Your Monday Update, Principle #7, and Upcoming Events

Boulder, CO

Dear Restore the Balance Community,

Dues, Duty, and Gifts

The other day I received one of those irritating unsolicited political emails from a candidate in some state far away who will likely never have any effect on my life. But this one was different; it was from Brian Bengs, a veteran running for U.S. Senate in South Dakota as an independent.

Well, I thought, that takes some courage. South Dakota, as far as I know, is a very partisan Republican state. So I went to Bengs' website and looked under the section, "What I Believe." Underneath the heading was an eloquent and clear statement of the man's values, and he manages to sum up one of RTB's principles pretty well. He argues that the Bill of Rights is best understood not just as a list of individual entitlements, but as a set of responsibilities the government owes to Americans, and that "the liberty and rights of others would be better served and protected" if we focused more on our own duties to each other.

RTB's Principle #7 states: Citizens may certainly exercise their personal freedoms, but they may not ignore their personal responsibilities to the community at large.

In order for us to enjoy life and liberty, and to pursue happiness, we are expected to do some things, such as stay informed, vote, and pay taxes at the least. And it's even better when we contribute to our larger community through activities like volunteering and by being good neighbors. When we choose to be active participants in our community and our politics, we fulfill our duty as Americans. Our system of government is a gift, but that gift is what we make of it.

Study up, participate, and vote.

— An RTB Board Member

Know Before You Go: Sample Ballot Lookup

Not sure exactly what will be on your ballot this fall? You can preview your personalized sample ballot ahead of time here.

Recommended

Worth a Watch: "Be a Good Citizen: Tips from Diplomat Richard Haass" — a short, worthwhile watch on what citizenship actually asks of us. Watch it here.

Series: The Gilded Age, Band of Brothers

Movies: Project Hail Mary

Podcasts: The Moth, On Point

Upcoming Events

8/26 — Better Ballots Colorado: Should We Adopt Ranked Choice Voting in Grand Junction?

• 5:00-7:00 PM, Grand Valley Event Center, 2400 Consistory Ct, Grand Junction.

• Register here.

• An educational forum sponsored by Courageous Colorado and RTB.

8/27 — Courageous Colorado Civic Social

• 5:00-6:30 PM

• Come connect with neighbors, community leaders, and others who care about strengthening democracy in Grand Junction and across the Western Slope. It's a casual opportunity to catch up, meet new people, and continue the conversations we've been having in the community. 

• Click here to RSVP. The first round of drinks is on Courageous Colorado! 

9/8 — Indivisible Colorado Speaker Series: Election Protections and Vision for Colorado, with AG Phil Weiser, Candidate for Governor

• 7:00 PM.

• Hear from Phil Weiser on election security and his priorities if elected.

• Shared for informational purposes only; does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate or political party.

• VIRTUAL EVENT. Register here.

9/9 — Save the Date: RTB Fall Gathering at Sauvage Spectrum

• 5:30-8:00 PM

• A chance to meet candidates on the Mesa County ballot this November.

• All local and CD3 candidates have been invited.

• A food truck will be on site. More info to follow this week.

9/14 — Save the Date: Who's Telling the Truth? What Media Literacy, Authenticity, and Gatekeeping Mean Now

• 5:00-6:30 PM, Meyer Ballroom, Colorado Mesa University Center.

• A moderated panel with reporters and researchers, followed by audience table conversations on what it takes to get communities news they trust.

• Get tickets here.

9/18 — Save the Date: Colorado River District Annual Water Seminar, "The River Ahead"

• 8:30 AM-3:15 PM, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction. Doors open at 8:00 AM.

• Join leading water experts, decision-makers, and practitioners from across the state and the Basin for timely conversations on today's water challenges and what comes next for western Colorado. Stick around after the program for a happy hour networking event on the terrace from 3:35-5:00 PM; registration includes a complimentary drink ticket.

• Register here.

• Draft agenda here.

9/20 — How to Have Difficult Conversations

• 10:30 AM-1:00 PM. Unitarian Universalist Church, 536 Ouray Ave, Grand Junction.

• A discussion and screening of the movie Reuniting America, presented by Braver Angels.

• Registration required here.

On the Radar: Local Government Meetings

• Board of County Commissioners: Tuesdays @ 9 am

• Grand Junction City Council: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 5:30 pm

• Town of Palisade Board of Trustees Meeting: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 6 pm

• Fruita City Council: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 7pm

• D51 School Board: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 5pm (public comments accepted on 3rd Tuesdays only)

• Mesa County Library Board: Last Thursdays @ 5:30 pm

• Public Health Board: 2nd Tuesday of the month @ 3 pm

Thank you to all who have submitted photos, podcasts, and video recommendations. We will publish a recommendation in each category every week. Please keep them coming!

Want to Contribute to Our Weekly Newsletter?

Our best recommendations come from you! Have you read a thought-provoking book? Listened to an insightful podcast? Found an article worth sharing? Captured a beautiful photo of Western Colorado? We want to feature your discoveries and perspectives in our Monday Update.

You can share resources, suggest topics you'd like RTB to address, or submit photos from around our community. All submissions can be anonymous or attributed to you; it's your choice.

Submit your recommendations here

Let's learn from each other and build a more informed community together.

Don't forget to vote in 2026: Ballots will be mailed on October 2. Vote Early.