On Wednesday, Pre-Conference Panels will take place at the Hyatt Regency, while Field Trips and Day of Service will offer opportunities to explore local gems and give back to the community on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Check back in late summer for the full schedule.
Please note, advance registration will be required for Field Trips and Day of Service activities.
We are extremely grateful to the ComNet25 Host Committee for organizing these sessions.
PRE-CONFERENCE PANELS
Pre-conference panels will have limited seating so we recommend getting there early! No advanced signup needed.
Story as Legacy
Richard "Rick" B. Williams, Leader, People of the Sacred Land
Nathan Schneider, Associate Professor of Media Studies, University of Colorado Boulder
George Bayuga, Assistant Professor Anthropology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Nooshin Sadeghsamimi, Ph.D., Scholar in Residence Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Organized by the Henry Luce Foundation
Shaping futures through narrative
How Colorado communities use story as a form of self-determination
Synthesizing diverse voices into cohesive narratives
Communicating with Colorado’s Diverse Audiences
Julian Kesner, Vice President of Communications, The Colorado Trust
Katie Peshek, Senior Communications Officer, The Colorado Health Foundation
Cindy Matthews, Director of Communications and Community Outreach, Colorado Gives Foundation
Leveraging AI to identify core messaging elements that resonate with diverse groups
The nuts and bolts behind creating truly bilingual external communications
What messaging research, public polling, and focus groups have taught Colorado foundations about audience outreach and narrative creation
Wording and phrasing options and alternatives for politically diverse audiences
Rooted in Rhythm: Cultivating Colorado’s Music Ecosystems
Stephen Malloy Brackett, Executive Director, Foundation Music School
Ayana Contreras, VP of Radio, Rocky Mountain Public Media
Cynthia Eichler, President & CEO, Visit Fort Collins
Lisa Gedgaudas, Program Manager, Cultural Affairs, Denver Arts & Venue
Stephen Smith-Contreras, Director of Programs, Youth on Record
How multiple public and private sector partners collaborate to support Colorado’s vibrant and diverse music ecosystems
Why Colorado’s strong nonprofit media landscape plays a critical role in telling the story of Colorado music
Using music to help youth thrive by blurring boundaries between music education and the music industry
Jail Voting: Policy to Practice
Clerk Amanda Gonzalez, Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder
Kyle Giddings, Deputy Director, Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition
How Colorado became the first state in the US to require in-person voting options in jails and how it’s changed lives
The power of leveraging different stories at different times with different audiences to move good policy forward
How to build diverse coalitions that can outwork and outlast the strongest of entrenched opposition
Lessons learned from expanding access to voting for thousands of voters with different needs in a different environment
Challenging Dominant Narratives
Kent Monkman, Interdisciplinary Cree Visual Artist
John Lukavic, Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Native Arts, Denver Art Museum
Organized by the Henry Luce Foundation
How history painting challenges settler narratives
Visual art as a storytelling form
Institutions' role in challenging dominant narratives
Belonging Colorado Spotlight
Juliana Tafur, Director, Bridging Differences at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center
Erika Montes, Program Lead, Belonging Colorado at The Denver Foundation
Papa Dia, Founder and Executive Director, African Leadership Group (ALG)
Gerardo Lopez, Executive Director of Homies Unidos Denver
Amanda Henderson, Director of the Institute for Religion, Politics, and Culture, Iliff School of Theology
Learn about Belonging Colorado, an innovative new effort to expand Coloradan’s sense of who belongs through local efforts to bridge differences and build connections.
Introduce the Bridging Differences Playbook developed by the Greater Good Science Center and share how it is applied through local bridge building projects.
Hear insights from Belonging Colorado grantees—local community connectors who are implementing the science of bridging differences in unique ways to address local priorities.
Writing for Health and Well-being
Rebecca Arno, CEO, Prosperity Denver Fund
Marissa Morrow, Community Engagement Program Manager, Lighthouse Writers Workshop
Michael Henry, Co-founder and Executive Director, Lighthouse Writers Workshop
How a Denver literary arts center is helping residents find health and well-being through the practice of writing
How cancer patients, health and social services workers, and people who are without permanent housing are using writing as a tool for healing
What scientific evidence says about the benefits of writing and other art forms to mental health and connection to community
Reframing the Immigration Conversation
Taryn Fort, Senior Director of Communications and External Influence, The Colorado Health Foundation
Sarah Kurz, Chief Impact Officer, Rose Community Foundation
Dr. Janet Lopez, Senior Director of Policy, Partnerships & Learning, The Denver Foundation
Promoting positive and accurate narratives about immigration amid political polarization and turmoil
The role of philanthropy to challenge dangerous rhetoric and provide nonprofit partners with tools, data, and resources
Harnessing the power of storytelling to shift public perception and inspire donor giving
Adapting crisis and strategic communications in response to unexpected local challenges
The Power of Local Media to Shift Narratives & Create Change
Latia Henderson, Director of Strategic Communications and Informed Communities, Gates Family Foundation
Corey Hutchins, Co-director, Journalist Institute at Colorado College
Kimberly Spencer, Director, Colorado Media Project
Larry Ryckman, Publisher, Colorado Sun
Melissa Milios Davis, Network Manager, Press Forward
Organized by Gary Community Ventures & Gates Family Foundation
Place-based journalism as an essential tool for work around policy and communities
How media, funders, and philanthropies can and should work together to strengthen and revitalize local news networks.
Politics, Proximity, & Purpose: The Impact of Your Organization's Communication in a Polarized Landscape
Roshan Bliss, Director of Democracy Innovations, National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation
Sandra Brownrigg, Co-Chair, Braver Angels Colorado Southern Front Range Alliance Red
Sofi Hersher Andorsky, Director of Organizing, Democracy Communications Collaborative Third Plateau
Piper Hendricks, CEO, Stories Change Power
Strategies for moving behind the rhetoric and finding common ground and paths forward
Approaches to messaging that inspire rather than alienate
Rooted & Responsive: Community Building In Rural Colorado
Curtis L. Esquibel, Senior Director of Communications & Community Engagement, Boettcher Foundation
Erin Hannan, Senior Vice President of Communications, El Pomar Foundation
Understand how communications can support community engagement in rural settings
Learn strategies for positioning philanthropic organizations as trusted, visible partners
Explore storytelling approaches that reflect and respect rural lived experience
Hear how El Pomar and Boettcher Foundations are deepening rural impact through fellowship programs, leadership development, and local convenings
Reframing Colorado's Housing Narrative
Cori Streetman, Co-Founder & CEO, Barefoot PR
Peter LiFari, Chief Executive Officer, Maiker Housing Partners
Jaime G. Gomez, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver
Laura Brudzynski, Chief Executive Officer, Archway Communities
Explore how NIMBYism, a western culture of wide open spaces, and the rural/urban divide have contributed to lagging public support for cross-sector, scalable solutions—and what’s needed to overcome them.
Learn how communicators are bridging deep divides and shifting public sentiment around housing across Colorado.
Gain insights from local experts on the successes and challenges of reframing Colorado’s housing narrative—and how those lessons can inform your own work.
A Novel Approach to Compelling Foundation Content
Julian Kesner, Vice President of Communications, The Colorado Trust
Saja Hindi, Senior Communications Manager, The Colorado Trust
One private foundation’s experience in melding professional journalism into original content
The value and importance of going beyond self-promoting blog posts or grantee profiles
Using original content to strengthen relationships with media outlets
Using journalism practices to build credibility with your external audiences
Partnering with professional journalists to educate the public
Progress Moves at the Speed of Tacos
Tim Jones, Executive Director, Longer Tables
Understand the power of the table and shared meal for cross-sector, cross-human connection and for creating a culture of belonging
Gain a general understanding of the 8 competencies/skills of creating a culture of connection and belonging, whether in the workplace, neighborhood, faith, or social community or city
See the table as the most powerful bridge: why isolation, not differences are separating us
Have an action plan to convert a future meeting or gathering into a long table
FIELD TRIPS
Election Center Tour & Discussion (Advanced signup required)
Wednesday, October 15, 8:00 AM
Sarah McAfee, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer, Jefferson County Clerk's Office
Go behind the scenes of an active election to see how Coloradans’ votes are cast and counted
See how elections are kept safe, secure, reliable, and accessible
Learn about voter communication, education, and engagement initiatives that have had significant impact on turnout and behavior
Participate in a robust discussion on the role of transparency in building community trust
Sign Up
Children’s Museum Tour & Discussion (Advanced signup required)
Wednesday, October 15, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Zach Hochstadt, Creative Director and a Founding Partner, Mission Minded
Mike Yankovich, President and CEO, Children's Museum of Denver
Location: Children’s Museum 2121 Children's Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211
Unleash your inner child in the bubble room
See how the word "Catawompus" can spark new creativity
Learn how play-based learning is serious business
Gain perspective for your own organization on how brand can guide every part of how people experience your organization
Sign Up
Preserving the Past, Communicating for the Future: LGBTQ History and Storytelling (Advanced signup required)
Wednesday, October 15, 12:00 to 3:30 PM
Austin Montoya, Senior Communications Officer, Gill Foundation
Aaron Marcus, Associate Curator of LGBTQ History, History Colorado
Location: Lanny & Sharon Martin Family Foundation Room, History Colorado, 1200 N Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Explore items from History Colorado’s LGBTQ exhibit with exclusive insights into how the exhibit was developed and brought to life.
Go behind the scenes to see how the museum collects, preserves, and shares stories and artifacts from Colorado’s LGBTQ communities.
Learn how funding and institutional support can shape inclusive historical storytelling and community memory.
Engage in a dynamic discussion about outreach strategies, representation in archives, and how exhibits can travel and adapt to reach new audiences across the state.
Sign Up
Rooted in Nature: A Hands-On Look at Water and Climate Solutions (Advanced signup required)
Wednesday, October 15, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Annelise Shepherd, Communications Officer, Environment, Walton Family Foundation
Location: CSU Spur 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216
Join us at CSU Spur, a public campus in Denver where science, sustainability and community come together to tackle real-world challenges.
Participants will:
Explore the CSU Spur campus through hands-on experiences that showcase how water and nature-based solutions are improving lives and landscapes
Connect with Spur staff to learn how they communicate science and nature with the public in meaningful, accessible ways
Share lunch from a local Denver restaurant while hearing from a Colorado-based voice on the power of nature to shape a more resilient future
Sign Up
DAY OF SERVICE
The Communications Network is guided by the values of Community, Learning, and Leadership. At ComNet17 in Miami Beach, we put those values to work to give back to the community hosting us in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
Since then, our Day of Service has become a ComNet tradition. We saw dozens of attendees raise their hands to lend time and support to local organizations in San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, and Kansas City. We’re excited to continue this legacy in Denver this year!
By participating in Day of Service, you'll not only be doing some good, but will also gain some new connections and have fun along the way. See our opportunities below — and you’ll need to sign up in advance.
Denver Public Library Friends Foundation
Wednesday, October 15:
10:30 am - 12:30 pm MT - 6 people max
Background: The Denver Public Library Friends Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Denver Public Library through fundraising and advocacy. Our charitable contributions directly support the library's budget, enabling it to fulfill its mission and enrich the community through enhanced programs and services. We also advocate for public funding to ensure the library's continued success.
What You'll Do: Volunteers will assist with our Friends Foundation Used Book program at the Central Library. During a 2-3 hour shift, they will help sort donated books, which will later be sold to generate revenue for the Denver Public Library.
Sign Up
Background: Girls Inc. of Metro Denver is a girls leadership organization equipping girls to reach their full potential. Annually we serve more than 2700 girls ages 5-22, providing research-based programming delivered by trained professionals who focus on the development of the whole girl by supporting, mentoring, and guiding girls in an affirming pro-girl environment. Girls learn to value their whole selves, discover and develop their inherent strengths, and receive the support they need to navigate challenges.
What You'll Do: Volunteers will help support our team of educators, clean and organize their classrooms, and prepare for our annual fall celebration here in our center. Tasks will include assembling supply kits and classroom materials, decorating classroom doors, and campus clean up.
Sign Up
Metro Caring
Wednesday, October 15 (2 different opportunities available):
8:30 am - 12:00 pm MT - 15 people max
12:00 pm - 3:30 pm MT - 15 people max
Background: As a leading anti-hunger organization in Colorado, Metro Caring works with our community to meet people’s immediate need for nutritious, culturally relevant food while building a movement to end hunger at its root causes.
What You'll Do: Volunteers are the centerpiece to operating Metro Caring’s free Fresh Foods Market. In just a few hours, you'll join other volunteers in sharing over $10,000 worth of food with community members by helping to sort food, stock shelves, and bring groceries to people's cars. Closed toed shoes are required. Our building is accessible to folks in wheelchairs, and several volunteer roles can be conducted while sitting or stationary.
Sign Up
Background: Museo De Las Americas is dedicated to educating our community through collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting the diverse Latin American arts and cultures, from ancient to contemporary, through innovative exhibitions and programming. Our emphasis on Latin American culture allows us to present a rich tapestry of experience and creativity to all visitors.
What You'll Do: Get ready to unleash your inner artist! You'll be bringing vibrant sugar skulls to life for our super popular Día de Muertos workshop, helping us create a sweet and memorable experience for over 500 students this season! Please note: Museo de las Americas has a new exhibit opening on October 16th so this Day of Service opportunity may also include last minute support in getting their exhibit ready, in addition to the sugar skulls.
Sign Up
Background: Re:Vision is an immigrant and Latina run and led organization that focuses on food security through urban agriculture. Our urban agriculture model includes 3 urban farms and a satellite network of 120 family gardens and 10 champion gardens that not only produce nutritious produce for our families living in food deserts, but also serve as sites where our team of Promotoras provide nutrition education and resource navigation to each family to help support their health and social needs. Re:Vision works primarily in Southwest Denver with the mission to work with communities historically impacted by social inequities to develop resident leaders, cultivate community food systems, and create an economy owned by the community.
What You'll Do: Volunteers will help at our No Cost Grocery (food pantry style food distribution) to distribute food, resupply food tables, break down empty boxes, and generally help keep the space orderly. It is a dynamic day, sometimes including some heavy lifting, and a great way to get to know the Westwood community.