Day of Action
Join United Way and volunteers around the country on a day to do good. This year, volunteers will pack snack and hygiene kits for students at all United Way of Salt Lake Community Schools. You'll also help deep clean classrooms at Cottonwood High School. Every year, the Day of Action sees "tens ofthousands of people across the globe volunteer with United Way to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community," the organization's website says. It's no small task, and it's a way to help our country heal from increasing fear and hatred. Cottonwood High School, 5715 S. 1300 East, Murray, 801-736-7706, Friday, June 22, 9 a.m.-noon, free, dayofaction.uw.org.
Activism Skills
The organic activism that followed the Stoneman Douglas shootings in Florida shows that youth can have an impact. If you are between 14 and 19 years old and want to have your voice heard, join the Youth Leadership and Activism Conference. It's about grassroots organizing—no adults allowed. Conference organizers hope to see all students, especially those of color, LGBTQ, low-income, undocumented and other marginalized youth attend. It's apparent that the future of the country rests with the young, and their activism is our hope. University of Utah College of Social Work, 395 S. 1500 East, 801-581-6192, Saturday, June 23, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., free, bit.ly/2Jsz0ET.
World Refugee Day
Too bad Attorney General Jeff Sessions isn't in town. We know he'd like to visit World Refugee Day in a celebration of the diversity welcomed by our country. Or not. Yes, Sessions has now said people fleeing domestic or gang violence have no right to seek asylum in the United States. Still, many have—some 60,000 refugees had settled in the state in 2016. Utah, which has a long history of welcoming refugees, will be acknowledging their contributions. There will be a citizenship ceremony, a Spice Kitchen food festival, games and a global market.Fairmont Park, 1040 E. Sugarmont Drive, Saturday, June 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free, refugee.utah.gov.
