Our Story

Born from Unify America’s pioneering Citizens’ Assembly in 2023 on childcare, Unify Montrose was established by and for Montrose community members in 2024 as a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing civic engagement. Our mission is advocating for solutions to our communities' issues through open-minded collaboration and inclusive decision-making. We utilize AI-assisted tools, structured dialogue, and deep community listening to address critical local challenges effectively.

The Challenge

Traditional civic engagement methods often fall short, especially in rural areas:

  • Social media discussions prioritize controversy and misinformation over solutions, generating more division than progress.

  • Town halls and public comment sessions allow residents to voice concerns but offer no structured response or follow-through.

  • Private meetings with officials are effective and encouraged but lack transparency and broader community representation.

  • One-time focus groups rarely produce actionable plans.

  • Limited resources lead to reliance on costly external consultants, straining local budgets and community trust.

Our Solution

Unify Montrose offers a structured, inclusive, AI-supported model:

  • Structured Dialogue: Facilitated discussions fostering deep understanding and collaborative problem-solving.

  • AI-Enhanced Facilitation: AI tools streamline data synthesis, guide deliberations, and refine community input into actionable SMART goals.

  • Community-Led Approach: Stakeholders set the agenda; our neutral facilitation ensures unbiased and effective dialogue.

  • Scalable Model: Technology-driven, affordable, and easily replicable for rural communities.