First Drum Roll…
UPEC has an updated website. YAY! A big thanks and shout-out to XMission for hosting our website for free. Please check out the refreshed site and the beautiful images of Utah that grace the home page HERE. If you have comments on the site, please share with us: info@utahpopulation.org
Second Drum Roll…
The Board of UPEC recently decided to revive our Small Families Campaign for the next few years. We want to be a logical and compassionate counterweight to “the sky is falling” alarms about a declining birthrate. We will keep you updated here as this
campaign takes shape.
Creating Change
I have been thinking a lot about power over vs. power with, really listening to each other, and what I might do to have a positive impact in these turbulent times. Below are some of the musings that have been tumbling around in my head.
- Power with: None of us like being told what to do. From toddlers to our great
grandparents, we all like options, having autonomy, and making our own
decisions. That is how lasing change is made. - Deep Listening: When we actively listen to the person in front of us, for what they
really care about, we often find we have much in common. We can get more
done when starting from a place of shared values. And truly listening is key. - How might I have more impact: Keep it local is my newest mantra. I cannot
change tariff wars or federal policies. But I can work with local groups to create
change in my neighborhood and community.
I share all of this because it relates to the choices we make regarding having children or not; and if so, how many? How might we really listen to those who make different family choices? Do young people feel like they even have options and autonomy right now? Am I doing enough in my community to support others? Where might I do more?
Solutions in tidy packages with shiny bows do not exit. Collaboration is messy. Deeply listening is challenging. Engaging in my local community takes time, effort, and energy.
My wish is that all of us, you and me, find more ways to be challenged and engaged in
causes that make lasting change!
In peace,
Susan