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Help bring new voices to local boards and commissions through PERL leadership training

Apply for PERL by May 3; Classes begin May 7
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Boulder County Logo Source: Boulder County website

This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.

If you want to do more than talk with friends or post to social media about important issues and events, it’s time to get involved and make a difference in your community.

A great way to get engaged is to start at the grassroots level and join a local board or commission. People Engaged in Raising Leaders (PERL) can help. The PERL program works with local boards and commissions to become more inclusive by increasing the variety of people who participate, including people of color, and those with low-income. A board should reflect the people in the community, but that’s not always the case. While 20% of Boulder County residents identify as persons of color, only 7% of municipal board and commission members are people of color.

The next PERL session begins Tuesday, May 7. This four-week program will focus on connecting community members with the non-profit organizations and commissions ready to embrace inclusion.

Registration is required by Friday, May 3 at https://wfbc.formstack.com/forms/perl.

What: PERL board leadership training
When: Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m., May 7-28 (four sessions) 
Where: Boulder County Baltic Room, Sundquist Building, 3482 N. Broadway, Boulder
Who: All Boulder County residents
Cost: Free – Dinner is provided

Boards and commissions can make a real difference by influencing an organization’s direction, spending, and policies. PERL training can have an impact by preparing people of color, and those with low-income, to take leadership positions on boards and commissions and ensure authentic participation. Everyone is welcome to apply for the training.

If you want to get involved, register for PERL online, or contact Maciel Leon at [email protected], or 303-441-3972, for more information.