Community Voice

Civic Explorer

Start by looking around your neighborhood with fresh eyes. Walk your block or scroll through local news sites like the Salt Lake Tribune or KSL.com. What do you notice? Maybe a park needs fixing, a crosswalk is missing, or a bus route is slow. Watch the short YouTube series "Crash Course Civics" (free, episodes 1–3) to learn how local government actually works. Try the icivics.org website for interactive games about civic power. Talk to one neighbor or family member about something they wish was different in your community. Write down three things you notice that could be better. You're ready for the next step when you can name at least one local issue that affects real people in your community.

Issue Identifier

Pick one issue from your list and dig into it. Search Salt Lake City's open data portal (data.slc.gov) to find facts and numbers about your topic. Read two news articles about it — try the Salt Lake Tribune or Desert News. Then write a one-paragraph problem statement: What is the issue? Who does it hurt? How many people are affected? Use simple language a 10-year-old could understand. Khan Academy's "US Government and Civics" course has free videos on how local decisions get made. Check if your city council district has a website with past meeting minutes. You're ready for the next step when you can explain your issue clearly in under 60 seconds without reading from notes.

Story Builder

Your personal story is your most powerful tool. Think about how this issue touches your life or someone you care about. Write a two-minute story using this structure: (1) Who you are, (2) How this issue affects you or your community, (3) What you want to change. Practice reading it out loud — time yourself. Watch the TED Talk "The danger of a single story" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on YouTube to understand why diverse voices matter. Visit the Storytelling with Data blog (storytellingwithdata.com) to learn how to add one fact or chart to your story for extra power. Record yourself on your phone and watch it back. You're ready for the next step when your story takes between 90 seconds and 2 minutes and feels natural to say out loud.

Ally Finder

No one creates change alone. Make a list of five people or groups who care about your issue. Look for neighborhood associations, school clubs, faith communities, or local nonprofits. In Salt Lake City, try the Salt Lake Community Action Program (slcap.org) or Comunidades Unidas for community connections. Send a short email or message to two people explaining your issue and asking if they'd like to meet. Practice the phrase: "I'm working on [issue] and I think you'd be a great ally — can we talk for 15 minutes?" The free app Mobilize.us lists local advocacy events. You're ready for the next step when you have at least two people who have agreed to support or join your effort.

Action Planner

Turn your idea into a real plan. Decide on one specific action: attend a city council meeting, write a letter to your representative, start a petition, or organize a community cleanup. Go to slc.gov/council to find your district's council member and their contact info. Use the free "Action Planning Worksheet" from Civic Nation (civicnation.org) to map out your steps, timeline, and who does what. Set a date for your action that is within the next two weeks. Write out exactly what you will say or do — practice it twice. Identify one backup plan if your first approach doesn't work. You're ready for the next step when you have a written one-page action plan with a specific date, location, and clear goal.

Voice Day

Today is your day to speak up. Carry out your planned action — attend that meeting, deliver your letter, launch your petition, or lead your event. Bring your story, your facts, and at least one ally. If you're speaking at a Salt Lake City Council meeting, you get two minutes — practice until you own every second. After your action, write a one-page reflection: What happened? Who listened? What surprised you? What would you do differently? Share your story on social media or with your school. The advocacy organization 1000 Utahns (1000utahns.com) is a great place to connect with other young voices. You're ready for the next step when you can describe one concrete response or result from your civic action and what you plan to do next.