“Don’t Let Anybody Tell You That You Can’t Do Something”

Anonymous — Sat, 28 Oct 2017 21:42:13 +0000

“Don’t Let Anybody Tell You That You Can’t Do Something” Anonymous (not verified) Sat, 10/28/2017 - 15:42

L LeNard, along with two other members of her INVST cohort, Hannah Mook and Andrea Baeza Brienbauer (INVST Class of 2017), are putting the finishing touches on a children’s book that they created for their second-year SOL (Serving*Organizing*Leading) Project. The book explores immigration issues and is written in a historical fiction format. The story itself is inspired by and compiled from the memories of �鶹ӰԺ residents Eleanor Montour and her mother Alicia Sanchez.

With immigration issues in the headlines, Lenard, Mook and Baeza started thinking about this project. LeNard said, “There was a lot of talk about what we could do. We did a lot of research on what was going on in the community and it was luck that we stumbled upon the opportunity to make this book.” The students worked in partnership with The �鶹ӰԺ Latino History Project, a collaborative and grassroots initiative that is documenting and describing the history of Latinos in �鶹ӰԺ County over the past century.

All three INVST students took part in illustrating and writing the book. They are now making final edits and consulting with community partners to ensure that the Spanish translation is appropriate and relevant. LeNard shared that the creation of the book was a journey full of fun and learning. “One of the most exciting things was the fact that when Eleanor read our draft, she loved it and was able to recognize some of the places; they are drawn realistically in the book. It made me happy she thought it was super cool.”

The book will be published soon. Stay posted for details on a book launch celebration.

“One of the most exciting things was the fact that when Eleanor read our draft, she loved it and was able to recognize some of the places; they are drawn realistically in the book. It made me happy she thought it was super cool.”
More at INVST's Facebook Page.

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Sewing the Seeds of Change: Lasting SOL Project Success

Anonymous — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 21:58:23 +0000

Sewing the Seeds of Change: Lasting SOL Project Success Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 10/27/2017 - 15:58

Michael Gilmore and Dakota Anderson (INVST Class of 2016) were more than excited to celebrate the culmination of more than two years of work with the official opening of the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Community (SEEC) Garden on the East CU campus! More than 75 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of the community garden, followed by a festive celebration with food, music and dancing on October 4. The 450 square-foot food forest is home to not only annual vegetables, but also perennial plants including fruit trees, that community members are encouraged to enjoy. The idea for the community garden started out as an INVST Community SOL (Serving*Organizing*Leading) Project called Collaboration for Local Solutions, designed by Gilmore, Anderson and fellow INVST student Sam Callahan (Class of 2016).

Community partners with whom the group worked over the course of two summer experiences in INVST inspired them to think about the intersections of social and environmental justice, food access, and environmental sustainability. They decided to work with members of the �鶹ӰԺ community to increase access to organic, fresh, and nutritious food, while helping people connect to their food source. Gilmore said, “though it seems simple, it’s revolutionary in this world where the majority of people are so disconnected from nature and where their food comes from.”

The INVST alumni envisioned building urban agriculture into landscapes in highly populated areas. First steps toward the creation of the garden included creating a steering committee for urban agriculture in the �鶹ӰԺ community. They interviewed members of the community involved in planning and permaculture design, and initially proposed a garden in Valmont Park. Though the city liked the idea, funding wasn’t available, so the group turned to the University. By learning how to approach and navigate partnerships within CU, as well as writing a detailed proposal, they received approval and funding for the garden on East campus and a partnership was created with SEEC. Food produced in the garden goes directly to the SEEC Café where it turns into meals available to students on campus.

“Though it seems simple, it’s revolutionary in this world where the majority of people are so disconnected from nature and where their food comes from.”

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Fall 2017

“Don’t Let Anybody Tell You That You Can’t Do Something”

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Sewing the Seeds of Change: Lasting SOL Project Success

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