Behind the scenes: Managing the outpouring of goodwill

By Bill Fortune and Patricia Billinger When disaster strikes, we all want to help. Local governments, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and individuals all rally to help those in need. The American Red Cross is among those who answer the call to help. Volunteers in Calistoga, CA go through boxes of items donated to California wildfire relief. […]

Comfort, Hope and Support for Residents of the Country Club Villas

By Bill Fortune and Elisa DiTrolio/American Red Cross Home fires never strike when you’re ready. They are notorious for happening in the middle of the night…when people are most vulnerable and least prepared. Members of the Baptist Church post helpful information for Country Club Villa residents on the wall of the Red Cross  shelter Friday, Sep. 18, 2015  […]

September Lunch and Learn: Iran’s Revolutionary Past and Uncertain Future

Tehran, as viewed from the Modares Expressway (wikimedia commons) As an undergraduate, Jonathan Pinckney began what would become a years-long endeavor to better understand the complex history of nonviolent revolution and rebellion in countries around the world, including in Iran. While studying abroad in Hosni Mubarak’s Egypt, Pinckney, this month’s International Services Lunch and Learn […]

2013 Colorado Floods

On Sept. 9, 2013, rain began falling in a historic downpour that would ultimately result in flooding across more than a third of Colorado’s counties. Boulder County received a year’s worth of rainfall in a matter of days. The Red Cross sprang into action immediately and, despite the challenges of flooded roadways and damaged infrastructure, […]

IHL Film Series: “Hotel Rwanda” Speaks to Region’s Violent Past, Uncertain Present

Over the course of 100 days in 1994, between 500,000 and 1 million people were slaughtered by the Akazu, radicalized members of the Hutu ethnic group, in Rwanda. The early days of this Rwandan genocide form the backdrop of this month’s International Humanitarian Law Film Series installment: Hotel Rwanda. The critically-acclaimed 2004 film details the plight […]

International Services Kicks Off New Film Series With “Romeo and Juliet in Sarajevo”

The star-crossed lovers whose story is told in “Romeo and Juliet in Sarajevo.” Since the beginning of cinematic history, independent filmmakers, documentarians, and occasionally, Hollywood directors have found inspiration in the communities and individuals affected by armed conflict. In recognition and celebration of film’s ability to tell the stories of those silenced by violence and oppression, […]

July Lunch & Learn: Fighting Colorado’s Quietly-Booming Human Trafficking Trade

Picturesque, rugged Jefferson County is known for many things, like cutting-edge science education at the Colorado School of Mines, the iconic Coors Brewing Company and charming, tucked-away mountain towns like Evergreen and Genesee. But Denver County’s western neighbor is also home to a sinister and surprising distinction: the county serves as a regional hub for […]