. Please let us know of your interest. Register now!

When: Thursday, March 9 at 5:00pm
Where: 10825 E 47th Ave, Denver

Click here to RSVP.

Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition: Students Stand Up For Immigration Reform!

Join us at the Colorado Capitol to sign a letter to the U.S. Congress-members who represent you and ask them to approve the bill “Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929” that can provide a pathway to citizenship.

When: Saturday, March 11 at 1:00pm
Where: Colorado State Capitol, Denver

Click here to RSVP.

Faith Into Action: Community Engagement Forum

This year marks a historic event as each elected leader of the City of Denver’s districts is up for election/re-election. Plan to join others from across the region on March 11th for a non-partisan forum hosted with our resource partner, Together Colorado. Hear from City Council candidates running in District 10, where Trinity is located (as well as candidates in Districts 8 and 9 for those interested). Watch for information on an upcoming Mayoral Candidate Forum too.

When: Saturday, March 11 at 1:00pm
Where: 1980 Dahlia St, Denver

Click here to RSVP.

Uncovering Denver’s History of Segregation Part 1: The History of Five Points-Whittier

Did you know that real estate appraisers once described Whittier as one of the highest-quality Black residential neighborhoods in the US? Or that Cherry Creek and Lower Downtown used to be significant Black enclaves? Learn the history of the Five Points-Whittier neighborhood, from the early twentieth century to today with the Redress Movement. The Redress Movement envisions a society where the harm done through segregation has been remedied and repaired, where all of our citizens live in well-resourced neighborhoods, all of our community members have equal access to home ownership, and where what zip code you were born into no longer determines the shape of your life.

When: Saturday, March 11 at 1:00pm
Where: Ford-Warren Branch Library, 2825 N High St., Denver

Click here to RSVP.

History Colorado: Perspectives of Black History in Colorado

Spend an afternoon with Dexter Nelson II, the associate curator of African American history and cultural heritage at History Colorado, and explore the state’s current exhibits and collections to learn about the impact African Americans have had in Colorado. This course takes a closer look at the perspectives being prioritized in the museum’s current exhibit narratives, ways to learn about and promote Black history in Colorado, and the ways history can be more complete when all voices are heard.

When: Saturday, March 11 at 1:00pm
Where: History Colorado, 1200 Broadway, Denver

Click here to RSVP.

The Parasol Patrol Supports the “Out for Homes and Parks” Event

Parasol Patrol is honored to help welcome guests to the “Our for Parks and Homes” event at Tracks in Denver. In these challenging times, we face issues of classism and “othering” of so many disenfranchised communities. The Parasol Patrol volunteers are trained to stand as a peaceful barrier between youth and protesters with the goal of reducing chaos and keeping everyone as safe as possible. Our volunteers and community members will use umbrellas to create a visual barrier and walk audience members to the door of the venue. The organizers are calling for attendees to dress colorfully and festive specifically for chilly weather in support of drag performers everywhere. So feel free to be bold and bright!

When: Saturday, March 11 at 5:45pm
Where: Tracks Denver, 3500 Walnut St., Denver

Click here to RSVP.

We’ll see you next week with more ways to take action. Thanks again!