Welcome to the Team Ana Castro

Ana Castro is a dynamic and community-driven professional who recently assumed the role of Program Coordinator for Laramie Main Street. With a passion for revitalizing community spaces and fostering local economic growth, Ana brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her new position.

Ana's journey began in Mexico City, where she was born. However, at a young age, her family moved to Jackson, Wyoming, and this picturesque town became the backdrop for her formative years. Over the course of 24 years, Ana has called Wyoming her home, and her love for the state and its community runs deep.

Known for her excellent communication skills and ability to bring people together, Ana will undoubtedly play a key role in driving Laramie Main Street's mission forward. Her vision for the program involves a strong focus on community engagement, event planning, and implementing creative strategies to attract visitors and promote local entrepreneurship.

As the new Program Coordinator, Ana's goal is to make Laramie's downtown area a vibrant and thriving hub for residents and visitors alike. By fostering a sense of pride in the community and leveraging her expertise in community organizing, she aims to create an even more welcoming and dynamic downtown space that continues to evolve and flourish.

Summer Flowers Arrive Downtown

A series of colorful summer flower pots have made their way to downtown Laramie again with the support of Laramie Main Street, the Laramie Garden Club and downtown businesses.  Flowers of many varieties brighten up the storefronts of businesses downtown thanks to the Adopt-a-Pot program. 

The Adopt-a-Pot program has been a long running favorite for downtown businesses and their patrons. It is a collaborative effort to keep downtown inviting, friendly and beautiful for residents and summer visitors. Laramie Main Street’s Design Team volunteers coordinate the ordering and payments for the flower pots, Windmill Hill Greenhouse plants and delivers them, and the Laramie Garden Club provided a 50% cost share with businesses who wanted to participate. 

In addition to the cost share contribution,The Laramie Garden Club also planted three of the large permanent planters located downtown with the local businesses nearby watering them for the summer. 

As you visit the historic district this summer, be sure to stop and smell the new and colorful flowers dotting the streets. 

For more information about Laramie Main Street, and volunteering with our Design Team, visit: https://laramiemainstreet.org/volunteer 

Hide and Seek on 3rd Street!

As the City of Laramie continues a multi-phase water system rehabilitation project along the Third Street corridor, Laramie Main Street is launching a campaign to drive foot traffic to the impacted businesses. 

As an incentive for customers to shop local during construction, Main Street is providing impacted businesses each with a $10 downtown gift certificate to hide in their store this week, starting Wednesday, June 21. 

Shoppers are encouraged to visit the following businesses and look for the certificates, that can be used like a check anywhere downtown.

• Daylight Donuts

• Hometown Garage

• Subway

• Grounds Internet and Coffee Lounge

• Bagelmakers

• Qdoba

• Travel Inn

• Link Cycling

• Laramie Respiratory

• Laramie Property Management Group & Laramie Auto Glass

• Hot Power Yoga

• ReVive - IV Vitamin Bar

• St. Matthew's Episcopal Church

• Laramie Soup Kitchen & Clothing Cottage

We'll be posting photos of the lucky winners and gathering customer testimonials to enhance the campaign. 

Main Street has also developed marketing materials for the impacted businesses, including poster and social media templates and a business handbook. These can be downloaded at:  https://laramiemainstreet.org/thirdstreet 

This second phase of construction began in April and is estimated to be complete by October 2023. The project involves abandoning the old water main and installing a new one along the western side of the street. The project will include the replacement of the water main within Third Street between Lewis Street to Sheridan Street moving from north to south. Additionally, water main repairs will be made in the Third Street and Fetterman Street intersection. The City states, "there will be an unavoidable temporary inconvenience to area businesses and the public".

For project updates and a map of the impacted area, visit: https://laramiemainstreet.org/thirdstreet 

For more information, reach out to Jennifer Power, Laramie Main Street Communication Coordinator at marketing@laramiemainstreet.org 

*Applications Closed* Full Time Program Coordinator

POSITION OVERVIEW: Laramie Main Street’s Program Coordinator is a champion for downtown! They inspire and lead people through collaborative work with a variety of individuals and organizations while building consensus among diverse stakeholders. They coordinate redevelopment projects utilizing Laramie’s Downtown Development Plan and National Main Street’s Four-Point Approach for downtown revitalization: Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Development. The Program Coordinator will learn, practice and promote downtown revitalization best practices using local, regional and national resources to support Laramie Main Street’s mission and transformation strategy.

This position will assist the Executive Director with the administration of the program. Based on the individuals skill set and interest, the final job description could include a focus on:

• Event planning and coordination

• Community and volunteer engagement

• Fundraising, grant writing and budget monitoring

• Outreach to and support for businesses and property owners

• Administrative support for board members and committee chairs

• Developing and monitoring work plans and revitalization strategies

• Facilitation of physical improvement projects including infill, renovations, preservation and streetscape amenities

The final job description will be tailored to the candidate who is the best fit for the organization.

MISSION: Laramie Main Street strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality.

TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY: Develop Downtown as a home for entrepreneurs with a focus on authentic consumer experiences and creative Third Spaces.

REPORTING TO: The Program Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Executive Director (ED), and in the ED’s absence, report to the Chair of the Board.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience working for a non profit 

• Excellent oral and written communication

• Ability to lead and inspire

• Dynamic self-starter with exceptional organizational skills

• Experience with project coordination

• Appreciation for downtown Laramie and local businesses

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with a Main Street program, Downtown Development Authority, chamber, tourism board or economic development organization

• Professional fundraising or grant writing experience

• A history of developing and executing short and long-term strategic plans

• Ability to organize a diverse variety of stakeholders around a shared vision

• Basic understanding of or appreciation for historic preservation

• Small business management with the ability to evaluate performance and provide technical assistance to spur growth 

• An entrepreneurial spirit and/or passion for volunteerism

• Experience in facilitating community engagement and utilizing public input in strategic initiatives 

• Coordination of small scale infill and redevelopment projects 

COMPENSATION: Hiring range is $32,000 to $38,000 based on experience. Benefits include flex time, options for remote work, paid professional development, two weeks of vacation the first year (time increases with years of service), 14 paid holidays, a phone stipend, and a simple IRA retirement contribution.   

TO APPLY: Email your resume and cover letter highlighting your qualifications and which aspects of the job best fit your skill sets to Trey Sherwood at downtownlaramie@gmail.com before June 26. Applications will be reviewed as received. The final job description will be tailored to the candidate who is the best fit for the organization.

*Applications Closed* Now Hiring: Food Equity Intern

The Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is restructuring the responsibilities of market staff for the 2023 season. We will be hiring an intern, who will assist the manager with weekly duties in addition to specialized tasks to help enhance market planning and specialized events. Market staff should be strong communicators, team players, self motivated and organized. Experience working with entrepreneurs, food systems, markets, events and/or non-profits is a plus. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to LMSA  Communications Coordinator, Jennifer Power, marketing@laramiemainstreet.org by 11:59 pm on April 30th 2023. 

For more information about Laramie Main Street, visit: www.laramiemainstreet.org  

The Downtown Laramie Farmers Market is a weekly event hosted by Laramie Main Street on Friday afternoons that runs from the last week in June through the last Friday in September. The market provides our community access to locally and regionally grown produce, farm products, local artisans and non-profits. In addition to food trucks, drinks and food stalls, live entertainment provides a vibrant market atmosphere. The market’s goal is to create a pipeline of entrepreneurs (from market to storefront), support food based manufacturing, drive traffic downtown, increase sales for local businesses, and create a sense of vibrancy within the Laramie community. 

Food Equity Intern

The Farmers Market Intern is a part-time summer position, with some preparation taking place in the spring. The primary responsibilities are assisting the Market Manager with the day-of operations of the Market with a focus on our SNAP program, food equity, and sustainability. Please be aware this position requires a fair amount of manual labor, and you may be asked to lift up to 40 lbs. This position reports to the Market Manager.

This position requires a weekly presence at the Friday Farmers Market between the hours of 1pm and 8pm from June 30th- September 29th (no market July 7th).

Pre-season (Spring) 

• Training for the position, and getting familiar with the market money system 

• Assisting with preparing materials for our SNAP food matching program

• Assisting with ARPA Grant reporting

• Help with goal setting and event pre-evaluation

Summer Weekly Duties

Must be available Fridays 1-8pm June 29th- September 29th, 2023 (No market July 7th)  In addition to some Thursday evenings to help set out signage for lot closing the next day. 

• Oversee SNAP match program at the farmers market

• tracking of grant and moneys used for SNAP matching

• communicating program to community

• evaluate program effectiveness and suggest and implement improvements

• train volunteers and others on how to use SNAP EBT machine and exchange for market tokens

• Outreach to partner organizations and community spaces to promote SNAP match program

• Coordinate with SNAP EBT program as needed

• Assist with ARPA grand reporting

• Assist with Sustainability efforts

• Assist Deb with PedalPalooza - a bike downtown event that encourages biking over driving to the market

• Develop sustainability days for 3 of the summer markets - how can we incentives vendors and communities to use sustainable practices?

• Assist the Market Manager in Market set-up and tear down and day of operations including: 

• Set out market fixtures like market tent, trash, toilets, signage, and street barricades

• Help organize vendors into locations as they arrive 

• Call dispatch about remaining cars parked in lot

• Assist the Manager in collecting vendor fees and token exchange 

• Collect SNAP and other token transactions at the market table

• Communicate with vendors about updates, issues, and questions

• Close the market by breaking down market features

• Walk the market location and collect trash

• Assist in storing items neatly for next market use

Post-season (Fall/winter) 

• Collect final inventory, organize items for winter storage

• Attend wrap up meeting

• Collaborate on event post evaluation 

• Coordinate with Market Admin on final report on budget and to the board

• Assist with ARPA grant reporting

• Help finalize any token collection and outstanding payments 

This is a contract position paying $4,000 for the season.

Deb's Main Street Conference Experience

Public Art, Community creative endeavors, Historic Architecture in downtown districts, Stories of the individuals who have made an impact on their communities, past, present and visions for the future.  Ties to the natural environment enriching our daily lives within the city we call home, whether it is public parks, gardens, rivers, alleyways, outdoor seating, trees and flowers.  These are all impressions I soaked in from my experience especially during the Wyoming Best Practices part of the conference.  I was so amazed by the strength and enthusiasm of our fellow Wyoming main “streeters”.  What a treasure the state of Wyoming has in these citizens who give so much of themselves to their communities.  I pondered if the Governor of our state realizes what an asset they are for the state. “People are our greatest asset”-(quote from the storytelling workshop).  I learned from the visited Virginian communities that they had state financial support and funding for business pitch contests that help diversify their city’s economic base.  How wonderful that would be for our Wyoming towns.  I plan to write a letter or maybe several to our Governor, it would be great if we could try a letter writing campaign across the state. Wyoming Main Street organizations are already working to build their communities in so many ways.  If the state would use its resources to give us more capabilities for expanding and fulfilling our missions, what amazing work could be done.  

During the National Main Street conference a favorite workshop was “Storytelling on Main Street”, I could see how Hopewell was using this with their public art and billboard project.  Their message of immigration, diversity, the vision of hope for enriching and building a strong community was powerful.  I learned storytelling techniques that could be used next year for the International Flavor Festival to enrich the experience.  Human faces, human stories, “people are our greatest assets”.  This makes me think of an article I was just reading about how jumpy the public is right now, how we as a public have a lack of trust in government, in public  safety, in each other.  How can we help build back trust in our fellow man?  Personal connection through storytelling, connection to our community and emotional connection to place would be a good place to start.  The workshop gave useful step by step instructions on how best to interview someone to create a good story, how best to use social media, photos, questions, techniques and the app-Otter for recording the interview. (I need to practice now!)

Another favorite workshop was “Activating the Main Street Approach through Placemaking”.  This workshop emphasized not to “overthink” but the need for more action.  I liked their idea of the “power of 10”, multiple uses=10=successful space.

Creating the space and teaching the public ways to use it.  How do we engage the community-creating opportunity to interact, look at the project holistically, create the unexpected, build a love for place-a space people want to be and come back to.  There was an emphasis on creating a great relationship with city officials and building partnerships.  Small changes can make big impacts, and then there are bigger catalyst projects.  (Creating grants, obtaining grants)

The Main Idea presentation on “Championing Commercial District Housing Development” was extremely relevant for communities large and small across the nation.  Again the word, “Grant” came up, should we have a professional grant writer on staff?  At home on Main Street-the more eyes on the street the safer they are. How can we activate existing vacant buildings, upper floors and attract property development entrepreneurs?  How can we support developers?  Incentives from the state?  Is there money from the State department of Commerce for housing development?  Has Laramie lost businesses wanting to locate here because of the lack of available housing for employees?  Why wouldn’t the state want to help encourage housing development in downtown districts to contribute to diversifying our state economy and deal with the housing shortage?  What can we do as a Main Street organization to encourage and support 2nd story developments?  (Live-Work-Walk). Walkability is an attractive amenity for seniors as well as young professionals.  No commute=Live more life. (Life you gain back). Residents who live downtown spend more money downtown.  Should we have a real estate agent on our EV committee or do we all ready?  I am very proud LMSA is currently working on the development of 2nd story residences downtown.  

Codes and Ordinances-code enforcement=run down buildings (deferred maintenance).  I am sure this is a hot button issue in our town, how can we approach this? How is the city government dealing with this issue? 

The conference was so rich with experiences, information and networking opportunities.  I would love to get to know our Wyoming Main Street people better, sharing our experiences in our state and with our state government.  I look forward to working within our LMSA organization to bring forward new ideas, enriching experiences for our community, support downtown businesses and life downtown.  I came away from the conference inspired and have a deeper connection to the Main Street program.  

Thank you to Wyoming Main Street!  Thank you Blue Federal Credit union and thank you Laramie Main Street for the opportunity to attend this incredible conference.

Laramie International Flavor Festival: Celebrating Culture through Flavor and Story

Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Laramie International Flavor Festival at participating restaurants and venues throughout downtown Laramie April 4-8, 2023.

This year’s festival will feature menu items inspired by stories. All Laramie community members, including international students and scholars, are encouraged to submit up to 250 Words of Flavor describing how food connects them to their heritage. There is no minimum word count.

Top story submissions, selected by an eight-member festival jury, will be chosen to receive gift certificates to the event. Restaurants will feature internationally inspired specials from flavors extracted from these stories. To submit a story, visit: https://laramiemainstreet.org/international-flavor-festival , or scan the QR code. Stories must be submitted by February 12 to qualify for the contest.

“Everybody has a story. Often, it’s foods that connect us to our heritage, memories, and traditions. What better place to start a conversation about heritage than at the table? Whether it’s schnitzel, frybread, dumplings, paella, biscotti, or rice and beans, the idea is to connect the Laramie community through the sharing of these stories and celebration of heritage,” says Laramie International Flavor Festival Co-Chair Ali Grossman. 

“The Laramie International Flavor Festival brings so many opportunities for discovery and for making new connections across cultures and we’re thrilled to partner with the Laramie Main Street Alliance to highlight the rich diversity of our community.”

— Dr. Isadora A. Helfgott, VP for UW Global Engagement,

Laramie Main Street Alliance partners with University of Wyoming International Students and Scholars to encourage the participation of the international community.

“What could be more exciting than discovering new foods and, along with them, new cultures and maybe even some new neighbors?” says Dr. Isadora A. Helfgott, VP for UW Global Engagement, “The Laramie International Flavor Festival brings so many opportunities for discovery and for making new connections across cultures and we’re thrilled to partner with the Laramie Main Street Alliance to highlight the rich diversity of our community.”

“We had a great time last year, collaborating with a Pierette Planche, to offer a French menu.” says Kerri Smith, co-owner of Alibi Wood Fire Pizzeria.  “Pierrette taught us to make crepes and to say "c’est bon" at the completion, which means "it's good". “ 

In last year’s festival, 20 participating downtown restaurants featured menu items with flavors inspired by over 80 international community members from over 40 nations. These specials appeared on their menus throughout the week. 

“We feel that this event has such a positive impact on our local community, including our chefs and restaurants,” says Kerri Smith. “Alibi was given the opportunity to participate in the Taste of Colorado in Vail this year, but it overlaps with the Laramie International Flavor Festival so we’ve made the decision to stay here, support Main Street, and represent new cultures and flavors this year.”

Festival Co-chair Deb Ross adds, “The 2023 festival will offer even more opportunities to meet our neighbors and share culture through stories, flavors, and demonstrations.“ The festival will conclude with an international showcase and community conversations, sponsored by the University of Wyoming Center for Global Studies.

# # #

ABOUT LARAMIE MAIN STREET ALLIANCE:

Laramie Main Street Alliance strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality.

Laramie Main Street Alliance is a 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Organization, operating as part of the State of Wyoming's “Wyoming Main Street” program under the Wyoming Business Council, guided by the principles of the National Main Street Program. More information can be found at laramiemainstreet.org. 

STORY EXAMPLES:

In a few paragraphs (no more than 250 words and no minimum), describe the culinary dish or flavors that evoke the strongest memories of your cultural heritage or home country. 

"I have a favorite family recipe that I bake every year for the holidays. My memory of these special cookies come from the kitchen of my Uncle Frank’s mom who immigrated from Italy. She kept cookie jars all around the house and I would pick these chocolate anise cookies out from the assortments. My sister remembers a treasure trunk shaped box with cookies. The cookies are a moist chocolate, with chocolate chips and flavored with anise then frosted with a white anise icing. These cookies have become legendary in my family as many cousins also have the recipe which has been passed down through generations, it’s fun to have a recipe that connects us."

— Deb Ross, Retired UW Pastry Chef, Laramie, WY

I grew up in the 60's in Adelaide, South Australia. My Mum Ruth now of 92 years, cooked a leg of lamb roast every Saturday night. The aroma of sizzling lamb with plugs of inserted garlic and abundant rosemary filled the house along with oven heat, as my 8 brothers and sisters and I filtered in from their various weekend activities, tennis, football, swimming, athletics, picnicking, and surf lifesaving. Fresh rosemary and mint were handpicked from a garden bed right next to the back fly screen door. This garden placement was old British custom believed to help keep the flies out of the kitchen and house. The kids all helped in some way with the meal, peeling the veggies, peas, carrots and potatoes, setting the table, washing up and wiping (no dishwashers), making and serving a pot of black tea along with dessert. All eleven of us, 9 kids and Mum and Dad sat down together at a table resembling the Last Supper. No television, radio on, all together, sharing the stories of the day. That leg of lamb fed us all with leftovers for our school sandwiches the next week. Magic!

- Paul Taylor, Storyteller, Laramie, WY

Laramie Main Street Alliance 2022 Caretaker of the Year

Laramie Main Street Alliance serves as the voice for Downtown Laramie. We assist the businesses, residents and consumers who believe the heart of our great community lies in a vibrant downtown. 

We are a high energy, passionate group of volunteers working to make a difference in our community.

Our 2022 Downtown Caretaker of the Year is someone who has worn many hats within our organization. She is an entrepreneur, a small business owner, a former employee, and now a board member. Jessica Brauer is being recognized for her dedication to preserving historic downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality.

Jessica currently serves as our Vice Chair and infuses our organization with her business coaching, storytelling, marketing, and strategic planning skills. From working to strengthen our internal policies and procedures, update our fundraising strategies, to encouraging staff to find a work-life-balance, her holistic perspective of our work is one of the reasons we were awarded a Great American Main Street in 2022. 

We are proud to recognize Jessica who goes above and beyond for not only Laramie Main Street, but the community as a whole. A huge thank you to Jess, who truly takes care of our downtown!

Laramie Love Letters

SHARE SOMETHING YOU LOVE ABOUT DOWNTOWN LARAMIE Whether it’s a business, a service, an activity, a scene, or a memory, there’s so much to love about historic downtown Laramie, winner of the 2022 Great American Main Street award! 

We want your original words and images–ideally, a combination of the two–and the more creative, the better! 

• Show your love on social media: You can post your creative expression as a digital image to social media (if your account is public) with the hashtag #LaramieLoveLetters 

• Show your love on paper: Your creative Laramie Love Letter artwork can be as small as a postcard or as large as a 36x36 inch painting. 

  Deliver or mail yours to us at:  Laramie Main Street Alliance, 115 E. Ivinson Ave., Laramie, WY 82070 

DEADLINES: 

Feb. 28, 2023 - but submissions that come in by Feb. 6 are eligible to appear in the Laramie Boomerang (Feb 11 edition)! 

NEED INSPIRATION OR ART SUPPLIES?

Come join us on Thursday, Feb 8 any time from 4:30 to 6:30pm at The Collective - Center for the Healing Arts (100 S. 2nd St. in downtown Laramie), which has generously offered us the use of their space for an art-creation session! Or pick up a blank postcard at a downtown business (while supplies last) and get creating!

TERMS & CONDITIONS: 

All images and words must be your original creation and cannot violate copyright. Submission of your work attests to this fact and automatically permits the Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) to share, print, duplicate, exhibit, perform, and otherwise reuse your creative work for the purposes of promoting downtown Laramie, including raising funds for LMSA. Please put your name and email address on the back of your work so we can reach you if you win a prize. If K-8th grade please note your grade. Please no self-promotions from businesses or organizations. 

Jessica's Main Street Conference Experience

Richmond’s Main Street America conference delivered reminders of the power of volunteers organized around one central mission, openness to collaboration, and strategic “scrappy” solutions for the universal woes that impact historic downtowns. To connect with like-minded leaders was refreshing, and to wear the Great American Main Street title among peers was charming. 

“I respect Main Street America’s community, from their acclaimed, exiting President and CEO Patrice Frey to the volunteers who pour beer and collect trash for the chili cook-offs, parades, and festivals. I believe the work is essential. It supports a quality of life for the populace, giving a safe place to connect, experience, and engage in conversation. ”

I respect Main Street America's community, from their acclaimed, exiting President and CEO Patrice Frey to the volunteers who pour beer and collect trash for the chili cook-offs, parades, and festivals. I believe the work is essential. It supports a quality of life for the populace, giving a safe place to connect, experience, and engage in conversation. 

The urban landscape of Richmond offered bold reminders of the troubling issues our communities are facing in the wake of the pandemic, but more importantly, as a result of a dark history of inequality, bigotry, and ruthless pursuit of status by way of wealth. Frankly, I found it challenging to focus on the Four Points of Main Street, having seen the reminders of a bigger picture. 

In collecting my thoughts on what I took home from Virginia, many of my experiences from past conferences returned.

• In 2015, I attended my first Main Street America conference in Atlanta. While exploring Grant Park, a predominantly white-collar and white neighborhood near the city center, I met a woman in her early thirties. She shared she was on disability, dealing with chronic illness, and providing for her extended family solely on the income made driving Uber–the only job she could hold with her circumstances. 

• In 2016, Wyoming’s Main Streeters ogled the award-winning Milwaukee Public Market in the heart of the city’s Historic Third Ward. The revitalized warehouse district, previously called “The Bloody Third” for its rowdy reputation, was developed on the backs of immigrant labor. It now homes Milwaukee’s most affluent and educated in spacious lofts, modern offices, and luxury food, art, and retail experiences.

• In 2019, a deceased homeless man sat upright on a public bench around the corner from the high-end conference venue in Seattle’s Business District. Throngs of corporate city walkers passed by the familiar-to-them scene without a flinch. In 2020, over 11,700 individuals experienced homelessness on a single night in Seattle’s King County. The average home price is $854,748.

Along with the learning experience, each conference has presented eye-opening invitations to dig further into the unpolished stories behind pretty places. Within each award-winning community project is another lesser told story that isn’t emboldened by glossy marketing materials. The tour buses don’t often pause between inspired details to present the ugly truths of what came before or exists despite the accolades. 

Virginia’s conference presenters delved into discussions of Equity and Inclusion, housing development, and impactful data collection. Then, attendees were released to explore the city to find blocks of boarded-up businesses and restaurants bursting at the seams–their understaffed dining rooms still in recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. Polished neighborhoods sprawled around luxury hotels, tucked just blocks away from areas stricken by poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and health crisis. On the same street that I purchased a $10 green juice and gluten-free, vegan scone, I watched a man offer a cold Coke to the homeless man crouched with his belongings on the curb.

“I’m proud of the work, but, I don’t want to work this hard to support the people of privilege anymore.”

I took notes on fundraising strategy, data collecting, and advocating for the program's needs, yet, I haven’t considered them since I returned home. Instead, I’ve repeatedly played a conversation I had with my partner.

“I’m proud of the work,” I said. “But, I don’t want to work this hard to support the people of privilege anymore.”

In ruminating, I’ve arrived at:

1. Work on Main Street is fluid.

Hearing the widespread conversation around the power of shared narrative at the conference allowed me to see the value in the storytelling work I’ve done for Main Street over the years and presented an opportunity for pivoting. As a staff member and committee volunteer, I have, up until now, gathered the stories, told the stories, and created experiences to have conversations around the stories. Now, as an Executive Board member, I believe it’s time for me to step back from that work and, instead, challenge the stories.

Why are there gaps in diversity?

Why are there repeated challenges?

Where can we identify missteps? 

Where are the opportunities to engage in tough conversation?

What are we hearing and not acting on? 

The value of this internal shift is not exclusive to me. No different than the infamous “seven-year itch” of lovers, the relationship between Main Street and its people is susceptible to stagnant work and unfulfilling tasks. Assessing the history of a volunteer’s position within the organization and strategically setting challenging and novel goals ahead not only supports the retention of volunteers but also better assures the organization and the individual are mutually reaping the benefit of the relationship. 

2. The efficacy of the work requires focus and rest. 

Main Street’s success depends on volunteer labor, and dividing that load is the only way to conquer it. Currently, too many individuals are managing too many responsibilities for the organization. This predicament invites us to set individual, self-honoring boundaries and shed commitments, but additionally, it begs conversation on volunteer workload policies and capacity. The organization has been lucky to move forward despite volunteer shortages without significant issues. However, relying on a small collection of individuals for an extensive calendar of events and campaigns leaves us vulnerable to catastrophe in the event of unexpectedly losing a key volunteer. I’m reluctant to expect “luck” to carry the organization as it continues to expand, and this needs to be approached with less conversation and more action.

3. The work was done with privilege for the privileged.

When I came to Main Street, downtown beautification projects and collaborative street events were enough to inspire the work. A rehabbed Christmas wreath brought me to Main Street’s office for the first time. However, the degree to which these projects sustain my work has faded as my understanding of the power of place has grown.

No different than Atlanta, Milwaukee, Seattle, and beyond, Laramie is home to significant populations burdened by the inaccessibility of security and safety in work, healthcare, homes, and support. No different than these conference destinations, Laramie is prone to shift the collective gaze away from these realities. Instead, we must turn toward them.

We had the honor of being celebrated for our work to bolster a lively community–the result of a board and volunteer base that is predominantly white, non-disabled, and of a career and lifestyle that allows for a non-profit’s mid-day meetings, volunteer tasks, and email chains. Now, on the tail of recognizing our capabilities as a team, I believe it’s time to explore actionable solutions that allow Downtown Laramie to be a thriving community for the humans who do not look like or experience the world like us. 

“Richmond offered a long-overdue reminder of why it’s important to step away from the community that is our familiar home and inquire, “Now what?” as we use our GAMSA as a page break, not a bookend, in doing whatever important work is next.”

Travel presents novel experiences and reframed snapshots of what it means to be a human in a community. So often, as Main Streeters, we’re unable to see the forest for the trees as we bury ourselves in Laramie’s properties, events, and fundraising goals. Richmond offered a long-overdue reminder of why it’s important to step away from the community that is our familiar home and inquire, “Now what?” as we use our GAMSA as a page break, not a bookend, in doing whatever important work is next.