2025 Impact Highlight
Morgan County, Eastern Region
Empowering Civic Voice in Morgan County through FLTI 2025
Many residents in Morgan County, especially those from underrepresented communities, have limited access to civic education and leadership development opportunities. Community partners identified a need to strengthen residents’ understanding of government systems and equip families with the knowledge and confidence to engage in local decision-making processes.
Colorado State University Extension supported the successful implementation of another 20-week Family Leadership Training Institute (FLTI) cohort in Morgan County. Extension Community Engagement Specialist Aliria Bello provided weekly coaching to the newly appointed FLTI coordinator to ensure consistent delivery of the curriculum and alignment with FLTI’s leadership development and equity framework.
Participants showed significant increases in civic knowledge between the pre- and post-assessments:
• Knowledge of how state laws are made rose from 13% to 88% (577% improvement).
• Awareness of local city representatives increased from 8% to 88% (1000% improvement).
• Understanding of state budget processes grew from 13% to 63% (385% improvement).
• Recognition of State Senate and House representatives each increased from 13% to 88% and 75%, respectively (over 450% improvement).
These outcomes reflect the program’s effectiveness in equipping residents with foundational civic knowledge to support long-term engagement.
Participant reflections underscored the program’s impact:
• “FLTI showed me that my story matters in Fort Morgan.”
• “These 20 weeks helped me grow as a leader, a parent, and a neighbor.”
• “FLTI brought us together. Fort Morgan is stronger when every family is included.”
By expanding civic knowledge and leadership capacity in Morgan County, CSU Extension is helping local families participate more fully in shaping their communities. As residents become more informed and empowered, local systems grow more inclusive, responsive, and reflective of community needs.