Hi John, 

Lenise Peterman here. I've been working as the political director for the Rural Utah Project and will be the new rural director for Stewardship Utah!

As part of our series discussing the work we’ll be doing as Stewardship Utah, I want to talk to you about something particularly important to me — boards and commissions.

These past few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster as we continue to experience historical moments and the future of our country remains uncertain. While the future may seem bleak, investing deeply in our local communities and politics has always been a powerful way to enact change that directly impacts the people around me.

Political involvement for the betterment of our communities doesn’t just include voting, submitting public comments, providing testimony, or speaking up at city council meetings — but also actively participating in the issues you care about most at the local government level.

Being a part of your city’s boards and commissions allows individuals to work on projects in their communities that they are most passionate about, whether it's your local library, zoning, agriculture, air quality, etc. — there’s a board or commission for everyone.

I began my public service journey by co-chairing the Helper Arts, Music & Film Festival as well as the Helper Revitalization Committee where I helped with the Main Street Beautification Project and threw the Helper Arts Festival. My introduction to public service started with these two boards and the next step was a run for mayor in Helper!

I am currently in my second term as Mayor and understand the importance of civic engagement — something that all started with the committees I served on in support of my community. Get engaged and make a difference in your community by stepping into public service — it is truly an amazing journey.

There are numerous board and commission positions in every county — which all have real and tangible effects on their community and residents. These are a perfect opportunity to benefit local communities, while also serving as a great introduction to public service to local activists.

We’ve identified dozens of vacant appointed board and commission positions across Utah that Stewardship Utah’s organizers will work to fill with local leaders and activists.

Nothing is more important to the health and sustainability of civic engagement than filling civic positions with passionate people. Building a board is about more than simply filling positions. It is about finding local leaders who have skill sets, passions, and perspectives that align with a progressive approach to moving the needle in rural Utah.

We’re excited to continue this type of local organizing as Stewardship Utah!

Onward,
Lenise Peterman | Rural Director
[email protected]
[email protected]

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