Bolder Way Forward for Utah

Political & Civic Representation
BWF logo

Although women make up half of Utah’s population, their representation across political and community leadership roles (including Congress, statewide executive offices, the state legislature, county commissions, mayoral positions, city councils, and boards of education) remains disproportionately low. Currently, women represent only 16.7% of Utah’s Congressional delegation (compared to 28.6% nationally), 23.9% of mayoral positions, and 31.8% of city council seats. This underrepresentation matters as research shows that women in political or civic positions tend to address a broader range of issues and prioritize policies that directly affect women and families. Increasing women’s representation leads to broader policy agendas, stronger civic engagement, and improved outcomes for all Utahns.

A Bolder Way Forward’s Political & Civic Representation Spoke is working with statewide and local partners to ensure equal representation of women and men in political roles, boards and commissions, and as advocates in all spaces. Visit the resources below to learn how Utah can become a society where where the views, priorities, and needs of women, girls, and families are equally represented and valued. Individuals, organizations, and communities can also take specific actions to help. To get engaged, email the UWLP Community Connector (Amy Anderson). 

Key Resources

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Informational Video

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Resource Kit

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 Research Snapshot

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What Utahns Need to Know

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Spoke Podcast


Bold Goals

Through collective impact and systems thinking, Utah can improve things by working towards the following goals:

  1. Increase female candidates and elected officials in Utah, including municipal, county, and state positions. [Metric Dashboard]
  2. Increase the number of women appointed to Utah state boards and commissions. [Metric Dashboard]
  3. Increase the engagement of women and male allies within advocacy and civic engagement organizations. [Metric Dashboard]
  4. Shift Utahns' agreement with the following statements: [Metric Dashboard]
    1. If a woman were to serve in a political role, it would negatively impact her family. (Decrease agreement)
    2. Women are well suited for elected political positions. (Increase agreement)
    3. I understand how to get involved in civic activities. (Increase women's agreement)
    4. I engage in efforts important to the wellbeing of my community.(Increase women's agreement)

What You Can Do

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Participate in trainings and workshops focused on civic engagement and advocacy. Share these opportunities with women you know, and help them discover their advocacy passions.

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Nominate qualified women to serve on municipal, county, and state boards, commissions, and committees. Review the Utah Women & Leadership Project’s Utah Boards and Commissions webpage to find links to potential opportunities.

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Encourage women within your spheres of influence to run for public elected office at the local or state levels. Share resources, including the UWLP Resource Kit and the Utah Women Run webpage, as well as the Women’s Leadership Institute’s Political Development Series.

Spoke Advisors
Becki Wright (CEO, Proximity)
Brooke Scheffler (Director - Boards & Commissions, Utah Governor's Office)
Karina Andelin Brown (Executive Director, CRIC)

Political Representation Subspoke
Bettina Smith Edmonton (City Councilwoman, Layton City)
Amy Griffin (Senior Paralegal, Qualtrics)
Sui Lang Panoke (Founder, Rethink International)
LeAnn Wood (Board Member, Utah State School Board District 4)

Boards & Commissions Subspoke
Ann Mackin (Founder, Springboard Utah)
Jenny Burgess (Communications Manager, SLCC)

Civic Engagement & Advocacy Subspoke
Gina Timmerman (Board Member, Utah Women Run)
Kiva Call-Feit (Prevention Specialist, Rape Recovery Center)
Brittany Parks (Financial Writer, my529)
Susan Schembri (Category Manager, Younique Products)


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Community Partners

League of Women Voters logo

The League of Women Voters of Utah is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure democratic representation. They empower women through advocacy and education across Utah.

The Policy Project logo

The Policy Project is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that advances statewide policies in Utah. They work to promote dignity, opportunity, and improved quality of life for children, families, and marginalized communities. 

Utah Women Run logo

Utah Women Run is a collaborative nonpartisan initiative to empower and train women to participate in political office and campaigns, issue advocacy, service on boards and commissions, and leadership in their communities. 

Better Days Utah logo

Better Days is a nonprofit that elevates the state’s women’s suffrage history through education, public art, and community initiatives. Utah Womens History is a Better Days initative and resource hub to increase understanding of Utah women’s history.

Utah Women & Politics PAC logo

Utah Women & Politics PAC supports balanced, moderate, and diverse candidates in municipal and state legislative races across Utah. They raise funds that provide support to viable candidates running for municipal office or the Utah State Legislature.

Womens Work Utah logo

Women's Work Utah is a multi-partisan, multi- denominational, multi-generational grassroots organization working to increase involvement of Utah women in civic life. They aim to ignite political power, civic engagement and political action. 

UT Civics Project logo

The Utah Civics Project is a nonpartisan effort that teaches Utahns how to engage in government through accessible civics lessons. It works to help Utah residents understand and participate in local civic life.

 MWEG logo

Mormon Women for Ethical Government is a nonpartisan, faith‑based organization that empowers women to advocate for ethical governance and engage in civic action. It aims to inspire women to transcend partisanship and courageously advocate.

Utah Women Leading Government logo

Utah Women Leading Government empowers women in public service by fostering leadership development, career growth, and strong professional networks. Through mentorship, education, collaboration, and advocacy, it helps women thrive in government roles.

Project Elect logo

Project Elect empowers Latter-day Saint women to pursue public service by educating them on the importance of civic involvement and encouraging them to run for office. It helps women campaign and actively participate in public service roles.

Utah Muslim Civic League

The Utah Muslim Civic League empowers Utah’s Muslim community through civic engagement, advocacy, and education. It works to amplify Muslim voices, promote inclusion, and strengthen community involvement in political and social issues. 

Utah PTA logo

Utah PTA is a non-profit grassroots child advocacy association made up of parents, teachers, and students. They develop programs and resources and engage in efforts to ensure that every child's potential is realized.

WLI logo

WLI works to elevate the talents and status of women across Utah through research-based principles. They work to elevate women in businesses and political endeavors with courses and resources for women to help them develop leadership skills.

Proximity logo

Proximity is a nonpartisan campaign‑management platform that helps candidates with integrated tools for outreach, fundraising, and voter engagement. It also supports candidates by streamlining campaign tasks so they can focus on connecting and leading.

 

Braver Angels logo

Utah Braver Angels brings people from across the political spectrum together through respectful dialogue and community‑building. It offers workshops, debates, and local alliances that help Utahns strengthen civic relationships and constructive political engagement.