Our Impact

​"Growing Up Boulder’s expertise and impact on child participation in urban planning continues to inspire UNICEF USA. We are grateful to have their partnership in building a movement to re-imagine cities fit for children and fit for all.”

- Danielle Goldberg, Managing Director, US Programs and CFCI, UNICEF USA ​​

Impact Story

​"Having that discussion with people that were listening to my perspective, my viewpoint, really made me feel like I was part of a community and part of Boulder."
​
-Edgar Chavarria

2021 Reflection

​​In the following interview with GUB Co-Coordinator and Co-Founder, Professor Debra Cushing,  Edgar Chavarria, a young adult who worked with Growing Up Boulder as a 10-year-old, reflects upon how the program impacted his life.  Together, they discuss the full extent of his engagement with Growing Up Boulder and why youth voices matter.

2022 Reflection

GUB was the first time where I got to share what I envisioned for my hometown. I was so lucky to work with the co-founders of GUB and created a digital story that reimagined the Hill. This project was created when I was in 5th grade and from that point on, I realized that my input matters too. I was part of many youth advisory boards including, Congressman Polis’s Youth Advisory Board in 2015. In high school, I led a student organization that promoted the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that continues to do this work today. This path naturally directed me to study Political Science and History at the University of San Diego, and I chose to work in government after college. I have been lucky to see the Judicial Branch and I hope to continue exploration in different government agencies as I consider going to law school.

After a year and a half at the 20th Judicial District, I am now a Neighborhood Liaison for the City of Boulder. In this role, I help our community members navigate the City of Boulder and its vast departments, help our community members and leaders create a stronger sense of community in their neighborhoods, and connect our communities to issues in City Council that are relevant to their lives.

- Edgar Chavarria

Project Examples

Click on each of the topics below to to view example projects.

Play​

Playful Opportunities Around Town

Safe Routes

Walkable, Accessible Transportation for All

Sustainable  Neighborhoods

Affordable, Equitable Housing for Inclusive Communities

Child and Youth Rights

Recognizing Children and Youth as Valuable Citizens

Creative

Art, Culture, and Imaginative Minds

Healing

Community Healing, Resilience Building, and Well-Being

for a full list of projects click here