Dolores organizers will host a daylong summit Saturday to provide residents with information about local government processes and civic engagement.
The event, organized by former Town Board members and current committee members, aims to encourage broader involvement in public service and voting as the 20-day nomination period began Tuesday for openings on the Town Board and for mayor.
Nikki Gillespie, a Dolores resident and one of the summit’s organizers, alongside Tracy Murphy and Jennifer Stark, said the goal is to make local government feel less intimidating.
“Tracy Murphy, Jen and I – We meet for coffee once a week. We were just talking about we really have momentum with people that have been serving on the town board, and the town manager,” she said. “So, we’re figuring out ways to keep the momentum.”
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Town Hall, 601 Central Ave.
It will feature workshops on topics ranging from voting to serving on boards, commissions and committees. Each organizer brings public service experience or knowledge. Murphy previously served as a town trustee, while Stark, also a former trustee, chairs the advisory committee for Dolores Community Center. Gillespie has served on the town’s Parks and Recreation Committee since 2016.
“Dolores is a small town, and you have to live in town to be on the board – that makes it really limited for who can participate. We're trying to shine a different light on what it means to serve on the Town Board,” Gillespie said.
She added: “I don't know if everyone realizes that it takes a constellation of different people to meet a community’s needs.”
The following session and times for Saturday’s summit are:
- Constituent 101: What it means to be an engaged constituent and how residents can influence local government beyond voting. 10-10:45 a.m.
- Being Involved: Opportunities to serve on boards, commissions and committees, and how to get started. 11-11:45 a.m.
- Stepping Up: What serving in local leadership looks like, including expectations, municipal structure and commitment. 1-1:45 p.m.
- Navigating Conflict, Resolution and Repair: Communicating through disagreement, managing conflict and maintaining collaborative relationships in public service. 2-2:45 p.m.
Organizers invited former Mayor Marianne Mate to lead some workshops. To RSVP, call (970) 882-8850.
The process to file paperwork to run for a leadership position in Dolores began Tuesday, the same day as Cortez and Mancos municipal elections.
Dolores’ April 7 election will fill three trustee seats and the mayor’s position, currently held by Chris Holkestad. Trustee seats up for election include those held by Kalin Grigg, Mark Youngquist and Sheila Wheeler, though each may choose to run again.
Candidates must pick up paperwork at Town Hall, collect at least 10 signatures and live within First and 21st streets in Dolores town limits. Applications and signatures are due Jan. 26.
