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 Center, in cooperation with the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, launched a non-partisan program Water Literate Leaders of Northern Colorado in September 2017. Modeled after highly successful programs such as Leadership Northern Colorado and Water Education Colorado’s Water Fluency Program, 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 Northern Colorado is 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 interact with regional water leaders and two prior cohorts of Water Literate Leaders to get an inside view of issues affecting Northern Colorado’s water future and participate in visioning activities.
The class tuition has been kept low thanks to generous support from City of Greeley, City of Fort Collins, City of Loveland, City of Evans, and the Town of Windsor. A maximum of 20 participants will be chosen.
Criteria for acceptance
- Exemplified leadership in one of the Northern Colorado communities
- Concerned about the water future of Northern Colorado
- Anticipates continued community leadership for the next several years
- Commitment to attend all sessions
Applications due June 24
Applications are due by June 24. For more information and to apply, visit the website. For questions, contact Julie Kallenberger, Water Education Specialist at the Colorado Water Center at julie.kallenberger@colostate.edu.
