BWF Impact Team Updates - December 2024

In the Bolder Way Forward Framework, there are issues that permeate across and influence each of the 18 spokes. Twelve Impact Teams are doing deep work in each of these areas so that successful societal change will happen for all women in Utah. Connection and collaboration between these teams, spokes, county coalitions, and others within the movement is critical. The following are bi-monthly updates on what is happening within each of the 12 Impact Teams.

50+ Thriving: Webpage updates are being planned to include “50+ Thriving” stories from women and the names of all team members. The team is currently researching specific BWF Spoke resources to include on the 50+ Thriving page, beginning to create a 1-2 pager on What Utah Needs to Know about 50+ Thriving, and considering how to include the needs of the 70+ demographic and recruiting additional team members.

Arts & Music: The team is currently exploring options for a research study on women and the arts in Utah, continued network mapping, and planning an art exhibition and music showcase. The next meeting date is December 16 at 4 p.m. Anyone interested in joining should contact: campbellhelton46@gmail.com.

Disabilities: Outreach is being done to identify a new co-lead to help drive forward initiatives, ensuring that the work of the disability impact team is effective and inclusive. The team is actively working to collect stories from women with disabilities to highlight their lived experiences, challenges, and successes a succinct, two-page document is being created to provide a snapshot of the disability landscape in Utah. This document will serve as an informative tool to raise awareness and advocate for better policies and services.

Interfaith: The team is currently prioritizing networking and introducing people to BWF through interfaith work. A spreadsheet is being compiled of interfaith groups/events in Utah, and one of the team leaders will be reaching out to each group and attend their events whenever possible. Social media pages are being created to spread awareness about interfaith opportunities and events in Utah, and to promote engagement with BWF. The goal is to have people join the interfaith impact team where they can then branch out into other areas within BWF spokes to increase representation across the movement from women with different faith identities and worldviews.

LGBTQ+: Impact team leader Anne Arendt has created a new queer alliance for faculty & staff at UVU. The team is working to deepen engagement with its 26 members. For the remainder of 2024, team efforts are on pause. Team leaders are planning to write a white paper in the upcoming months.

Male Allyship: The team is focused on developing and distributing educational tools, including reading materials, a video/podcast series, and generating more activity towards learning how men can become better allies.  Outreach efforts are being expanded to more deeply engage active participants and to develop a “male ally army” of individuals who have received education on allyship and are available when support is needed.

Neurodiversity: The team is focused on creating resources to help women embrace neurodivergence and to educate the public on neurological equity. In addition to creating resources, the team is looking to help organizations, educators, providers, and women collaborate in meaningful ways. The team is currently seeking an additional co-lead.

Race & Ethnicity: The team is focused on creating opportunities for communities to hold conversations about race and ethnicity. A guide has been created to help individuals engage in these conversations. The team is currently seeking an additional co-lead.

Refugees & Immigrants: The team is identifying resources, research, and events which will be added to the team’s webpage. A “What Utahns Need To Know” resource is being finalized and will include calls to action to support women in the refugee & immigrant communities. The team is currently looking for an additional co-lead.

Sexism: The team has been working since its’ beginning to have all team members study about sexism and become experts themselves on this topic. The co-leads are now redefining its focus due to its breadth, depth, and applicability to all BWF spokes. Team co-leads are discussing in more detail the scope and emphasis of the team with Dr.  Susan Madsen in December or January and will determine next steps forward.

Women’s History: The team is supporting the dedication of Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon's statue in the US Capitol on December 11. Dr. Cannon was a doctor, suffragist, public health reformer, and the nation's first female state senator. Follow this link to learn more about Dr. Cannon, download your own “Flat Martha,” or attend an open house watch party celebrating her installation. 

Veterans & Service Women: The team recently released the following thriving statement: “Utah’s military-affiliated and first responder women thrive when their unique needs for safety, security, health, and wellbeing are met. This enables them to excel in their educational, professional, civic, and leadership pursuits while feeling valued, supported, and connected to their communities as they serve and inspire others.” The team is currently seeking an additional co-lead.