A Conversation with Citizens Project

November 6, 2025

6:00 pm

Chinook Center

2551 Airport Rd #107
Colorado Springs, 80910

Please join the Freethinkers of Colorado Springs for an engaging discussion with Citizens Project Executive Director Steph Vigil on the history and future of this vital local organization. For over 30 years, Citizens Project has worked to create a more inclusive and just community for everyone. Come learn about the group's origins in response to rising intolerance and explore how we can all work together to build a stronger, more vibrant Pikes Peak region.

When: Thursday, November 6 at 6:00 PM

Where: The Chinook Center
2551 Airport Rd #107
Colorado Springs, 80910

The Freethinkers will provide pizza and salad for this event. Please bring your own beverage and any other food you might prefer.

If you’re unfamiliar with Citizens Project, here’s a quick summary...

History

• 1992: Citizens Project was founded by community members concerned with increasing religious influence in public schools and the passage of Amendment 2, an anti-LGBTQIA+ ballot measure.
• Early actions: The organization worked to oppose Amendment 2 and initiatives to prevent the City of Colorado Springs from disbanding its Human Relations Commission. When this effort failed, Citizens Project created a private Human Relations Commission.
• Foundational initiatives: In its early years, Citizens Project developed programs to promote tolerance and understanding, including "Dialogue Dinners" and a "Celebrate Diversity" bumper sticker campaign.
• Policy evolution: While its core values have remained consistent, the group's mission has evolved over time. Following the 2019 shooting of De'Von Bailey, Citizens Project placed a greater emphasis on racial justice issues.
• Civic engagement focus: The organization has increasingly focused on voter education and access, recognizing these as critical tools for impacting public policy.
• 2025: In the first half of 2025, Citizens Project was engaged in an appeal to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals concerning a lawsuit they filed with the League of Women Voters. The suit argued that the timing of Colorado Springs' local elections discriminated against voters of color.

Mission
Citizens Project is dedicated to educating and empowering residents of the Pikes Peak region to build a more equitable and just community.
Its specific goals include:

• Promoting equity, inclusion, and justice in public spaces.
• Challenging community members to uphold these values.
• Building a vibrant democracy by fostering an informed and participatory citizenry.
• Protecting individual rights and respecting differences.

Initiatives
The organization's programs and initiatives work toward its mission through civic engagement and education.
Voter and civic education

• Voter guides and forums: Publishes a large-scale, nonpartisan candidate survey and co-hosts candidate forums to inform voters.
• Civic engagement events: Hosts events and produces resources to inform citizens about their voting rights and relevant local issues.

Advocacy and policy

• Legislator report card: Publishes a report card on the voting records of the El Paso County legislative delegation to hold elected officials accountable.
• Advocacy for marginalized groups: Champions policy changes that align with its values of equity, inclusion, and justice. For example, it supported the Kelly Loving Act, which expands protections for transgender individuals.

Community building

• Community collaboration: Partners with other civic organizations, such as the League of Women Voters and the Latina Equity Foundation, to expand its reach.
• Outreach events: Participates in community events like Pikes Peak Pride to engage with residents