kdoran, Author at Stand for Children Colorado

Meet Lauren, Stand Advocacy Fellow

Community Engagement | 10/8/2024

Stand for Children

Stand Colorado advances solutions that increase opportunities for families, historically furthest from privilege, through meaningful partnerships with families, educators, schools, and policymakers. One of the ways we uphold this work is through our annual Advocacy Fellowship.

Stand for Children Colorado Advocacy Fellows are community leaders advocating for policy solutions towards a stronger Colorado.  With the support of Stand staff, advocacy fellows will deep dive into issues affecting Colorado communities today, co-create solutions, share knowledge back to their communities, work to break down barriers to power and access decision makers, and, in the process, build long-lasting relationships and invaluable skills.

We are excited to introduce the 2024–2025 Fellows!

Driven by a deep commitment to empowerment and healing, lauren serves as an alternative high school counselor and private practice therapist, blending her B.S. in Sociology and M.A. in Counseling to uplift individuals and communities.

Her leadership experience in the service industry shaped her passion for creating meaningful change, which she channels through volunteering with The Gathering Place and advocacy with Stand for Children.

Lauren values authenticity, resilience, and love, striving to help others navigate life’s challenges with courage and grace. her favorite book is The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith.

Meet Alysia, Stand Advocacy Fellow

Community Engagement | 10/8/2024

Stand for Children

We are excited to introduce the 2024–2025 Fellows!

A passionate educator and advocate, Alysia juggles her roles as a high school English teacher, college Psychology professor, and devoted parent of two with unwavering dedication to justice in her community. Her favorite book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, inspires her belief in teamwork, love, and resilience against adversity.

Beyond teaching, she loves reading, particularly Dramione fanfiction, for its exploration of character growth and new perspectives. Her work and hobbies reflect her commitment to learning, creativity, and fostering meaningful growth in others.

Meet Tom, Stand Advocacy Fellow

Community Engagement | 10/8/2024

Stand for Children

We are excited to introduce the 2024–2025 Fellows!

A dynamic and compassionate leader, Tom starts each day at dawn, balancing a life dedicated to family, learning, and community service. Whether it’s helping his grandchildren excel in school, preparing for his vital role as an Election Judge, or coaching youth basketball, he thrives on making a difference.

A lifelong learner and avid reader with a library of over 2,000 books, Tom finds joy in photography, woodworking, and storytelling. Fueled by innovation and passion, he approaches every challenge as an opportunity to solve problems and inspire others.

Meet Lesley, Stand Advocacy Fellow

Community Engagement | 10/8/2024

Stand for Children

We are excited to introduce the 2024–2025 Fellows!

Lesley is a proud first-generation college graduate from Westwood, Denver, whose journey reflects resilience and passion for creating change. A 2013 FloCrit alumna and Southern New Hampshire University graduate, she champions equity and access through roles such as Parent Advisor for Ascend at the Aspen Institute and co-chair of the Denver Health Community Advisory Panel.

Deeply dedicated to education equity, Lesley’s advocacy ensures students and families have pathways to success. Her favorite book is “Tuesdays with Morrie”, she values authentic connections, balancing her impactful work with biking, paddleboarding, and creative pursuits like sewing and embroidery.

Meet Jesse, Stand Advocacy Fellow

In Their Own Words | 10/7/2024

Stand for Children

Stand for Children Colorado advances educational equity and racial justice in Colorado through meaningful partnerships with families, educators, schools, and policymakers. One of the ways we uphold this work is through our annual Advocacy Fellowship.

Stand for Children Colorado Advocacy Fellows are community leaders advocating for policy solutions towards racial justice and equity in education.  With the support of Stand staff, advocacy fellows will deep dive into issues affecting Colorado communities today, co-create solutions, democratize knowledge back to their communities, work to break down barriers to power and access decision makers, and, in the process, build long-lasting relationships and invaluable skills.

We are excited to introduce the 2023–2024 Fellows!

and Colorado advances solutions that increase opportunities for families, historically furthest from privilege, through meaningful partnerships with families, educators, schools, and policymakers. One of the ways we uphold this work is through our annual Advocacy Fellowship.

We are excited to introduce the 2024–2025 Fellows!

A proud Denver native and mother of three, jesse has dedicated her career to empowering young people. Since 2018, she has worked for Denver Public Schools, following several impactful years in Jeffco Public Schools.

Her passion lies in supporting at-risk youth, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. Inspired by the transformative work of Stand for Children, she is committed to advocacy and family empowerment.

A lover of literature and the outdoors, Jesse enjoys paddleboarding and reading works by authors like Sandra Cisneros, Maya Angelou, and Terry Pratchett.

Be an education voter, November 5th

Elections | 09/16/2024

The Stand for Children Team

Election day isn’t until Tuesday, November 5^th, but your inbox, mailbox and social media is probably starting to be filled with information about candidates and initiatives. With that in mind, we are sharing that Stand for Children endorses the Denver Public Schools Bond and opposes Amendment 80.

Vote No: Amendment 80

Amendment 80 would amend the Colorado Constitution to include the right to school choice. School choice is already protected by Colorado law. Colorado families have exercised school choice for decades and there are no threats to their ability to continue, so this constitutional amendment is unnecessary. It is a deceitful and misguided effort to open the door to harm our students with vouchers that WILL take money away from our already underfunded schools. Colorado ranks in the bottom half of states for school funding, and vouchers will only exacerbate inequity and student outcomes.

More Reading:

Vote Yes: DPS Bond

The $975 million bond for Denver Public Schools would not require a tax increase for Denver property owners and would include investments for schools including air conditioning and safety upgrades, construction and other capital improvements for Denver schools, and investments in technology and career and technical education and STEAM spaces. You can read about the specific projects that would be funded here.

More reading:

We will be sharing more information about these measures, but in the meantime, it’s a great time to make sure your voter registration is up-to-date! Here’s where you can get the latest information about your voter eligibility and ballot drop off and polling locations.

Apply for Stand’s 2025 Advocacy Fellowship

Fellowship | 09/4/2024

Stand for Children

Parents, educators, and community members who are interested in becoming effective advocates for equity in our schools and community are invited to apply for Stand Colorado’s annual Advocacy Fellowship.

The fellowship meets monthly for nine months beginning in October. Fellows engage in ongoing and meaningful leadership development through trainings covering advocacy basics, communications, government structures, campaign planning, power mapping, public speaking, and community outreach.

Apply!

Learn more and hear feedback from past fellows here!

Policy experts speak with fellows on various topics throughout the year. Fellows will also have numerous opportunities to use their advocacy skills at the Capitol and engage with policymakers. We’ve compiled answers to questions we have received over the years here.

FCC Ruling Will Keep Families Connected

Criminal Justice Reform | 07/23/2024

Stand for Children

The Federal Trade Commission announced their unanimous decision to ensure families can stay connected, via phone while a loved one is in prison. Starting in 2025, their decision will more than halve the existing per-minute rate caps for all prison and jail phone calls across the country.

According to our partners Worth Rises, this ruling will increase connection for 83 percent of incarcerated people and save American families at least $500 million per year.

In Colorado, we passed legislation making prison phone calls free for all families, but this ruling means an overall savings for the state- and ultimately taxpayers- as predatory telecom providers will no longer be able to charge exorbitant fees. Stand championed the effort to pass HB23-1133, making prison communication free across Colorado in state and private facilities by 2025.

Our Primary Elections are Almost Here

Elections | 06/5/2024

Stand for Children

It may not feel like election season, but in 20 days we will decide who will be on our ballots this fall.

June 25th is Colorado’s primary election for candidates running for federal, state, and local office. This is your opportunity to ensure someone that aligns with your values and vision for our state and community is on the ballot in November.

Your ballot is probably in your mailbox or sitting on your kitchen counter, so as you sit down to fill it out, we’ve compiled some resources to help.

LEARN ABOUT WHO IS RUNNING TO REPRESENT YOU:

Visit candidate websites, check out their social media, and run some internet searches of their name to see recent news coverage.
Check out a Voter Guide. Here’s one from Colorado Public Radio.
Pull information from organizations you trust to see who they have endorsed.
If you don’t have your ballot yet, use this website to pull a sample ballot for your address.

VOTE BY JUNE 25th:

Here’s where you can find locations to drop off your ballot. Just be sure you drop it off by 7pm, June 25th. If you mail it, be sure to send it by June 20th.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Legislative Wins for Colorado Kids and Families

Capitol Week in Review | 05/9/2024

Stand for Children

Yesterday was sine die, the last day of the 2024 legislative session! After a busy four months, we are thrilled to update you on our policy successes for the year. Before we get started, we want to underscore the deep and lasting impact the policies we passed in partnership with parents, educators, and community leaders will have on Colorado students and our communities.

Together with advocates across the state, we sent nearly 6,000 emails to policymakers, 20 advocates shared their lived experience in testimony before Committee hearings, and 30 leaders attended Capitol Day of Action. Others spoke to the media, engaged with their community and supported advocacy on social media. We are grateful for these critical partnerships.

Now, on to the wins for Colorado students and communities!

Legislation We championed

Equitable funding & supportive schools

HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula, will update our 30-year-old school finance formula and dramatically increase the amount school districts get for: each student from a low-income household, each English Language Learner, and each student with a disability.

Status: awaiting signature from the Governor.

HB24-1290, Student Educator Stipend Program, appropriates $3.6 million in funding for stipends for student teachers. This bill is part of a multi-year effort to remove barriers in educator preparation to increase educator diversity and address Colorado’s teacher shortage.

Status: awaiting signature by the Governor.

SB24-001, will continue the “I Matter” youth mental health services program, which provides up to six free therapy sessions and reimburses participating licensed therapists. Almost 11,000 children and teens have used the program already.

Status: awaiting signature from the Governor.

High school success

HB24-1282, Ninth-Grade Success Grant & Performance Reporting, expands the 9th grade success grant program, allowing more Colorado schools to implement the 9th grade success approach changing the trajectory for high school students across Colorado.

Status: awaiting signature from the Governor.

Justice Reform

HB 24-1445, Probation & Parole Reporting & Fee Conditions, increases opportunities for remote reporting via online platform or phone for individuals on parole or probation. The bill also requires the reporting of certain fees assessed by the state for probation and parole.

Status: awaiting signature from the Governor.

HB24-1430, 2024-25 Long Appropriations Bill, funds state agencies for the upcoming year. Importantly, it includes the funding needed to implement HB23-1133, legislation we championed last year making prison communication free across Colorado in state and private facilities by 2025.

Status: Signed by the Governor.

Other Legislation We Worked On

HB24-1133, Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Changes, addresses issues raised through the implementation of Colorado’s “Clean Slate” policy, which seals the criminal records of individuals who are convicted of a non-violent offense once certain conditions have been met.

Status: awaiting signature from the Governor.

HB24-1311, Family Affordability Tax Credit, creates a family affordability tax credit and will distribute a portion of the state’s $1.8 billion TABOR surplus to families, to help cover the rising costs of housing, food, and childcare.

Status: awaiting signature by the Governor.

HB24-1368, Language Access Advisory Board, creates a language access advisory board to develop recommendations for improving access to the legislative process for populations with limited English proficiency.

Status: awaiting signature by the Governor.

HB24-1432, Repeal CBI Criminal Justice Record Sealing Fee, repeals the requirement for a defendant to pay the Colorado Bureau of Investigation any costs related to sealing the defendant’s criminal justice records in the bureau’s custody.

Status: awaiting signature by the Governor.

HB24-1462, Third-Party Audit Department of Corrections, requires the state auditor to engage a third party to evaluate the Department of Corrections’ budget practices.

Status: awaiting signature by the Governor.

SB24-188, Public School Finance, raises the base level of per-pupil funding by nearly $420 to $8,496 per-pupil and completely buys down the Budget Stabilization Factor.

Status: awaiting signature from the Governor.

We’re thrilled that these policies pivotal to Colorado’s collective future have passed and are on their way to becoming law.