Stewards of our communities

Some days are just harder than others. But no matter what is happening in the world around us, we can find inspiration to reach a little higher and try a little harder in our own life of service to our fellow Utahns.

Here are a few ways we can all become better stewards of our communities, our state and our country.

Community service. Community service not only improves life for others, but also improves your own health. So while you’re performing random acts of kindness, donating blood at the local blood bank or mentoring at-risk students at the neighborhood schools, your body responds with a burst of the neurochemicals that researchers call a “helper’s high.” Whether you reach out to one person or several, community service builds a stronger community.

Speak up. It is our right and our responsibility to make our voices heard. Not everyone is inclined to run for office, and it certainly takes a special breed to maneuver their way through the politics of Washington, D.C. But that should not stop us from speaking out, whether it is in the voting booth, standing up against injustices or rolling up our shirt sleeves and becoming part of the solution. We can each make a difference!

Involve the younger generations. When you are serving in the community or participating in the governing of your city, state and country, bring the kids along. Utah has consistently been in the top five in the nation in both charitable giving and volunteering. “The state ranked No. 2 in volunteering and service (trailing only Oregon) and No. 5 in charitable giving (trailing New York, Georgia, Virginia, Colorado), which made for an overall No. 1 ranking” by WalletHub in 2021, as reported by the Salt Lake Tribune. And according to AmeriCorps, for 2022, 51% of our citizens have volunteered time. With our children, it is important to involve them. We are preparing a new generation to fill our shoes. However you choose to be involved, do it with your kids by your side. Maybe it’s raking leaves for an elderly neighbor or ladling soup at the local shelter. The details don’t matter; it’s all about planting the seed.

At UASD we believe in our communities. As part of the family of over 400 local districts and special service districts in Utah, we invite you to play an active role in the future of districts by becoming a member today! Visit our website to learn more about our efforts in representing all types of districts, including irrigation, solid waste, cemetery, electric, fire protection and law enforcement – to name only a few.