How Collaboration Drives Strategic Growth and Lasting Community Impact
- Sandhya Atkinson
- Sep 29
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
This month, we're celebrating a milestone: 7 years of Sagebrush! Seven years of walking alongside incredible people, learning through partnership, and holding space for change. Thank you for being part of this journey, and for inviting us to be a part of yours!
 As I’ve been sitting with this milestone, I’ve also been reflecting on what collaboration really asks of us - especially when things aren’t easy. When budgets are stretched, resources are tight, tensions are high, and everyone’s just trying to stay afloat… how do we still choose to move together? What does it mean to hold each other through the messiness, not just the momentum? It’s tempting to pull back when pressure mounts – to isolate, focus on the short game, become reactionary. But in our work, I keep seeing the opposite is needed. Collaboration slows us down just enough to listen deeply, share responsibility, and find creative solutions we couldn’t reach alone. At Sagebrush, collaboration has always been more than a value – it’s our compass. Whether helping a board realign, guiding a coalition through strategy, or accompanying a community during transition, we keep asking: How do we move forward together? If this resonates, come join us at West Slope Startup Week. It's a space to spark ideas, build connections, and reimagine what collaboration can look like. (See more below!) We’d also love to hear from you: Where are you noticing opportunities for collaboration in your work or community right now? Hit reply or reach out through our contact form. Let’s keep walking this path together. 📩 Stay tuned for some big Sagebrush updates COMING SOON! (We can’t wait to share with you what’s unfolding for our next chapter) |
Our Team in Action |
This season, we’ve been leaning into collaboration in all its forms – from deep listening to shared visioning: 🌄 Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition – We’re honored to be collaborating with Colleen Cooley of Cooley Consulting LLC and Elroy Keetso of Ashkii Tsó LLC on a strategic planning process with the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition. As Diné facilitators and planners deeply rooted in Indigenous values and place-based knowledge, Colleen and Elroy bring not only decades of professional expertise but also deep relational wisdom that grounds our work in respect, reciprocity, and cultural integrity. It’s a privilege to learn alongside them and support the Coalition in mapping a future led by Indigenous leadership and stewardship.
🌟 Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative (SWCEC) – We recently facilitated a reflective and strategic retreat with the Collaborative's staff and board, helping align around their strategic plan and strengthen commitments to expanding opportunities for students across Southwest Colorado. It was inspiring to see their team engaged so thoughtfully and energetically in planning the next steps.
 🌿 Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) – Shout-out to Adrea Bogle who supported the MSI staff and board through an organizational health assessment, a deeply collaborative process that’s surfacing strengths, challenges, and new pathways forward. It’s been inspiring to witness how open, honest conversations and shared reflection can unlock fresh energy and clarity for the work ahead. 🐻 Bear Smart Durango – We had the honor of facilitating their Bear Smart Education Series, bringing together neighbors and wildlife experts to learn and share resources around living and recreating safely in bear country. If you missed the sessions, you can watch the full series here. |
Upcoming Events & Opportunities |
This fall is packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow together, from practical nonprofit skills to collaborative conversations that strengthen our communities. Attend our session: “Abundant Business: From Competition to Collaboration” Join us on Monday, October 6th at 10 am in Durango! Three amazing women from our Sagebrush team, Sandhya, Adrea Bogle and Jenn Bartlett, will be collaborating to bring you this session. Together we’ll guide you through reflection, mapping, and peer dialogue to help you: ✅ Identify aligned collaborators ✅ Map your unique assets ✅ Clarify how your values attract partnership ✅ And explore where you fall on the “collaboration spectrum” Whether you’re flying solo or feeling stretched by too much collaboration, this session will help you reconnect to a more intentional, sustainable path. This free statewide event brings together rural entrepreneurs, creatives, and community champions. 👉 Register now  🌱 Executive Directors Connections Group - La Plata CountyThis monthly peer space is hosted by our wonderful collaborator, Adrea Bogle of Luminary CC, and offers Executive Directors a chance to connect, share insights, and support one another. Reach out to Adrea for more details and upcoming dates. 🌱 NEW! Executive Directors Connections Group - Montezuma County We’re excited to announce the launch of a new Executive Directors Connections Group in Montezuma County, hosted by our collaborator, Kyler Grandkoski of Aligned Action Facilitation. This gathering is designed to offer local nonprofit leaders a space to connect, share insights, and support one another. Upcoming Meetups at Cortez Chamber Executive Conference Room:
If you’re interested in joining, you canemail Kylerdirectly at or or fill this interest form. 🌱 Offered by the Community Foundation serving SW CO Tips, Tricks & Treats – Cortez Series (2nd Thursdays, 12–1 PM, First National Bank)
Tips, Tricks & Treats – Pagosa Springs Series (1st Thursdays, 12–1 PM, Ross Aragon Center)
HR Power Hour - Community Foundation Serving SW CO
Featuring two of our partners: Jennifer Bassignani and Dave Albrechta
Every Tuesday, September – October
🌱 New Grant Alert for La Plata County Nonprofits!
The Payroll Department and Community Foundation just launched Pitch Palooza, a fun, community-voted grant opportunity for nonprofits working in youth, environment, or human services. Three finalists will pitch live on November 18, with awards up to $8,500!
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What's Inspiring Us |
This month, we’re drawing inspiration from reminders of connection, shared power, and collective wisdom. 🌍 Earth Heart Gathering| November 20th You are invited to Earth Heart, a global ceremony for the Earth, happening parallel to the Climate Conference in Belem, Brazil. It is a worldwide moment to honor the Earth and our relationship to her! Bring friends and loved ones together to create your own ritual as we plant seeds for the new. And we’d love to know, what’s been inspiring you lately? Whether it’s a book, a practice, a conversation, or a gathering that’s been filling your well, hit reply and share it with us. These little sparks of inspiration are how we keep each other nourished and connected. |
Updates From The Trail |
On a personal note – my incredible husband Dylan is close to passing the 2,000-mile mark on his Continental Divide Trail journey! He (only) has about 1,000 miles left to hike through the remainder of Colorado and then south through New Mexico. We recently met up to reconnect and integrate all that we are experiencing together and individually. We both feel reinvigorated to continue this journey of exploration.
Collaboration isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it’s tough conversations and spotty cell service. And then the breakthrough happens - the recommitment, the necessary and frequent reminders of love and support. These small, intentional acts of connection carry us further than we could ever go alone.
That’s true out on the trail and it’s true in our work. Thank you for walking alongside us, for reminding us in big ways and small that the path is always stronger when it’s shared. With care, Sandhya + the Sagebrush Team |
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