November Newsletter   Amplify Youth Voices this Colorado Gives Day! Colorado Gives Day is December 9, but you can schedule your donation to Growing Up Boulder today. Thanks to a matching grant, your impact will be doubled up to $10,000! When you give to Growing Up Boulder, you help youth become the civic leaders of today and tomorrow. Give today and amplify youth voices Growing Up Boulder wins YS “Best of the West” 2025 Boulder Nonprofit [Runner Up] We are honored to be named Runner-Up – Best Nonprofit (City of Boulder) in Yellow Scene Magazine’s 2025 Best of the West readers’ poll. Thank you to our community for recognizing our commitment to serving youth in Boulder County. Youth Shape Boulder’s Future through BVCP This August, Boulder teens helped envision the next 20 years of our community through engagement on the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) — the roadmap guiding how Boulder grows, moves, and cares for our environment. As part of a citywide event, Growing Up Boulder hosted a “community conversations” at the Boulder Public Library, where 18 middle and high school students gathered over pizza to dive into big questions about housing, hazards, mobility, and more.  Students said they valued “meaningful conversations about complex topics” and the chance to collaborate with peers. One participant shared: “I should become a bigger part of the Boulder community and speak out more for change. Going in, I didn’t know what to expect, but after the first meeting, I felt inspired because it showed me that I do have the ability to make a change in my community.” By creating spaces like this, Growing Up Boulder continues to ensure young people are not just heard — they are leading Boulder toward a more inclusive and sustainable future. This project is a collaboration among Growing Up Boulder, the City of Boulder's Planning and Development Services and Communications and Engagement Departments, Boulder County, and YOUnify. Read the Youth Feedback Little Voices, Big Visions for Chautauqua In late September, fourth and fifth graders from Flatirons Elementary headed out on an adventure to Chautauqua Park! Their mission: explore the trailhead and Ranger Cottage, and share ideas to make the park even more welcoming and educational for all. Students suggested adding hands-on, multi-sensory learning inside the Ranger Cottage, clearer and more inviting arrival areas, and fun educational content about local wildlife, geology, and history. They also asked for helpful resources like trail difficulty ratings, youth climbing and hiking programs, mountain safety education, and even a way to report animal sightings. One message came through loud and clear--every single student wants a much bigger Visitor Center! City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks staff are excited to bring these young planners’ ideas into future improvements at Chautauqua. This project is a collaboration between Growing Up Boulder and the City of Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks Department. Schoolyard Designers: Climate Resilient Schoolyards This fall, Growing Up Boulder partnered with the City of Boulder’s Climate Initiatives Department and BVSD to help 3rd graders at BCSIS and High Peaks design more climate-resilient schoolyards. Students imagined solutions like mini-forests, fruit orchards, and shade trees with friends benches—then proudly shared their ideas with parents and neighbors, helping shape a greener, shadier, and more playful future for their schools. This project is a collaboration among Growing Up Boulder, the City of Boulder's Climate Initiatives Department, and Boulder Valley School District.   Welcoming Ana — Our Newman Civic Fellow! Growing Up Boulder is delighted to share that our nonprofit will mentor University of Colorado student Anastasia “Ana” Gallegos-Roque as part of her 2025 Newman Civic Fellowship focused on child advocacy. The Newman Civic Fellowship is a year-long program that recognizes and supports student public problem solvers at universities around the country. Ana studies sociology and ethnic studies and is dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion on campus and in the community. From supporting first-generation students to leading social justice initiatives, she brings both lived experience and strong leadership skills to her work. Welcome Ana!   News from our Partners   Mobility for All - Walk to the Library Youth Pollinator Summit that will be held at the CU Museum of Natural History-  Saturday Nov 15, from 12–4pm.   Join the Colorado Pollinator Network at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History for a buzzing event all about our favorite pollinators. Learn about the importance of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in our ecosystem. Get hands-on experience with interactive exhibits and workshops. Meet fellow nature enthusiasts and make new friends who share your passion for protecting our planet.  The day includes  Pollinators 101:  meet bees, butterflies, bats and more.  Play the Pollinator ID game and get a behind the scenes look at the museum’s insect collection.   What’s Bugging them?  Discover how humans are impacting pollinators and team up to brainstorm real world solutions  Career Panel: Hear from scientists, conservations, and creatives who are turning their love of pollination into awesome careers,  Workshops – YOU choose – Build a Pollinator friendly garden, Create campaigns & Influence change – use cool apps like iNaturalist to become a community scientists.   Plus FREE SNACKS (because saving the world works up an appetite).   Whether you’re into science, art, tech, or just want to help the planet, this summit gives you tools to take action.. and maybe even spark a future career! Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to dive into the world of pollinators and discover how you can make a difference. There are only 80 spots available. See you there! Questions? Email Jessica Goldstrohm at [email protected].  Register here.  Our Contact Information *{{Organization Name}}* *{{Organization Address}}* *{{Organization Phone}}* *{{Organization Website}}* You are being sent this email because you are a subscriber. If you wish to update your Email Preferences or Unsubscribe, click *{{Unsubscribe}}*