Thanks for being a supporter of UT's arts and humanities! Below are a few updates as well as our bi-monthly newsletter showcasing jobs, news, and what's happening all around this state in our amazing cultural sector!
Read on for more details, OR here's a quick summary of this week's news:
#1 Legislative Off Season? Relationship Building Time
The legislative session might be over but now is the time to get to work! The off session is the critical moment where constituents and advocates can make their voice heard by developing relationships with their legislators! Good ways to start building connections include, inviting them to your events, going to their fundraisers, campaigning for them, and town halls where they are present. Unsure how to do this by yourself? Want to have a more in-depth meeting? UCA is happy to facilitate meetings for current members. Just reply to this email and I'll help you plan something. Contact information and how-to guides can be found on our website under the advocacy tab or by clicking here.
#2 Town Hall with Congressman Chris Stewart
We're thrilled to announce that Congressman Chris Stewart has agreed to participate in a town hall for Utah Cultural Alliance members to discuss the humanities & arts!!!! The town hall will be August 21st at 1:30pm. For now, save the date, we will send a formal invite shortly to current members of UCA with the RSVP information and location. If your membership isn't current, click here to renew!
#3 Airbnb Experiences
Did you know Airbnb now offers travelers "experiences"? Ranging from outdoor activities to cultural opportunities you can add your organization to the growing list of options travelers can choose from! Utah already has a rich and diverse cultural atmosphere but it can be difficult to know what to choose. By adding your organization to Airbnb experiences you can draw in both Utahns and tourists to your work in a personal way. You set a schedule that works for you, whether you host daily, weekly, or monthly experiences. Pick your price and group size, and manage all the details on the go with their mobile app. Airbnb handles payment processing, 24/7 customer support, and liability insurance. Making it really easy for you to attract more visitors to your organization. Add your organization now!
#4 Advocacy Alert: The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is in Danger!
The US, and UT in particular, is at near zero unemployment rates, which means it's even harder to attract and retain quality employees at nonprofits. Enter the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program! Created in 2007, this initiative makes it easier for public sector employers to attract and retain skilled professionals by lowering the primary barrier keeping new graduates from pursuing public service careers – student loan debt.
Both the President’s FY 2018 budget and H.R. 4508, legislation known as the PROSPER Act (Foxx, R- NC), would eliminate PSLF as part of a plan to reform federal student lending. If this initiative is important to you, we encourage you to write your federal representatives now with our letter tool. However, calls are always best!
Write Your Congress Person Now!
#5 UCA STRATEGIC PLAN
UCA finished it's strategic plan 2 years early and is working on the next one! Our ED, Crystal Young-Otterstrom just completed a 6 week road trip visiting with members 1 on 1 around the state to see what they'd like us to work on next. Since it's impossible for me to meet with everyone, PLEASE TAKE THIS SURVEY TO LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BETTER SERVE YOU. You don't need to take the survey if I had a meeting with me, unless you really enjoy taking surveys. This survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.
#6 Zions Bank Recognized Nationally for their Exceptional Involvement in the Arts!
Each year Americans for the Arts recognizes ten businesses across the nation that have done exceptional work in their arts communities. This year UCA nominated Zions Bank and they were selected as a BCA 10! (Business Comittee for the Arts). They will be recognized October 2, 2018 in New York! UCA is going, click here to join us.
Congratulations Zions Bank!
#7 Spike 150 Grant Opportunities
The Utah Department of Heritage & Arts is offering three grant opportunities to support projects, programs, and events, which celebrate the 150th anniversary of the nation’s First Transcontinental Railroad. The Spike 150 initiative aims to inspire, educate, and reflect on the Transcontinental Railroad legacy as it unifies Utahns to see that great things are possible with vision, hard-work, dedication, and collaboration. Grants are open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Projects must take place by September 1, 2019. For more information, and to apply for these grants, please visit: https://heritage.utah.gov/arts-and-museums/spike-150-grant-opportunities
#8 Top Stories of the Week
Want to keep up on what's happening around the state? UCA posts ALL news coverage of the cultural sector on our twitter and facebook pages. Follow us to keep in the know! Or read below to see events and news in your specific area.
Make it a creative and cultural week!
Best,
Crystal
Crystal Young-Otterstrom
Executive Director
Utah Cultural Alliance // Utah Cultural Advocacy Alliance
cyo@utculture.org
801.652.0737
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Northeastern Utah
Viewing ospreys at Flaming Gorge Reservoir
What: Ospreys are large, unique birds. They build chimney-like nests and plummet from the sky to prey on fish in Utah’s lakes and reservoirs. Unlike many other raptors, they have toes that face forward and backward on each foot.
Southern Utah
Using a bullhog to improve wildlife habitat
What: Bullhogs are heavy machines that the DWR uses to improve habitat. They shred and mulch vegetation, including the trees and shrubs that pose a substantial wildfire threat. In a few years — long after the loud, messy machinery is gone — these areas will offer prime habitat for elk, mule deer, wild turkeys and many other species in southern Utah. Over the next couple of weeks, range crews will use a bullhog to remove pinion/juniper trees and other aging/overgrown vegetation on more than 500 acres near Escalante. This project is just one of hundreds supported and funded by Utah’s Watershed Restoration Initiative.
When: Now through late July
