The RFL Academy 2025 cohort has taken on five impactful projects, each aiming to address specific challenges in the Roaring Fork Valley through community-focused initiatives. Here’s an in-depth look at the selected Civic Impact Projects:
- Aspen Camp for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Dedicated to creating an environment that goes beyond physical accessibility, Aspen Camp is implementing two major components: adaptive community engagement and physical site enhancements. The adaptive approach involves workshops, dialogues, and immersive experiences to broaden the community’s understanding of challenges faced by the deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or deafblind. The project will engage local leaders and residents in advocacy for inclusivity. Additionally, physical upgrades like improved lighting in shared spaces and the introduction of tactile maps and signage will help ensure all participants can navigate and engage with the camp’s offerings. The aim is to foster a community where learning and inclusivity are central to the experience.- Impact and Learning Opportunity: For Academy participants, this project offers firsthand experience in advocacy for individuals with disabilities and deepens understanding of accessibility issues. The camp benefits from enhanced facilities and stronger community connections, while the broader community gains increased awareness and empathy towards the deaf and blind communities.
- Colorado River Chamber
Faced with tough times following the disruptions of 2020, the Colorado River Chamber is on a mission to rebuild and reimagine its role within the community. The project focuses on evaluating current membership benefits and identifying new opportunities to provide value for local businesses and organizations. By engaging members in dialogue about their needs and preferences, the chamber aims to offer resources that support business growth and enhance community engagement. This initiative seeks fresh ideas and networks to help ensure the chamber meets the evolving needs of its membership.- Impact and Learning Opportunity: Participants gain experience in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and economic development. The chamber benefits from fresh perspectives to reimagine its services, while businesses in the community can expect a revitalized support system that better aligns with their needs.
- Roaring Fork Cricket League (RFCL)
The Roaring Fork Cricket League aims to bring the globally popular sport of cricket to the Roaring Fork Valley, enhancing cultural exchange and community cohesion. With a diverse population of international residents and visitors, the Valley is an ideal place for cricket to serve as a bridge between cultures. The project will involve securing community support, recruiting players, obtaining sponsorships, procuring equipment, and establishing a venue. Backed by research from the Aspen Institute’s State of Play, RFCL will promote inclusivity and healthy, active lifestyles by introducing a sport that reflects the region’s cultural diversity.- Impact and Learning Opportunity: Participants develop skills in project planning, community engagement, and event management. The league provides a new cultural and recreational outlet, benefiting local residents by promoting inclusivity, active lifestyles, and cross-cultural understanding.
- SANA Initiative
Addressing food insecurity in the Roaring Fork Valley, the SANA initiative will improve access to nutritious and culturally relevant food for vulnerable populations, including migrants, the homeless, and rural residents. The project will enhance food distribution by partnering with food banks, setting up mobile food distribution sites, and delivering food boxes to households in need. Over the next two years, SANA aims to increase food resources by 20%, expand service areas, and adopt sustainable practices. These efforts will help bridge gaps in food access and support the overall health and well-being of the most underserved members of the community.- Impact and Learning Opportunity: Participants will learn about social impact initiatives, partnership development, and sustainability in food distribution. The initiative supports local organizations in optimizing their food distribution networks, while community members benefit from increased access to healthy food, particularly in isolated or underserved areas.
- Headquarters
This project aims to shift the community’s approach to mental health from crisis-focused to prevention-centered. Recognizing that mental health care has historically emphasized crisis intervention, Headquarters will work to integrate prevention services into everyday community settings like workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities. By increasing visibility and accessibility, the initiative seeks to reduce barriers to care and alleviate pressure on emergency services. The project involves finding innovative ways to connect people to mental health resources, thus fostering a community where mental well-being is prioritized.- Impact and Learning Opportunity: Participants gain insight into public health strategy and community-based mental health initiatives. The organization benefits from increased visibility and a more embedded presence in the community, while local residents have improved access to preventative mental health resources.
These Civic Impact Projects embody the spirit of RFL’s leadership learning lab, providing participants with hands-on experience in addressing real-world challenges while contributing to the betterment of the Roaring Fork Valley. For more details on our civic project criteria, visit RFL Civic Project Criteria.
