Denver First Lady launches Give5 Mile High initiative

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston says many families are looking for volunteer opportunities.Photo byJunior REISonUnsplash

Denver First Lady Courtney Johnston and others launched a website this week that aims to connect eager volunteers with worthy projects.

The program is called Give5 Mile High. Mayor Mike Johnston announced the effort during his State of the City address last week. “Denver is a city where we all come together to uplift and support one another through life’s peaks and valleys,” Give-5 Mile High explains on its website. Its mission is “Igniting a movement of Denverites committed to monthly service, rolling up our sleeves together to address the pressing challenges facing our community.”

Johnston offered more details on the program during the mayor-council meeting Tuesday. Members of the council ribbed the mayor about not having his wife come to the meeting and give the presentation. “Where is she?” council member Shontel Lewis asked. “And why are you taking credit for her work?”

Council member Paul Kashmann said he would like to see Johnston create an Office of Community Empowerment which could oversee Give5 Mile High and other efforts. He said the office would give Courtney Johnston a “legacy.”

Johnston texted his wife during the meeting and asked if she would like to make a presentation to the council in the future. “It appears I have secured the first lady to come to a future meeting,” Mike Johnston said.

Residents looking to serve

Johnston said residents frequently ask him how they can help better the community. He said it can be difficult to find volunteer opportunities when you have children. It is important to get them to rally around worthy causes, too, he said.

“In Denver, community is the fabric that binds us together, enabling us to support each other in addressing the challenges we face,” according to the Give5 website. “When we come together to give five hours a month, we are not just volunteering. We are building a stronger, more resilient community. By fostering connections, we enhance our collective well-being and ensure that every Denverite has the opportunity to thrive. Our actions, no matter how small, contribute to a culture of caring and responsibility that lifts up everyone in our city.”

How to sign up

Interested people can sign up for Give5 Mile High online through the Spark the Change website. Although details still are being finalized, the first event will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. The place is yet to be announced. Johnston said those interested in participating should “like” the page by clicking on “Become a Fan” in the upper right-hand corner. They then will receive directions to sign up for a Spark the Change account if they have not already.

Sawyer: Saturday may not be best day for event

Council member Amanda Sawyer said the selection of a Saturday for the event excludes the Jewish community because Saturday is their day of rest. Johnston said the date could change after August.

Johnston said the August event will have a back-to-school theme, while September's will focus on cleaning up the city.

Murals discourage graffiti

Council member Chris Hinds suggested the volunteers paint more murals around Denver. He noted that most artists, which is what many graffiti scrawlers consider themselves, will not deface another artist’s work. He said it is a way to prevent graffiti instead of simply painting over it.

Council member Jamie Torres wondered if city employees who want to participate will be able to get the day off if the event falls on a workday. Johnston said he would talk to human resources about that. Johnston said church groups, work groups and others may want to participate as a group.

“You can never have too many opportunities to give back to the community,” said council member Diana Romero Campbell.