Session Schedule at a Glance#

Please note! Our registration process may be a little confusing. We use our volunteer registration system so it may appear as though you are signing up to volunteer, but rest-assured, you will be signing up to attend the sessions for educational purposes only.

1:00 PM to 1:45 PM  Disability Etiquette, Adam Shake  In this session we will discuss our use of language, offering assistance, and identifying Ableism in ourselves and workplaces, which may be affecting the interactions we have with People with Disabilities. This training is to build a broader understanding of disability and to ensure guidance on how to appropriately engage with People with Disabilities.

1:00 PM  to 1:45 PM Lincoln Center Backstage Tour, Tyler Davis  Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes during performances at The Lincoln Center? Join Tyler Davis for an in depth look backstage and learn how The Lincoln Center team makes the magic happen!

1:00 PM to 1:45 PM Ranked Choice Voting, Davina Lau  In the November 2025 election, Fort Collins voters will use ranked voting to elect the Mayor and City Councilmembers. Ranked voting is a method that allows voters to rank multiple candidates in a given race in their order of preference. This new method was approved by Fort Collins voters in 2022. In this session, attendees will hear from City Staff about what this method will look like this Fall and answer any questions about the process or what filling out your ballot will look like.

1:00 PM to 1:45 PM Restorative Fitness, Amie Kane-Lee  Designed to support your physical and mental wellbeing, this gentle, restorative fitness class will encourage you to bring your exercise outside and use the power of breath and movement to restore the mind and body. This all-levels, floor-based class will integrate mindful breath work, strength and mobility exercises, while exploring the healing benefits of outdoor exercise. You’ll step away more relaxed, with less tension, and a deeper connection between the mind, body, and nature.

2:00 PM to 2:45 PM Chair-based Restorative Fitness, Amy Kane-Lee  During this session, we’ll explore the benefits of chair-based restorative exercise that combines techniques from both seated and standing positions, while using a chair for support. By integrating breath work, mobility, and gentle strengthening, this practice can be useful when managing pain or recovering from injury, in the middle of your work day, or any other time when getting on and off the floor is simply not an option.

2:00 PM to 2:45 PM Gardening Tips with Gardens on Spring Creek Join a Horticulturalist from the Gardens on Spring Creek to learn some valuable fall gardening tips. More information coming soon.

2:00 PM to 2:45 PM Lincoln Center Backstage Tour, Tyler Davis  Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes during performances at The Lincoln Center? Join Tyler Davis for an in-depth look backstage and learn how The Lincoln Center team makes the magic happen!

2:00 PM to 2:45 PM Tree Tour, Freddie Haberect  Did you know that the City of Fort Collins maintains almost 60,000 trees? Wouldn’t you like to know what they are? Join Forestry staff, Freddie Haberect to learn more about the gentle giants that surround us.

3:00 PM to 4:15 PM Autistic Communication in a Neurotypical World, Daisy Montgomery  In everyday discourse, we hear that autistic communication is different than non-autistic, or neurotypical communication, but at face value we don't think much of it...until we're in a conversation and suddenly we feel like no matter how hard we try, we can't seem to meet each other in the middle when it comes to solving common misunderstandings. In this session, we will take a deep dive into how the autistic brain processes information compared to a non-autistic brain, what autistics value in conversation, how autism impacts social and communication skills, and what autistics misunderstand when it comes to neurotypical social rules. By the end of our time together, you'll have gained important insights to your autistic colleagues and community members that will help you feel more confident in your allyship and in creating a space where everyone can thrive.

3:00 PM to 4:15 PM De-Escalation Training, Tyler Davis  Knowing how to effectively de-escalate tense situations is an essential skill for anyone in a public-facing role. This interactive seminar will provide practical strategies for recognizing early warning signs of conflict, managing emotional responses, and navigating challenging interactions with calm and confidence. Participants will hear about real-world scenarios and walk away with a toolbox of tips and tricks to defuse difficult situations, maintain safety, and preserve positive relationships—even under pressure. Whether you're interacting with other volunteers, working with the public, or leading a team, this session will equip you with the communication tools you need to keep situations from boiling over.

3:00 PM to 4:15 PM History Tour, Jim Bertolini  Volunteerism has a long tradition in Fort Collins, from the earliest welfare societies organized by local women to the modern institutions that many of us know, take advantage of, and volunteer for. On this two-hour walk, we’ll explore some of the places near CSU’s campus where many of our service organizations began, with a few fun facts mixed in along the way. Please wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen/a hat, and bring some water.

3:00 PM to 4:15 PM Interpretive Volunteer Training, AJ Chlebnik, CIT and Hannah Krikorian CIG        Can you make a difference in just three minutes? Come join Hannah and AJ and learn how to inspire and connect with community members through your volunteer roles.

4:15 PM to 5:15 PM Volunteer Appreciation Cocktail Hour  All City volunteers and a guest are invited to join us for a cocktail hour with a cash bar and heavy appetizers. Enjoy music and networking with fellow volunteers until the Leadership Address at 5:30 PM.

5:30 PM to 6:00 PM Leadership Address and Volunteer Appreciation  Join City leadership as we learn about the amazing volunteer work being done across the City. We will also take a few moments to honor some special volunteers. 

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Allies and Accomplices: Continuing the Work, Robert Franklin II and Jamie Villarreal-Bassett  Join the Seven Focus Team, Jamie and Robert for an interactive discussion about living in an increasingly complex and fractured world, and still wanting to impact our communities through allyship and leadership. Jamie and Robert will explore how they navigate tough personal and professional environments, while fostering understanding and drive connection, even amidst heightened political and social division.

Choose Your Sessions