Coloradans turn out in droves to learn about the RESULTS anti-poverty movement

Many wonder what makes advocacy “work.” Is it political savvy? Is it relentless action? Those don’t hurt. But the driving force is community.  

That truth came alive one August evening in Aurora, Colorado. Nearly 80 people gathered to hear from RESULTS founder Sam Daley-Harris. The event was originally predicted to draw around 25 people, maybe less. But as the start time neared, it quickly became one of the largest outreach gatherings in RESULTS Colorado history. 

Sam reminded us why he started RESULTS back in 1980 and continues this work today. He and his fellow volunteers wanted to heal the divide between people and government. They aimed to wake more people up to their power. “I want people to realize that they can make a difference with their voices beyond their wildest dreams.”  

The event, Reclaiming Our Democracy, wasn’t just a talk. It was a powerful moment of connection. Attendees came together, emphasizing that advocacy and community go hand in hand. Gathering together in solidarity is an essential part of what makes advocacy possible. 

Nancy, a newer volunteer, described the event as “a relief.” She said, “People truly want to know how to make a difference in turning this mess around. We don’t have to give up. We’re not alone.” 

Dayana is a RESULTS Fellow and advocate for ending hunger. The RESULTS Fellowship is a cohort of emerging leaders within the RESULTS network. An older attendee told Dayana that she was proud of her for simply being there. This attendee emphasized that the country was counting on Dayana’s generation to save democracy. Dayana said this exchange, “reminded me why I do this. It shifted how I show up in this work and inspired me to share my story with others, focus on building relationships, and uplift real stories to members of Congress about how these issues impact my community.” 

Everyday people are facing historic threats to democracy. The economy is worsening along with inequality. Social divides seem to only deepen. But what happened in Colorado shows that people don’t want to opt out. They want to be part of something real. As ever, the antidote to despair and division is community in action. 

Sam called this a message to all of us: People are looking for what we offer. They just haven’t found us yet. 

Our job now is to keep inviting people in. It’s how we build power and protect democracy. The only way to fight for a future with dignity, opportunity and prosperity is together.