I spend a lot of time around young people, and two of them are on my mind today as we mark the International Day of Democracy.
Last Wednesday, I was in New Orleans for a national journalism conference, holding my University of Denver class by video. When I logged on, one student was in tears — the school shooting in Evergreen had stirred up memories of her own. I tried to comfort her across the miles. The very next morning, at the conference, a young woman who works with academics and journalists pulled me aside, shaken by the shooting at a Utah campus. I hugged her, but again I wanted to do more.
You may feel that way too — the pull to do more.
That’s why I want to thank you right now. Through COLab, you are doing more. Your support helps students and local news outlets serve their communities with courage and clarity. Together, we are proving that local journalism can help communities navigate challenges, understand their choices and strengthen the civic fabric that holds us together.
And there is good news to share. It was announced today that our Voter Voices project — which connected more than 7,000 Coloradans with 60+ local newsrooms to shape coverage of last year’s elections — has been honored with one of three Democracy Day Impact Awards from the national Center for Cooperative Media. This recognition shines a light on what you have made possible: journalism that amplifies community voices, empowers voters and brings people together across divides.
The challenges remain immense. More than 75% of Americans now believe our democracy is under serious threat, according to a recent NPR/PBS/Marist poll. One day — even one award — isn’t enough. But each day can add up to a difference. Democracy requires sustained attention, trusted information and people who refuse to look away. That’s the work COLab bolsters every day, with nearly 200 newsrooms across Colorado leaning on us for support and innovation.
On this International Day of Democracy, I hope you take heart in knowing that your commitment is already helping Colorado communities build trust, strengthen civic life and chart a path forward together. With you alongside us, we will continue to do more.
This post was sent as a letter to our email subscribers on Monday, September 15, 2025. Join our email list to learn more about COLab and the work we are doing.
