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Partnering for Better Health
SpotLight
On Policy & Advocacy
Joining the CLI starts with an in-person Foundations in Colorado Springs
May 17 - 22, 2026
Engage in experiential learning, deep reflection, and focused dialogue rooted in proven leadership frameworks to strengthen your ability to lead with purpose and partnership. You will explore the complex social and political forces that local leaders in health must navigate every day.
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Created for community activists and advocates
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Application Deadline: February 6, 2026
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Week long Foundations session delivered in-person in Colorado Springs
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Participation in a year long health equity-impacting project
All CLI programs are offered at no cost to the participant which includes reimbursement for travel expenses
This leadership development journey is designed for emerging leaders in community-based organizations who are shaping the policies and advocacy efforts that drive health equity forward. Over a period of 17 months, this diverse blend of community leaders comes together as a powerful cohort—uniting their expertise, lived experience, and passion to spotlight a single, urgent barrier to health equity facing Colorado communities.
The journey begins with Foundations, an immersive 5-day, in-person experience on our Colorado Springs campus. During this transformative week, participants engage in deep reflection, meaningful dialogue, and learning experiences that stretch their thinking and strengthen their sense of identity and purpose as leaders.
As they learn together, participants explore the complex social and political forces that local leaders in health must navigate every day. They build strong, trusting relationships with one another—even across differing or opposing viewpoints—and discover how to leverage social power to create meaningful, systemic change.
Through this process, they gain the courage and clarity to influence policies and institutions in ways that improve health outcomes for all.
After Foundations, the cohort transitions into a year-long collaborative project focused on addressing a specific policy or systemic barrier that undermines health equity in Colorado. Each project team is paired with a community mentor and supported by program staff, ensuring they have the guidance and structure needed to innovate and drive real impact.
At the culmination of their work, participants have the opportunity to present their project at the annual CLI Showcase in September—sharing their vision, their solutions, and their collective power to shape a healthier, more just Colorado.