Nat here, Stewardship Utah's Democracy Policy Associate. Last week my colleagues and I got to spend time on the Navajo Nation partnering with community members working to protect their land, water, culture, and future. Our Legislative Trainings are part of our long-term commitment to strengthening civic power across Utah—not just along the Wasatch Front, but in every community whose wellbeing is tied to the choices made on Capitol Hill. Nowhere is this more important than on the Navajo Nation. |
Our Field Organizer Daylene Redhorse passes out voter registration documents. Limited access to the Driver’s License Division, changes to vote-by-mail, and Plus Code addressing often make rural voting confusing. |
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Policy decisions shape everything from water access to energy development to voting across the entire state. Too often, the communities most impacted aren’t the ones being heard. These trainings help community members and everyday folks who desire to make a difference understand: |
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How Utah’s legislative process works—what happens, who holds power, and where the public can intervene.
- How to craft and track bills that affect land, water, public health, and local economies.
- How to speak directly with legislators, build relationships, and advocate effectively.
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How to claim space in decision-making processes that have historically excluded Indigenous communities.
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Our partners on the Navajo Nation consistently name the same challenges facing rural and Indigenous communities across Utah: drought and water issues, legacy pollution, extractive development, crumbling infrastructure and roads, inadequate representation, and the persistent misconception that rural voices matter less. Legislative Trainings are just one way we push back against that narrative. |
L to R: Field Organizer Daylene Redhorse, Community Engagement Organizer Billy Palmer, community member Leonard Begay, lead facilitator and Democracy Policy Associate Nat Williams (me), and Rural Director Lenise Peterman. |
Through this training, we’re thrilled to have enrolled some of the Navajo leaders for our Rural Day on the Hill event during the Legislative Session in January, where participants will meet directly with representatives shaping statewide policy. And we’ll continue providing additional training sessions and one-on-one support throughout 2026 because we know representation is ongoing, relational work. We’re grateful to every community member who has welcomed us, challenged us, and worked alongside us. If you’d like to support this work, follow our updates, join an upcoming event, share your story, or become a monthly sustainer. Onward! Nat |
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Stewardship Utah
68 E 2700 S
South Salt Lake City, UT 84115
United States |
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