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OurHistory

Formation of the Education Committee

The Education Committee evolved from the work of the now-dissolved Concert Program Committee, which was established in 2016 under the leadership of committee chairperson Kent Crider. At that time, Friends of Red Rocks (FoRR) identified a need to refine the Concert Volunteer Program to better align with its mission. The Concert Program Committee was created to implement these improvements.

Approximately 15 individuals participated in the committee's first year.

Their work laid the foundation for what would later become the Education Committee.

Key Contributions of the Concert Program Committee

Volunteer Training & Guidelines

• In-person training for concert captains
• Yearly Concert season educational topics
• Concert volunteer guidelines and standards
• A volunteer quiz

Advocacy & Education

• Promoting the role of park stewards
• Qualification standards for volunteers
• Creation of training materials
• Interactive engagement tools (e.g., photo frames)

Shift in Focus: From Waste Collection to Education

As the organization transitioned its concert program approach from waste and recycling collection—formerly involving volunteers transporting large bins through the parking lots—to a more education-focused model, the need for a dedicated committee became evident. This new committee would ensure that volunteers remained informed on current issues, park history, FoRR's mission, park policies, and other relevant topics.

Early Work of the Education Committee

Among the first initiatives of the newly formed Education Committee were

• Educating volunteers on park issues
• Implementing the volunteer quiz
• Creating trivia and fact-based resources for concert volunteers
• Keeping volunteers updated on park developments (e.g., planter box changes)

The 2016 Glass Ban Enforcement

One of the most impactful initiatives was FoRR's role in public outreach for Red Rocks' glass ban enforcement in 2016

• The Education Committee provided volunteers with talking points and clarification on the ban.
• Volunteers educated concertgoers in the parking lots during events.
• This effort became one of FoRR's most successful education campaigns, continuing to this day.

Formation & Evolution of the Education Committee

• April 2, 2017 - The first meeting of the Concert Education and Resource Committee was held at the Evergreen Library with five attendees. The initial focus was on structuring the season's educational approach and patron engagement.
• 2019 - The committee's name was officially shortened to the Education Committee.
• 2020 - Leadership transitioned when the committee's chairperson was elected to the Board of Directors.

Notable Contributions of the Education Committee

Over the years, the Education Committee has introduced a variety of initiatives—some of which are still in use today, while others have become a part of Red Rocks history. Here are a few highlights:

• "This Day in Red Rocks History" - A fun way to share historical facts about the venue.
• Recycling & Waste Diversion Education - Gathering and sharing important facts to encourage sustainability efforts.
  • How did the Red Rocks waste diversion program get started? With a $40,000 grant from the EPA.
  • In 2015, Red Rocks was diverting 50% of its waste from landfills. By 2023, that number increased to 53%.
• Props & Costumes - Volunteers used fun props to engage with patrons and make education more interactive.
• The Concert Table Bin - A treasure trove of educational materials for volunteers to use when interacting with concertgoers.
• Trivia Cards & Red Rocks Fact Sheets - Keeping volunteers and patrons informed with interesting tidbits about the venue.
• Photo Frames & Patron Photos - Capturing fun moments in the parking lots with concertgoers.
• Educational Table Displays - Featuring information about Friends of Red Rocks (FoRR) and its mission.
• Shifting the Focus from Waste Collection to Education - Moving away from serving as a trash and recycling service and instead encouraging behavior change through education.
• Going Digital - Eliminating printed materials like business cards in favor of QR codes, stamps, and buttons to reduce waste and modernize outreach efforts.