Apply to be a Water Literate Leader of Northern Colorado

Contact for Reporters:
Jennifer Dimas
970-491-1543
Jennifer.Dimas@colostate.edu

Water is emerging as one of the most important and controversial subjects to be addressed in the 21st century. Water issues are particularly complex and understanding the nuances is critical for good decision-making. Many who have helped communities make sound water decisions are nearing retirement age. Northern Colorado needs a new crop of water literate leaders.

The Colorado Water Institute, in cooperation with Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, has launched a non-partisan Water Literate Leaders of Northern Colorado program. Modeled after highly successful programs such as Leadership Northern Colorado, this program is for those who hold or aspire to political office, or other roles, including boards and commissions, which can impact regional water policy.

The Water Literate Leaders of Nothern Colorado will be a colloquium of emerging leaders from Northern Colorado’s communities who actively learn about Northern Colorado water from all angles including agriculture, urban, environmental, recreation, and business via presentations, dialogue and field trips. Members will have interaction and dialogue with regional water leaders to get an inside view of issues affecting Northern Colorado’s water future and will participate in visioning activities.

Meetings, including lunch, will be held from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Community Foundation offices, 4745 Wheaton Drive in Fort Collins, on Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13 of 2018 and Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 14, April 11, May 9 of 2019. The class fee of $150 has been kept low thanks to generous support from City of Greeley, City of Fort Collins, Town of Windsor and City of Loveland.  A maximum of 20 participants will be chosen

Appy now for the 2018-2019 class

Criteria for acceptance include:

  • Has exemplified leadership in one of the Northern Colorado communities
  • Anticipates continued community leadership for the next several years
  • Concerned about the water future of Northern Colorado
  • Must make a strong commitment to attend all sessions

Applications due July 20

Applications due by July 20 and participants will be chosen Aug. 15.

For more information and to apply visit the website or contact Mary Lou Smith at MaryLou.Smith@colostate.edu.