Democracy Wire

An undergraduate student shares her first experiences with the state legislative process.

Are you clueless about caucuses? Perplexed by the primaries? Or are you a pro, with experience as a precinct committee person or state convention delegate? Whatever your political IQ, make sure to join us at our next informational happy hour on February 4th for a lively nonpartisan discussion of the primary and caucus systems. We will give an overview of how they work in Colorado, discuss the merits and flaws of both systems, and review the importance of Iowa and New Hampshire (including how this can be problematic). Bring an inquisitive mind and your questions!

Yep, we’re up there at the State Capitol too, alongside lobbyists for every industry and interest you can think of. When the legislative session kicks off, our legislators will tackle many issues, including some that directly impact Coloradans’ ability to participate in democracy. Here are a few issues that may come up:

The four months fellowship under Community Solutions Program (CSP) sponsored by US Department of State and my host organization Colorado Common Cause (CCC) has given me the opportunity to do some research on governance and its derivatives for developing community to ensure their rights and wellbeing. Colorado Common Cause works on government accountability through citizens’ participation in public decision-making to hold governments accountable. CCC believes instead of thinking of government as an "other," it should reflect the wishes of citizens. Just as we're all accountable to friends, family and colleagues, government must be accountable to citizens.

During his four months fellowship, Touhid will work closely with us at Colorado Common Cause to learn how civic engagement non-profits work in the US, and share his expertise in communications and fundraising with us.

Colorado ranks number 4 in technology based economic development. Communities are doing a lot to expand internet access into rural parts of the state to allow for even more of that. These changes will create new opportunities for people living in economically depressed areas, and add rural living to the list of options for entrepreneurs stuck in the city in a gorgeous state like Colorado. But if we lose internet freedom, these opportunities will be available only to the very wealthy or very connected.