On July 9, the local chapter of the League of Women Voters (LWV) sponsored the award-winning documentary film “Join or Die!” about the importance of nonprofit organizations in sustaining a healthy democracy.
At the event, 10 local nonprofits showcased their organization; attendees voted for their favorite. The three winners were: first place, Ruby Sisson Memorial Library; second place, Healthy Archuleta; and third place, Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County.
Each of the recipients received a cash grant from ticket sales proceeds.
Congratulations to our winners:
• First place: The Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library stated its need to support the grand re-opening of the newly expanded library space on Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We need donations to finish out our special Fair Play Studio, a makers’ space to support artistic and technology projects,” said Assistant Director Taylor Worsham. “We already have a 3D printer, a Cricut vinyl cutter, and sewing machines for public use, but we’d love additional equipment such as a laser engraving machine.”
“We still have two significant naming opportunities for larger donations,” said Library Director Barbara Brattin. “We need sponsors for a study room and our community center, which will be able to house community gatherings for up to 100 people at no cost to organizations.”
Contact the library for more details at (970) 264-2209.
• Second place: Healthy Archuleta is looking for community members to get involved with its programs.
“Our vision is a community where everyone contributes to and benefits from an equitable, resilient and sustainable food and health care system,” said Mellane Davies, the volunteer and events coordinator. “We have three main programs that need volunteers and participants: community cohesion, health equity, and nutrition security.”
Community cohesion programs engage diverse participants to build connections and belonging. Health equity programs aim to educate and improve access to local health care. Nutrition security provides education and access to healthy local food.
“Don’t miss our upcoming health fair at Pagosa [Springs] High School on Oct. 24, now in its fourth year,” said Davies. “We need more vendors and healthcare providers, and especially you to attend.”
For more information, visit www.foodcoalitionarchuleta.org.
• Third place: Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County seeks donors and volunteers to support its local home builds.
“We just finished our application season for our 2027 builds,” said Executive Director Leah Ballard. “Our family selection team will be visiting with all qualified applicants during August. In October, the board makes the final selections for new home builds going up on Traveler’s Circle.”
The mission of Habitat is to build decent and affordable homes in partnership with families in need of a decent place to live. Habitat homebuyers help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.
Contact Habitat at (970) 264-6960 for more information.
The LWV is a national, nonpartisan grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education and litigation, at the local, state and national levels. Everyone is welcome: we have women and men in our membership, as well as independents, Republicans, Democrats and “other.”
To join our mailing list with meeting info, please contact Sarah Riehm at sarah.riehm@gmail.com. To join the local league, visit www.lwvcolorado.org/LWVArchuleta. Anyone may attend meetings, but only registered members may vote.
>