July 2026 Newsletter
“More than a “regular” networking event. More space for real conversations”
Hello Netweaver,
Many people want to make a difference.
They just aren’t always sure where they fit.
Some imagine community involvement means serving on a board, organizing an event, speaking at a podium, or leading a major initiative. Others quietly wonder if they have enough time, experience, influence, confidence, or expertise to make a meaningful contribution.
But participation is much broader than most of us were taught.
Sometimes it looks like service, advocacy, leadership, or public engagement.
And sometimes it looks like listening deeply, introducing two people who should know each other, supporting a neighbor, showing up for a cultural celebration, mentoring someone younger, asking better questions, sharing lived experience, or helping someone feel less alone.
Community often begins with something small:
One question.
One invitation.
One introduction.
One act of appreciation.
One moment of noticing someone who might otherwise feel unseen.
There are many beautiful ways to matter.
That idea is at the heart of this month’s Purpose Forum: Participation & Possibility.
It is also part of why Connect for Good is gradually growing into GoodnessCO.
The heart of the work is not changing. The language is simply beginning to catch up to what has been growing all along: a community of people discovering meaningful ways to connect, contribute, belong, and participate in the life of the Grand Valley.
This month’s Purpose Forum brings together Jody Tate, therapist, former school counselor, and founder of L.A.C.E., and David Combs, longtime Grand Junction community leader and retired business owner.
Together, we’ll explore how people participate in community life in different ways—and how service, advocacy, relationship-building, cultural stewardship, generosity, and care can each create possibility.
This will not be a lecture about civic engagement.
It will be a warm, story-rich conversation about finding meaningful ways to participate from who you already are.
Whether you’re already deeply involved or simply wondering where you fit, I hope you’ll join us.
👉 Register HERE for the July Purpose Forum
Porcia
Live here. Do good here.
✨ Scroll down for community goodness, local happenings, and ways to stay connected across the Grand Valley.
Help Connect for Good Grow
GoodnessCO is growing, and we’re looking for a part-time Community Experience & Operations Coordinator to help with event logistics, registration, email communications, surveys, and other behind-the-scenes details that keep our gatherings welcoming and organized.
This is a paid, part-time contract role beginning at approximately 10 hours per month, with room to grow as Connect for Good expands. We prefer someone based in the Grand Valley.
Know someone who is organized, dependable, comfortable with technology, and excited about helping community-centered work flourish?
Please share this opportunity HERE or reply to learn more.
KINDset KQ® — A Kindness-Centered Leadership Resource
Kindness isn’t soft — it’s strategic. The KINDset KQ® framework offers leaders practical insight into how they’re experienced by the people they serve. In the new year, CFG will offer a limited number of KQ® assessments + coaching for everyday leaders looking to grow their trust, clarity, and community impact. Contact us for more details.
A Small Invitation With a Big Ripple
Sometimes community begins with one simple question:
Who can I bring together?
This beautiful short video follows a four-year-old who helped his neighborhood feel less lonely by inviting people into connection. It’s a moving reminder that participation does not require expertise, a title, or perfect words.
Sometimes it begins with noticing—and then making one small invitation.
👉 See What One Small Invitation Can Do HERE.
Local Act of Goodness
Each month, we’ll highlight simple yet powerful acts of generosity happening across the Grand Valley—because community health grows through everyday contributions.
💚 The historic Grand Junction Union Depot has secured about $1 million toward restoration, including two State Historical Fund grants and matching support from the Downtown Development Authority. It’s a hopeful step toward bringing one of downtown’s most beloved landmarks back to life—preserving local history while creating future possibilities for gathering, connection, and community pride.
📩 Have a story of local goodness to share?
Send it to: info.connectforgood@gmail.com
Around the Community
Civic Corner
As part of our commitment to connecting people with what’s happening locally, we’re sharing ways to stay informed and engaged in our community.
Monthly updates from Mesa County
Why Local Government Plans Ahead
Have you ever wondered why the county replaces a roof before it leaks, buys winter road materials in the summer or plans a road project years before construction begins?
The answer is planning.
Many county projects begin long before residents see construction crews or new equipment. Staff evaluate needs, develop budgets, apply for grants, complete engineering work and coordinate schedules. Taking those steps early helps prevent larger problems later.
You've likely seen examples of this in recent months. Mesa County purchased winter road materials months before snow season. Construction is underway on Orchard Avenue after years of planning and design. The county is also replacing aging equipment and facilities before unexpected failures interrupt public services.
The same approach guides work that isn't always visible. Treating for Japanese beetles helps protect local agriculture before infestations spread. Drought planning helps parks remain usable while reducing water demand.
Planning ahead cannot prevent every challenge, but it helps the county use taxpayer dollars wisely, reduce emergency repairs and keep essential services running.
Much of local government happens behind the scenes. When planning is done well, the result is often something residents never have to think about. Roads remain safe. Buildings stay open. Equipment is ready when it's needed.
That's the value of planning ahead.
Learn More
Board of County Commissioners Public Hearings
Stephanie Reecy, Public Affairs Director, Mesa County
Looking for additional ways to get involved?
The City of Grand Junction maintains a list of current volunteer opportunities HERE.
💛 With Appreciation
Whether you attended a forum, made a connection, supported a nonprofit, or showed up with openness—thank you. Your generosity and engagement make Connect for Good a living community.
Looking for More?
🌿 We’re always exploring new ways to connect and build community. If you have a bright idea, a curious question, or something you’d love to see at Connect for Good-we are all ears.
Purpose. Positivity. Possibilities.
Sometimes just showing up opens the door to new clarity, comfort, and connection. That’s what we hope you’ll feel at every Connect for Good gathering. Just hit reply and share what’s on your mind.
