July 2023 Newsletter
We are excited to launch our new monthly newsletter to keep you posted on what we are up to, as well as learn about opportunities for you to join us!
Progress Now & The Steady summer training starts tomorrow!
ProgressNow and The Steady are hosting a training for candidates, staff, and advocates. The training will cover the basics of running for office, running a campaign, and advocacy work. It will also cover how all three arenas work together. The goal is to leave trainees feeling like they have a grasp of the basics needed, as well as a new network of like-minded and helpful folks. After submitting your application, the next step will be a brief informational interview.
Training Details:
Saturday, July 29 - Sunday, July 30
9-4 pm Saturday + Evening Networking & Vendor Fair
9-1 Sunday
In person, Denver, Colorado
Cost: $100
Training Track Options: Candidate Track, Staffer Track, or Advocacy Track. Trainees can only choose one.
About the hosts:
ProgressNow Colorado is Colorado’s largest and most effective multi-issue progressive organization. The Steady is a campaign workforce training & support network that establishes the foundation and paves the way for kinder and steadier careers in campaign work.
Want to help build the foundation for the next generation of political and campaign leadership? Become a Conference Sponsor!
Upstream Team Updates
As we continue to grow, we are excited to share more about our amazing staff members. We have added some incredibly talented individuals to the team who bring unique skills and perspectives that have been invaluable to our growth. Our key staff members, meanwhile, have had some major life changes and updates these past few months that have helped shape the future course of Upstream. We look forward to continuing to tell their stories as well as introducing you to new faces!
Tallon Clancy
Strategic Campaign & Finance Director, Upstream
For all those who have been following, the time is finally here! Charlotte was born on July 19, 2023! She is doing great and so is Tallon. Tallon is on one of the most rigorous campaigns of her life getting into a groove with Charlie. She will be on maternity leave until October 1, 2023. If you are wanting to check in with Tallon please send a quick email tallon@upstream303.com she is checking periodically.
WELCOME AMAZING GIRL AND GOOD JOB MOMMA! We love you both so much!
Porter Bennett
Campaigns Director, Upstream
Porter is a Colorado native political consultant, campaign manager, and community organizer. He has worked in the Colorado political field for the last four years as a campaign manager for city, state, and congressional races. Porter went to the University of Colorado Boulder and earned a degree in economics.
Most recently, Porter was Campaign Manager for Dave Young for Colorado State Treasurer and Darrell Watson for Denver City Council.
Katie Winner
Political Director & Campaigns Strategic Support, Upstream
Katie has been a productive nuisance since moving to Colorado from her native New York and quickly discovering a passion for advocacy. Katie has worked on various candidate and ballot issue campaigns in Jefferson and Denver counties.
Most recently, Katie was the Campaign Manager for Shannon Bird’s re-election to the newly redistricted Colorado House District 29, worked with the Jefferson County Democratic Party on their 2022 get out the vote plan, served as Outreach and Field Strategist for Debbie Ortega for Denver Mayor, and Communications and Field work with Flor Alvidrez for Denver City Council District 7.
Val Nosler Beck
Founder & President, Upstream
With more than two decades of experience in state, local and federal politics, Val Nosler Beck has successfully steered dozens of the highest profile democratic candidate and ballot measure campaigns in recent memory.
In 2022, she led successful campaigns for Wanda James for University of Colorado Regent, Rhonda Solis for State Board of Education in the newly redistricted Congressional District 8, and led multiple Denver municipal races, State House and Senate campaigns through primaries and general elections.
Val is one of Colorado’s leading influencers in democratic politics, and is the trusted and seasoned expert who is called upon to find creative solutions to complex problems.With expertise in community engagement, operation management and strategic planning, Val shares the skills, resources and networks her clients need to win and be successful.
Val leads a myriad of initiatives that help her fulfill her life mission of bettering her community.
As a Wheat Ridge City Council Member, Val champions legislation that helps residents thrive. She also leads Upstream Consulting, which provides guidance and management to candidates, staff and organizations to ensure successful outcomes.
Val is also passionate about mentoring and coaching campaign staffers, which led to the creation of The Steady; a nonprofit that trains people on how to create a sustainable career in political staffing or running for office.
Val also recently founded The Outside Denver Fund, which helps create roadmaps to victory for candidates throughout Colorado and strategizes about sustainable solutions to complex community issues.
Val has her finger on the pulse of all things politics, and is a lauded commentator, providing analysis on divisive statewide issues.
