October 2024 Newsletter - A Bolder Way Forward

A Bolder Way Forward Advocates,

We have some exciting announcements in this month’s A Bolder Way Forward (BWF) newsletter:

First, the UWLP is conducting a statewide study to explore more deeply Utahns’ understanding, awareness, attitudes, concerns, and perceptions around challenges that women and girls face (second year in a row). We welcome all individuals living in the state age 18 or older to participate. The survey will take 10-20 minutes to complete. I am the primary researcher for this study. If you have questions or concerns, you can contact me at uwlp@usu.edu (USU IRB 14623). You can participate by clicking here. [Spanish Version]

Second, we have launched a new way that companies and organizations can partner with us and help make a difference. Companies can choose three (or more) actions/strategies that will promote environments and opportunities for Utah women, girls, and their families to thrive. We welcome all companies and organizations to make a difference and become BWF Change Partners by completing this short form.

Third, additional new and updated resources/publications include:

• Spoke Resource Kits: These include “What Utahns Need to Know” Handouts and a 3–4-minute informational video that highlights data, shares a personal experience or story of a Utah woman who has been impacted by the topic highlighted, and provides three things Utahns can do to help.
• Summary of our 2nd Annual Summit (published in Utah Business).
• Research: “Gender-Specific Barriers to Educational Attainment for Utah Secondary School Students” and “The Status of Women Leaders in Utah Business: A 2024 Update”
• White Paper: “The Complex Childcare Landscape: Public Policy Solutions for Utah” (updated)
• Idea Sheet: Piute County
• Podcasts: 100 Companies Championing Women in 2024: Best Practices for Utah Companies, The Status of Women Leaders in Government – Utah Counties: A 2024 Update, and Male Allyship – A New Conversation

Fourth, below is an update on a few things happening within the spokes, impact teams, and county coalitions:

• Spokes are focused on connecting with aligned organizations to become BWF Partners and Affiliates, and many spokes are also looking for working group co-leads who are passionate to lead efforts on specific goals and initiatives. Please visit each spoke’s webpage to view current working groups and contact the spoke coordinator to join or discuss leadership and partnership opportunities.
• Impact Teams are refocusing efforts in three areas: 1) Creating Resources & Advising the general population and BWF Leadership, 2) Increasing Awareness & Representation within their communities, and 3) Connecting People to Resources to form grassroots partnerships. Each impact team is identifying specific actions to take in these areas to focus on this year.
• County Coalitions are identifying County Spoke Representatives this month in the Political & Civic Representation, Finance, Gender Pay Gap, and STEM Fields Spokes. The County Spoke Reps will be part of a statewide County Representative Community to facilitate two-way communication. Please visit your county's webpage to share your desire to advance the work in your county in one of those spokes.

Fifth, visit the BWF Events page to view upcoming events from BWF spokes and partners. Check out the UWLP community calendar for all events in Utah for girls and women.

Finally, learn more about A Bolder Way Forward with this video. If you are interested in a variety of areas, you can take this Interest Survey. Join us on the BWF social media platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook*, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. * Due to some issues with Meta, we have had to set up a new BWF Facebook page. It can now be found at bwfUT. Please encourage others in the BWF movement to make the switch to our new page.

Subscribe at www.abolderwayforward.org to receive these updates to your own inbox if you received a forwarded email.

Share this newsletter to help spread the word. Now is the time, Utah is the place, for A Bolder Way Forward!