Spread the Word
The Steady is back for our December Cohort starting December 3rd! Share the general interest form and consider being a trainer, being a part of the cohort or sponsoring!
The Steady’s
December Cohort Dates Announced!
The Steady is back for our December Cohort starting December 3rd! Share the general interest form and consider being a trainer, being a part of the cohort, or sponsoring!
Dates for The December 2024 Cohort:
Always recorded, striving to work with your busy schedule!
Session 1 // Tuesday, December 3rd: Welcome to The Steady (Virtual)
Session 2 // Saturday, Dec. 7th: Campaign 101 (In-Person)
Session 3 // Tuesday, Dec. 10th: Campaign Plan Review (Virtual)
Session 4 // Saturday, Dec. 14th: Presidential Year and Statewide Ballots (Virtual), The Steady Fundraiser Party evening (In-Person)
Session 5 // Tuesday, December 17th: Management Best Practices (Virtual)
Session 6 // Saturday, January 11th: DEI & Mentorship (In Person)
Session 7 // Tuesday, January 14th: Final Happy Hour and Networking (In Person)
Help Elect Amy Padden
Last Chance to $upport Amy Padden for DA before Election Day!
This is the Last Chance to Support Amy Padden for DA before Election Day!
October 30th
the Laundry on Lawrence
5:30 pm
Help Elect Naomi Lopez
Election Day is just around the corner, and we’re getting down to the wire. Naomi Lòpez is running for a historic seat for El Paso County Commissioner District 3, and we need your support to push her over the finish line!
Join Us at the ProgressNow Colorado Ballot Drop Ball!
October 17th
Punch Bowl Social in Denver
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Help Elect Naomi Lopez
Election Day is just around the corner, and we’re getting down to the wire. Naomi Lòpez is running for a historic seat for El Paso County Commissioner District 3, and we need your support to push her over the finish line!
Naomi has been working tirelessly for our community, and now it’s our turn to step up. Whether it’s advocating for our schools, addressing homelessness, or fighting for thoughtful growth, Naomi has the experience and heart to lead El Paso County in the right direction.
I’m reaching out today to ask you to join us in supporting Naomi’s campaign.
We’re asking for small contributions – anything up to $50 will help us keep Naomi’s message strong in these final days. Bonus! If you donate, you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a beautiful Frida Kahlo apron.
Will you chip in today and help us elect Naomi Lòpez?
Let’s keep the momentum going. Every little bit helps!
Warmly,
Val
The Steady Happy Hour Reminder
We’re excited to invite you to a happy hour hosted by The Steady on Tuesday, October 8. This will be a great opportunity for everyone who has been part of and supported The Steady to come together, catch up, and share what’s next.
You’re invited!
Just a quick reminder that we’d love to see you at The Steady’s happy hour this Tuesday, October 8! This is your chance to catch up, connect with others in the community, and hear what’s on the horizon for The Steady as we continue building a stronger, kinder, and more equitable space for campaign staffers, candidates, and advocates.
With ballots about to drop, we’ll also be joined by special guests from some of the key ballot initiative campaigns! Come learn more about:
Yes On Amendment 79, to preserve abortion access in Colorado’s constitution
No On Proposition 131, for all-candidate primaries
Adams 12- Yes on 5D & 5E for Adams 12 Five Star Schools- Mill and Bond
Yes on 4C for Westminster Public Schools Bond
and more to be announced!
Whether you’re looking to unwind from the campaign grind or just want to see some friendly faces, it’s going to be a relaxed and fun evening. Plus, we’ll share some exciting updates on what’s next for The Steady!
We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
Cheers,
Val!
Date: Tuesday, October 8
Time: 5:30pm–7:00pm
Location: 935 North Albion St.
The Steady Happy Hour
We’re excited to invite you to a happy hour hosted by The Steady on Tuesday, October 8. This will be a great opportunity for everyone who has been part of and supported The Steady to come together, catch up, and share what’s next.
You’re invited!
We’re excited to invite you to a happy hour hosted by The Steady on Tuesday, October 8. This will be a great opportunity for everyone who has been part of and supported The Steady to come together, catch up, and share what’s next.
We know election season can be intense, so we wanted to create a relaxed space for everyone to unwind and connect. Whether you’re deep in a campaign, shifting gears, or just looking to see some friendly faces, we’d love to have you join us!
We’ll also share a bit about what’s coming up for The Steady and how we plan to continue building a stronger, kinder, and more equitable community for campaign staffers, candidates, and advocates. There’s a lot in store, and we want you to be part of it!
Looking forward to seeing you, we hope you can join us!
Date: Tuesday, October 8
Time: 5:30pm–7:00pm
Location: 935 North Albion St.
Pickleball for Housing | Awards Announced
Join us at 3rd Shot Pickleball in Wheat Ridge on Friday, August 2nd for a day of fun and impact! The Community Investment Alliance is hosting a pickleball tournament alongside the Impact Awards. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, there's a spot just for you.
Join us for the Community Investment Alliance annual Impact Awards and Pickleball Tournament on Friday, August 2nd!
As a thank you for being a housing champion, we’re offering special discount pricing for the happy hour only ticket. Your participation will support the mission of partnering with local communities to develop housing solutions, create culturally appropriate services programming, and increase food access through strategic, community-led initiatives.
Event Highlights
Pickleball Tournament (2pm-4pm): Open to all skill levels, with great swag for all participants and awards for top players. Stop by to watch the action!
Happy Hour and Impact Awards (4:30pm-6:30pm): Enjoy food and drinks while we recognize community leaders advocating for housing justice across Colorado.
This year’s award winners
Advocacy Impact Award: Melissa Mejia
Community Impact Award: Anchorum Health Foundation
Political Impact Award: Eleni Angelides
Leadership Impact Award: Senator Julie Gonzales
Leadership Impact Award: Carlos Martinez
Innovative Impact Award: Gary Community Ventures
Industry Impact Award: Kimball Crangle
We hope you will join us in serving up hope and being a superhero for housing solutions.
Click here to purchase your ticket or contact julia@303upstream for more details.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you there!
Pickleball for Housing
Join us at 3rd Shot Pickleball in Wheat Ridge on Friday, August 2nd for a day of fun and impact! The Community Investment Alliance is hosting a pickleball tournament alongside the Impact Awards. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, there's a spot just for you.
Join us for Pickleball on August 2nd!
Community Investment Alliance Impact Awards and Pickleball Tournament
Join us at 3rd Shot Pickleball in Wheat Ridge on Friday, August 2nd for a day of fun and impact! The Community Investment Alliance is hosting a pickleball tournament alongside the Impact Awards. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, there's a spot just for you.
All proceeds will support the Community Investment Alliance, dedicated to collaborating with local communities for housing solutions, culturally tailored service programs, and improved food access through community-led efforts.
The Impact Awards and pickleball tournament present a wonderful opportunity to actively support our statewide initiatives while enjoying a day of friendly competition with friends and colleagues on the courts.
The action starts at 8 am with a competitive round-robin tournament for pickleball enthusiasts, followed by an all-skill-level tournament from 12 pm to 4 pm. Join us for the awards ceremony and a happy hour event starting at 4:30 pm.
Let's come together for a great cause—supporting accessible housing for all!
RSVP today to sponsor and reserve your spot.
For any inquiries, please reach out to:
Dr. Kathleen Van Voorhis, CEO of Community Investment Alliance, at kathleen@communityinvestmentalliance.org,
or Val Nosler Beck, Development Director at Community Investment Alliance, at Val@upstream303.com.
Upstream Small Donor Committee
Colorado is special for many reasons; one of those reasons is that we have Small Donor Committees (SDCs)!
Colorado is special for many reasons; one of those reasons is that we have Small Donor Committees (SDCs)!
Colorado imposes relatively low maximum contribution limits for state races, typically capping them at $450. Small Donor Committees (SDCs) allow organizations or individuals to contribute up to $6200 to County, State Legislature, and State Board races. These funds must be raised by individual $50 donors through an SDC.
Consider donating to Upstream’s LLC to support some Colorado candidates in the 2024 Primary!
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!
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.
Upstream was a sponsor of Black Women’s Equal Pay Day
Upstream was excited to sponsor the Inauguration of Mike Johnston …
and all the newly elected Denver municipal leaders!
Upstream Fundraiser
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!
Join Wendi Strom running for Mayor of Lakewood
& Lauren Simpson running for Mayor of Arvada
Monday 5/31 at Colorado Plus in Wheat Ridge!
Join hosts Val Nosler Beck, Katie Winner, and Madeline Zann (host committee in formation) for an event in support of two amazing women running for mayor in Jeffco:
Wendi Strom for Lakewood Mayor
Lauren Simpson for Arvada Mayor
Monday, July 31st, 5:30pm
Colorado Plus Brew Pub
6995 W 38th Ave.
Wheat Ridge, CO
Host: $500 | Co-Host: $100 | Guest: $50
RSVP at: laurenandwendievent.my.canva.site or to madeline.zann@gmail.com
There are two incredible candidates running for Mayor, both with experience in council positions in Arvada and Lakewood. They're ready to serve their communities as Mayor. It's an exciting time! We invite you to be a part of the excitement, meet the candidates, hear about their campaigns, and ask questions.
These candidates are counting on our support. If you can't attend, please consider making a donation today. Your contribution can make a real difference.