Campaign, Don’t Complain.
In our community, we know the game: when you’ve got the right card, you win. Civic education is the same. When we understand who represents us and what they do, we hold the winning hand.
COLOR is all about giving you the cards you need: short videos, quick guides, and resources that make it easy to get involved. No jargon, no fluff, just the facts to help our communities hold the winning board.
Want to get involved with COLOR’s work? We can join you at the Capitol, provide meeting prep, share resources, and so much more. Reach out to our Community Outreach Coordinator, Isaura, to get involved.
This is your guide for who does what, how decisions get made, and where you fit in.
Most people in Colorado have two U.S. Senators (statewide), one U.S. House member (your congressional district), one State Senator and one State Representative (your state legislative districts), plus local officials; city/town council or trustees, county commissioners, school board, and sometimes special districts (RTD, water, fire) depending on where you live. U.S. Senators and Representatives vote in Washington, D.C. and keep offices in Colorado. State lawmakers vote at the Capitol in Denver. Local officials make decisions closest to home about services where you live, like public health, housing and zoning, transportation, utilities, and school priorities.
The governor is the top elected leader of the state. They oversee state agencies, make sure laws are carried out, and propose a state budget. The governor can sign bills into law or veto them and plays a key role in responding to emergencies, setting statewide priorities, and representing the state’s interests.
To Call Governor Polis, go here: Contact the Governor
If you would like to receive a Proclamation or have the Governor provide public recognition to you, you can fill out this form here: Proclamation or Letter Request
Stay connected with Governor Polis: Newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Website
State legislators write Colorado laws and set the state budget. They make decisions that shape your daily life, from funding Colorado schools and roads to setting healthcare, housing and environmental policies. Because they’re closer to their communities, your voice can have a bigger impact on the issues that matter most.
To find your state legislators to set up a meeting, go here: Find My Legislator
If you are interested in getting involved in the state budget process or want to express your opinions about a specific state bill, you can sign up to testify here: Testimony Signup
The Colorado Attorney General serves as the people’s lawyer, protecting your rights as a consumer, ensuring fair treatment in housing, healthcare, and the workplace, and holding powerful interests accountable.
To contact the Office of Attorney General Phil Weiser, go here: Contact Our Office
Filing a complaint with the Attorney General’s office is one of the most direct ways to make your voice heard. It not only helps resolve individual issues, like fraud or discriminatory practices, but also creates greater protections for your community.
To file a complaint, go here: File a Complaint with the Attorney General
From youth mental health in schools and expanding financial empowerment to addressing domestic violence across the state, the AG can provide millions of dollars in grants and partnerships. You can find more about this here: Funding Opportunities with the Attorney General
Stay connected with Attorney General Weiser: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Website
The Colorado Secretary of State defends democracy in Colorado by overseeing elections, protecting voting rights, and managing business registrations. Their office ensures fair, accessible elections and supports entrepreneurs, supporting how Coloradans vote and do business every day.
To contact the Office of Secretary of State Jena Griswold, go here: Contact the Secretary of State
To request a meeting with the Secretary of State, go here: Request a Meeting
Fighting disinformation is a collective effort, so you can learn more and receive more in-depth voting resources at Go Vote Colorado or here: Fighting Election Disinformation
If you or a loved one hasn’t registered to vote already and wants to get involved in civic participation, you can do it here: Go Vote Colorado
Stay connected with Secretary of State Griswold: Newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Website
If you would like to provide engagement to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, you can apply to join the Member Experience Advisory Council to give input and affect positive change in government programs here: Apply to Member Experience Advisory Council
If you are interested in serving on a board and/or commission, then please apply here: Boards and Commissions Application Form
Help promote democracy with the Secretary of State by demonstrating interest in serving as an Election Judge on Election Day here: Apply to be an Election Judge
The Colorado Secretary of State encourages peer-to-peer non-partisan voter registration, participation, and civic engagement. Through peer-to-peer registration, you can earn your school the Colorado Secretary of State’s Eliza Pickrell Routt Award by registering your friends to vote, here: High School Voter Registration Challenge
Congressional Representatives and Senators, also known as legislators, can introduce legislation and community projects funding requests that will be impactful to you and your family. They pass national laws and make funding decisions that flow back to our communities.
To find your Congressional Representative and Senator, go here:
Share your story with Congress.
If there is anything that you would like your Member of Congress to introduce on your behalf or if you would like to get involved in the Appropriations process in the future, you can let them know here:
Ask for what you want and need from the legislative process.
Legislators have the ability to introduce legislation and community projects funding requests that will be impactful to you and your family. If there is anything that you would like your Member of Congress to introduce on your behalf or if you would like to get involved in the Appropriations process in the future, you can let them know here:
Learn about congressional awards and recognition.
If you would like to receive a Commemorative Letter, Proclamation, or have your Member of Congress provide special recognition to you, you can fill out these form here:
Get help resolving an issue from your Member of Congress.
If you or someone you know needs help resolving an issue with a federal agency, you can reach out to the offices here:
Stay connected.
Follow your Member of Congress by subscribing to their newsletters, engaging on social media, and visiting their websites:
Senator John Hickenlooper: Newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Website
Senator Michael Bennet: Newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Website
Rep. Diana DeGette: Newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Website
Rep. Joe Neguse: Newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Website
Rep. Jeff Hurd: Newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Website
Rep. Lauren Boebert: Newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Website
Rep. Jeff Crank: Newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube Website
Rep. Jason Crow: Newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Website
Rep. Brittany Pettersen: Newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Website
Rep. Gabe Evans: Newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Website
Want to work in Congress?
Explore a career in government by visiting these Congressional employment resources:
Follow @COLOR_Latina for more information on civic engagement, reproductive justice, and our community across Colorado!