When I first started in this role, someone asked me how I planned to make conservation appeal to everyone, specifically new audiences. My answer was "connection." Conservation means something different to just about everyone, but it is almost always personal and rooted in a powerful connection to a natural place or space. It is that connection that drives us to do this work and protect those places. And I believe that it is through that connection that we will bring new partners and populations into the conservation community and foster a deeper conservation culture in our state.

To get there, we at Keep It Colorado need to stay connected to our members, and to know and understand the stories of their work and the communities they serve. And our members need to stay connected to each other to collectively brainstorm and address emerging issues and opportunities. We'll do that through convenings, listening tours, forums and workshops that bring our community together and create learning and forward-moving momentum.

And as a coalition, we are also laying the groundwork to connect with more conservation-minded people, partners and organizations that are prioritizing conservation in their work and in their lives - and we will actively seek ways to do that through industry conferences, speaking events, public outreach campaigns and other avenues. We're excited to be offering some resources and opportunities that we hope foster more connections with one another - and protect the vital connection we all feel with our lands, waters and wildlife in Colorado.

Thank you for your connection with us!

-- Melissa Daruna, executive director