"CILT gave me the opportunity both to hone my skills as a leader and to hear from a wide range of Coloradans. The experience also rewarded me with some lifelong friendships. "

- Rep. Andrew Romanoff
Colorado Speaker of the House
CILT Class of 1994

 

"I looked forward to every CILT weekend. The program was one of the best things I've ever done."

 - Carol Peeples
CILT Class of 2007

After working on Congressional races in two of Colorado’s most rural districts, I didn’t expect to learn much more about our state through CLIT. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Great people, great program, and so much to know about Colorado!

        -Jeff Bridges
        CILT Class of 2008

"CILT provided me with the opportunity to interact with opinion-makers from across Colorado and to find my own voice as a leader. I draw on my experience in CILT on a daily basis."

- Hon. Dan Grossman
Former State Senator
CILT Class of 1995

 

"CILT opened my eyes to some of the realities of life in rural Colorado. That has been most helpful to me in the legislature as I consider legislation, especially since term limits truly limit institutional memory."

- Rep Jeanne Labuda, HD1
CILT Class of 2005 

"After experiencing CILT, I am amazed at how differently I perceive Colorado and its current issues. Through all the guest speakers, on site visits and group discussions I know I am a much more informed citizen. Information alone though is not the only outcome from CILT. Beyond the knowledge received, my new network of contacts through out the state has become an invaluable resource."

 

"The Institute is for political activists who are anxious to push political thought into the 21st century. This program is a must for any progressive Coloradoan who wants to enter the public policy arena."

- Rick Garcia
Denver City Councilman
CILT Class of 1992

 

 “CILT is a terrific opportunity to explore the issues landscape in Colorado, learn about the challenges ahead we face, and find out what state and community leaders can and should be doing to make Colorado a better place.”

        - Scott Downes
        Communications Director
        Colorado Center on Law and Policy
        CILT Class of 2008

 "CILT provided me with important information about the issues affecting our State. In addition, during my class and as an alumni I have had the opportunity to meet and network with people from across the State."

  - Rep. Mark Ferrandino, HD2
CILT Class of 2005 

"For me, CILT was a vital introduction to the issues that challenge   Colorado, to the principles of leadership that can effect change, and to a great circle of friends who will make a difference on those issues. If you're interested in progressive politics at any level, join this group!""

- Mark Messenbaugh
Director, Partnership for Youth Development
CILT Class of 2002

"Through CILT, I learned invaluable lessons about issues affecting Coloradoans throughout the state and made lasting friendships and political contacts. I recommend this program to anyone interested in  progressive leadership, activism, and politics."

 

"Despite being a Denver native and living in Colorado most of my life, before CILT I hadn't traveled to many areas of the Centennial State. Spending more time on the Eastern Plains and Western Slope gave me a deeper understanding of Colorado life and policy, made me a more informed voter and political consultant, and allows me to tell a true story that begins 'So a horse walks into a bar...' and ends with city slickers dancing to hip hop music with rural cowboys."

- Sarah Moss
Political Communications & Events Consultant
CILT Class of 2006

"As a Colorado native I was surprised how much about this great state I didn't know. CILT opened up my eyes and fueled my passion to go out and make a difference for all of Colorado."

- Faith Winter
  National Field Director
  White House Project
  CILT Class of 2006
 

“CILT is the catalyst for involvement in public policy making and politics in Colorado. The friendships and connections made during the course and through alumni programs provide countless opportunities for involvement and service in Colorado’s communities.”

- Cindy Lowery
Chair, Denver Young Democrats
CILT Class of 2004

"Getting involved with CILT is a great way to learn about the political landscape across the entire state, network with civic leaders and community members who care about important issues facing the state, and  get active and stay engaged in the civic life of Colorado. I highly recommend it to anyone, whether you’re already an experienced leader looking to expand your interests statewide or to a broader spectrum of issues or a newcomer to Colorado politics.”

 

"CILT Rocks"

- Jacob Smith
Mayor, City of Golden
CILT Class of 2007

 

"CILT is a great educational experience in the live environment of personal interactions of people working in Colorado.  Understanding state and local issues in the context of personal lives gives you a perspective that challenges preconceived notions. We understand our community by challenging the people who live with us with our ideas and forging a consensus on the issues. CILT is an asset in personal growth  for us to  become leaders in our communities."

 - Bob Gaiser
Council Member, Ward 1
City and County of Broomfield
CILT Class of 2005

 

"I knew Colorado was a big place but being out in Lamar made me fully understand the challenges facing policy and decision makers on how to deal with such a large state and the scale of governing."

 - Sara Lemmon
CILT Class of 2007