Thrive! is a coalition of citizens in La Plata County, Colorado who care about the long-term economic and social well-being of our community. We are employees and employers. We are business owners and business growers. We are the poor. We are the wealthy. We are those in between. We represent faith-based groups and community nonprofits, businesses and governments. We are your neighbors working to see that everyone residing here has the opportunity to earn a living wage.
Our History
In 2008, the La Plata County Children, Youth and Family Master Plan (CYFMP) was completed. The plan was the result of a year-long planning process. Over 2,000 county residents provided input and comments. More than 200 volunteered to serve on the seven committees that brought forth the policy recommendations contained in the 120 page plan. Simply put, the goal of the Master Plan is that we, as communities, should do everything we can to ensure that all of La Plata County’s children, youth and families thrive.
The Master Plan includes seven focus areas with recommendations and goals set for each. One area, Family Economics, made the following recommendation: “La Plata County and its multiple jurisdictions, service providers, employers and employees will work together to ensure that everyone residing in La Plata County has the opportunity to earn a livable wage”.
In February of 2013, the Family Economics Implementation subcommittee was formed. This group became known as La Plata County Thrive! Living Wage Coalition. Since its founding, the coalition has researched livable wage issues and potential approaches to achieving a livable/living wage here in La Plata County. We invite you to learn more about this initiative and join us in helping everyone in La Plata County THRIVE!
In November 2014, we launched the Thrive! Employer Recognition Program, otherwise know as TERP. Modeled after Just Economics of Western North Carolina, who has the largest living wage recognition program in the nation, the program seeks to connect consumers and business committed to just and sustainable economy by publicly recognizing employers in La Plata County who pay their employees a living wage.
Mission
Our Mission is to enhance the quality of life in La Plata County through fair and just wages for all. We envision La Plata County as a place where all workers earn a living wage, enabling individuals, families and the community to thrive.
Goals
To ensure that all workers in La Plata County have the opportunity to earn a living wage we will:
- Build a coalition of workers, employers, civic and community organizations working together to achieve a living wage.
- Educate our community, workers, employers and government officials about the importance of creating a living wage.
- Publicly recognize employers providing, or aspiring to provide a living wage.
- Advocate for policies which improve the minimum wage at the local, State and Federal level.
Organization
Thrive! continues to partner with the CYFMP group in developing our goals and strategies to stay aligned with the Master Plan. We are under the fiscal agency of San Juan Resource Conservation and Development Council. Our Steering Committee is currently a group of individuals who meet regularly to provide overall direction for the work of the Coalition. We continually work to grow the Steering Committee to include major representation by low-wage workers with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Monthly Coalition meetings are open to everyone and those present are encouraged to participate by contributing ideas and volunteering on projects. A staff member coordinates the Employer Recognition Program. The Director provides overall coordination and attends meetings with the Steering Committee and monthly Coalition meetings to link communications between all stakeholders.
Funding
Thrive! is funded primarily through donations from individuals in our community. We have also received support from: Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado, Boone Fund, UUA Fund for a Just Society and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango.