Fortifying the
Movement in
Volatile Times
Wednesday, July 30–Friday, August 1
Keystone Conference Center | Keystone, Colorado
2025 Registration is officially sold out!
The 2025 Colorado Health Symposium is a space for action, collaboration and bold conversations.
Hosted by The Colorado Health Foundation, this annual convening unites health equity advocates, grassroots leaders, policymakers and changemakers who are working to address pressing issues and drive meaningful change.
More than just a conference, the Colorado Health Symposium is a space where new ideas take shape, partnerships are strengthened and innovative solutions emerge. This year’s theme, Fortifying the Movement in Volatile Times, reflects the urgency of the moment and the strategies needed to protect progress, amplify impact, and build long-term resilience.
Dates & Location
- Dates: July 30 – August 1, 2025
- Location: Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO
- Registration Deadline: Registration has officially sold out
Language and Accessibility
In our commitment to language justice and providing an inclusive and accessible conference experience, you can share your needs during registration.
Servicios de Interpretacion, traducción, asistencia técnica y preguntas
La Fundación tiene un firme compromiso con la justicia de idiomas y se esfuerza en ayudar a nuestros huéspedes a participar en el idioma de su corazón. Los servicios de interpretación y traducción estarán disponibles para asistirle durante el proceso de solicitud y de forma presencial para apoyarle durante el transcurso de la conferencia. Envíenos un correo electrónico a cohealthsymposium@coloradohealth.org con su nombre e idioma preferido, y un miembro de nuestro equipo se pondrá en contacto en un plazo de 24 horas laborables.
Translation Services, Technical Assistance and Questions
The Foundation strongly believes in language justice and strives to help our guests participate in the language of their hearts. Interpretation and translation services are available to assist you throughout the registration process and onsite to support you throughout the conference. Please email us at cohealthsymposium@coloradohealth.org with your name and preferred language, and a member of our team will contact you within one business day.
2025 Schedule at a Glance
Full agenda coming soon!
DAY 1Wednesday, July 30
Framing the Moment & Setting the Stage
Kick off with Flash Talks (TED-style presentations) and a keynote conversation to set the tone. Afternoon Poster Sessions and Capacity Building Workshops provide hands-on learning and real-time collaboration. The day concludes with wellness activities and social gatherings to foster meaningful connections.
DAY 2Thursday, July 31
Interactive Learning & Collective Strategy
An interactive plenary prioritizes audience participation and real-time dialogue. Afternoon Poster Sessions and Capacity Building Workshops deepen learning, while movement-based activities and networking spaces sustain engagement. The evening closes with a celebratory gathering filled with music, movement and community.
DAY 3Friday, August 1
Turning Ideas into Action
A day of practical application and strategy, featuring workshops that refine advocacy efforts, explore sustainability solutions and strengthen long-term planning. The event closes with a keynote session, offering reflections and next steps to sustain momentum.
DAY 1Wednesday, July 30
Fortify the Core—Truth, Power and Purpose We open the Symposium by strengthening the core of our work: clarity, courage and collective purpose.
In the face of rising disinformation and fractured public discourse, we’ll sharpen our tools for policy advocacy, build new skills and deepen our capacity to organize around equity and justice. We’ll explore durable strategies for justice while staying anchored in shared truth and bold vision.
Mainstage Fireside Chat: Truth, Power & the Role of Narrative in Democracy
Featuring Joy-Ann Reid, National Political Analyst & Commentator, in conversation with Karen McNeil-Miller, President and CEO, The Colorado Health Foundation
In this opening-day conversation, renowned journalist and political commentator Joy-Ann Reid and CEO of The Colorado Health Foundation, Karen McNeil-Miller, explore the urgent intersection of truth, equity and narrative in our democracy. Together, they’ll unpack the role of media, movement-building and philanthropy in protecting democratic values, advancing racial and social justice and reshaping the public square in Colorado and beyond.
Other Day 1 Highlights:
- New! Poster Sessions Open: Engage directly with leaders from across Colorado as they share bold, innovative solutions and invite dialogue around real-world challenges and strategies.
- Capacity-Building Workshops: Build advocacy and communications strategies to meet the urgency of this moment.
- Evening Welcome Reception: Engage and reconnect with peers and enjoy the beauty of Keystone in a relaxed setting.
DAY 2Thursday, July 31
Shift the Story—Narrative Power for a Just Colorado
Narratives don’t just describe reality, they define what’s possible. Day 2 focuses on how to reclaim the narrative, counter harmful stories and tell authentic, community-rooted truths. We’ll explore how to influence public perception, reframe dominant narratives and tell truer stories about who we are and what we deserve.
Mainstage Fireside Chat: Rewriting the Narrative—Belonging, Power & Possibility
Featuring José Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize–Prize-winning journalist & Founder of Define American, in conversation with Jazmín Chávez, Community Leader & Advocate, and David Breña, Trans Rights Leader & Colorado Organizer
Nationally, immigrant and trans communities are navigating a rising tide of legal attacks, distorted narratives and targeted disinformation challenges that threaten both safety and belonging. In this timely and powerful fireside chat, José Antonio Vargas will share insights from across the country on how storytelling, media and movement work intersect in the fight for truth and dignity. He’ll then moderate a conversation with two Colorado leaders—Jazmín Chávez and David Breña—on what it means to push back against harm, build cross-movement solidarity and shape a future where everyone can thrive.
Other Day 2 Highlights:
- Poster Sessions Continue: Engage directly with presenters to learn practical, transferable solutions.
- Capacity-Building Workshops: Deepen skills in narrative strategy, organizational sustainability, and policy impact.
- Evening Celebration: Unwind with music, dancing, and spontaneous joy—you’ve earned it!
DAY 3Friday, August 1
Sustain the Work as a Force for Change
Movements are not only built on strategy but on soul. As we close the conference, we turn to what sustains us—radical love, courageous storytelling and aligned action–for our communities, our movements and ourselves. Let this be our charge: to resist burnout, reclaim joy and lead forward with fierce compassion.
Closing Keynote: Revolutionary Love as Strategy for Social Change
Featuring Valarie Kaur, Civil Rights Leader, Lawyer, Filmmaker & Founder of the Revolutionary Love Project
As we conclude our time together, Valarie Kaur offers a galvanizing vision for the road ahead, one rooted in revolutionary love as a powerful practice for social change. Drawing on her work at the intersection of law, storytelling and activism, Valarie will speak to the urgent need for nonprofit leaders to ground their policy advocacy, narrative change and organizational sustainability in love—love for others, for our opponents and for ourselves. In a time of burnout and polarization, her message calls us to reimagine our work not only as resistance but as a long labor toward justice, wholeness and belonging. Leave inspired, renewed and ready to lead with fierce compassion.
Other Day 3 Highlights:
- Final Poster Session Engagements
- Closing Reflections and Community Gathering: Take time to celebrate, connect and prepare for the road ahead.
- Personal Renewal in Keystone’s Natural Beauty: Before you leave, breathe in the Colorado mountain air and reflect on the purpose and power you’re taking home.
Throughout all three days, there will be space for movement, reflection and rejuvenation, ensuring this is not just a conference—it’s an experience. Join us for an opportunity to learn, connect and act! Together, we will fortify our organizations, strengthen our leadership and build a movement that drives lasting change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guided by community input, the 2025 Symposium will focus on three critical areas:
- Advocacy, Policy Navigation and Impact – Mobilizing communities, shaping policies, and navigating government processes to drive meaningful change
- Messaging and Narrative Change – Strengthening storytelling, engaging media, selecting the right audiences, and using power mapping to grow movements.
- Nonprofit Sustainability – Exploring long-term strategies to strengthen organizational leadership, operational resilience and sustainability.
General Information
Fortifying the Movement in Volatile Times.
July 30 – August 1, 2025 at the Keystone Conference Center, 633 Tennis Club Rd, Dillon, CO.
Programming begins at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30 and concludes by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1. Check-in and breakfast start at 8:00 a.m. daily.
Yes. Free parking is available in the Lakeside Village lot, with shuttles to the venue.
Meals and Lodging
Yes. All registered attendees receive:
- Breakfast (Wed–Fri)
- Lunch (Wed-Fri)
- Dinner (Wed-Thu)
- Snacks and drinks throughout the event
No. Lodging is booked separately. Discounted rates and booking links are provided in the registration confirmation email.
Experience and Activities
Comfortable, layered clothing is recommended. Bring workout clothes if you plan to join movement or wellness sessions.
Yes. Expect guided wellness activities, peer connection spaces and celebratory evening events to support reflection, rejuvenation and joy.
What’s New This Year?
This year, we’re refreshing the format to better meet the moment and respond to community needs:
- Flash Talks (TED-style presentations) will kick off Day 1 with bold ideas and insights.
- Poster Sessions will spotlight innovative community work and spark real-time conversation.
- Capacity-Building Workshops will provide hands-on, skill-deepening experiences focused on messaging, media strategy and more.
- Exchange Sessions will not be featured this year, allowing more time and space for peer learning in other formats.
- We’re honored to welcome Joy-Ann Reid to the mainstage—bringing energy, insight and inspiration to this year’s gathering!
Program Highlights
A full schedule will be posted to the event site prior to the Symposium.
These are interactive displays of innovative community work that address health equity in action. Attendees can browse, engage and connect with presenters.
Hands-on sessions designed to build real skills—like storytelling, strategic messaging, working with media and identifying your audience.
- Advocacy, Policy Navigation and Impact
- Messaging and Narrative Change
- Nonprofit Sustainability
Accessibility and Inclusion
Yes. We are proud to partner with The Community Language Cooperative to provide interpretation in English and Spanish throughout the event.
If you noted an accessibility need during registration, staff will reach out before the event and offer support onsite.
Health and Safety
COVID-19 Policy
The Colorado Health Foundation is committed to producing a healthy and safe event, with the understanding that there is no way to eliminate all risk. Please ensure that your vaccinations and boosters are up-to-date.
- We encourage all attendees to take a COVID-19 test before traveling to Keystone. In general, we also encourage anyone feeling unwell to stay home.
- You will be required to complete an on-site COVID-19 rapid test and show a negative test in order to get your name badge. Please plan to arrive on-site at least 20 minutes before the first session you’d like to attend to complete the rapid test and check in with Registration staff. Free COVID-19 rapid tests for daily testing and KN95/KF94 masks will be available onsite.
No. Weapons are not allowed anywhere on the premises.
Registration and Participation
No. All registration must be completed in advance.
No. Meals and sessions are open only to registered attendees.
No. Registration is not refundable or shareable, regardless of late arrival or early departure; however, if you can no longer attend the Symposium, you can transfer your registration to another attendee by emailing cohealthsymposium@coloradohealth.org.
We aim to create a space for learning and joy. We ask that all Symposium attendees:
- Treat others with respect, inclusivity and consideration, recognizing that this event is a place for diversity of thoughts, organizations and individuals.
- Communicate openly and thoughtfully with others, actively listen well to others, and be considerate of views and opinions that differ from yours.
- Respect the rules and policies of the conference center and lodging facilities.
In addition to organic networking that takes place during breaks, lunch and receptions, there will be afternoon and evening activities available such as yoga and workshops. Check out the program for a list of activities.
No, your registration is valid for the entire conference regardless of attendance.
