Collaboration. It’s a buzzword and a great idea, but how often does it really happen? This past week, Aspen Words presented an evening of poetry with Juan Felipe Herrera, the U.S. poet laureate. The presentation was electric and passionate and very well-attended. Afterward a party was held by Aspen Words and Aspen Peak magazine at the Gonzo Gallery to honor Herrera, and English in Action was invited to partner in this celebration. Together with many community members, we celebrated the power of the written and spoken word. In very different ways, this is what English in Action and Aspen Words do as nonprofit organizations. Many new Aspen Words members were introduced to the work of English in Action, which matches volunteer tutors with adult immigrants who want to learn English.

I am inspired to support organizations that are reaching beyond their databases and finding commonality and ways to strengthen one another. By sharing our resources, we become more efficient and more connected, which in turn creates a more engaged and healthy community.

Lynn Nichols

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Tutor and board member, English in Action, Basalt