What Is Action 22?
March 26, 2004
Action 22 is a volunteer-driven membership organization of individuals, cities, communities, counties, associations, businesses and organizations in a 22 county region, banding together for a stronger voice at the State Legislature and in Washington, D.C. Action 22 represents a 36,530 sq. mile area (35% of the state) consisting of 850,000 citizens or 19.5% of the state's population.
Sixty percent of the state legislature comes from the six metro Denver counties, leaving only 40% from the remaining 58 counties in Colorado. However, by banding together, the membership in the 22 county area of Southern Colorado work together with others to communicate with a stronger voice and SHAPE the policies affecting the southern Colorado area.
Action 22 is a relatively young organization having been established at a Charter Convention on January 13, 1999. The first Board of Directors meeting was held in June of 1999 and its full-time office was opened in July of 2000. Over 400 representatives of the various membership categories are now involved in Action 22.
Action 22's mission is to speak with a unified voice on issues of mutual concern. It receives its revenue only from membership dues and meetings. As a result, Action 22 represents only the interests of its membership and is beholden to no outside interests.
The organization is run by a Board of Directors, which includes up to three directors from each of the 22 county areas. Whether you are Mineral County or El Paso County, all counties have an equal voice. Action 22 members residing within county boundaries elect their own members to the Board.
The key to the success of Action 22 is its committee structure. The research and study of issues are done by members, (individuals, businesses, cities, counties, organizations at one table), who then make policy and position recommendations to the Board of Directors. Members who have concerns are welcome to bring those concerns to the committees. At that point, with input from the diverse membership in various counties, a determination is made as to whether the issue is common to the rest of the membership. Once determined it is, the research and study begins. Committees include: Agriculture/Natural Resources; Economic Development; Tourism; Transportation plus sub-committees such as Water; Highway 50; Telecommunications and General Issues. All committees meet at the Committee Summit, held at least three times per year. Members utilize technology such as the Internet to work on issues between Committee Summits. A list-serve process will be forthcoming to assist members in debating and discussing issues over a confidential system online.
An Annual Membership Conference is scheduled the 1st weekend of October. The Board of Directors meet during the conference, which also is host to speakers on a variety of issues affecting southern Colorado. In addition, an Annual Legislative Event in Denver, scheduled for January 26, 2005, will be held to give members an opportunity to visit with the Governor, Cabinet members, Department Heads and legislators.
During the legislative session, Legislative Alerts are e-mailed to all the members keeping them abreast of the latest bills introduced in the House or Senate. Alerts are also sent out asking for assistance in supporting a bill pass or to oppose a bill. The most effective means of affecting legislation is by grassroots effort by Action 22 members. Yes, YOU can make the difference.
Action 22 is a networking vehicle (build your connections); a resource center (if we don't have the information, we'll find it) and a catalyst for getting things done.
For more information on Action 22, or a presentation to your club, organization, or chamber, contact our President/COO Cathy Garcia at 1-888-799-1799.