June 14 "George M. Cohan's Irish American Patriotism on Broadway"
Elizabeth T. Craft, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Music, The University of Utah.
This performance is part of Sounding the Nation at 250, a nationwide outreach initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The project celebrates the nation’s diverse musical and artistic legacies. (This session will be in the Chapel and on Zoom, other Summer Forums will be in person only, no zoom)
~~
June 21 Utah’s (Clean) Energy Future
Kevin Emerson and Josh Craft, Staff at Utah Clean Energy
Kevin and Josh will focus on how clean energy and energy efficiency are critical for our prosperity and health in the face of climate change, rising temperatures and energy prices and mega-sized data centers. Come learn how we all can play a role in educating our neighbors and policymakers.
~~
June 28 Protest Songs: Then and Now
Lori Shields and Jim Thornburg, Local Musicians
Lori and Jim will perform memorable protest songs from times past and will teach a few new songs from “Singing Resistance,” the movement that originated in Minneapolis, and which is expanding at protest rallies around the country. Come join the sing-a-long!
~~
July 5 Tour of the Historic First Unitarian Church
Lee Shuster, Member of the Facilities Team.
The First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City has occupied its present site for nearly a century. Lee Shuster will lead a behind-the-scenes tour of the church building and grounds. Learn about the unique Estey Organ from Music Director David Owens, get a chance to ring the steeple bell, and discover the lovely memorial garden.
~~
July 12 Standing Up for Fair Boundaries: Mormon Women for Ethical Government
Emma Petty Addams, Co-chair of Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG)
MWEG is one of the plaintiffs in the gerrymandering fight against the Utah Legislature. Their mission also includes peacemaking work. Come learn more about this inspiring group.
~~
July 19 Mindfulness Meditation
Shirley Ray, Colleen Bliss
Mindfulness meditation offers insights into our quest for understanding. The Buddha said that everything we need to know is within. It is through mindful awareness that we enter that inner wisdom and guidance. Together we will bring calm and curiosity to the experience of sitting meditation with mindful awareness. Whether it is the first time or the hundredth, just being present may open new pathways.
~~
July 26 An Independent Judiciary in Utah – Crucial for Democracy
Linda F. Smith, Professor Emerita, S.J Quinney College of Law, University of Utah
Linda has testified and editorialized about the Utah Legislature’s unwise attempts to politicize the judiciary. She’ll explain how our judges are selected, retained, and disciplined, and why the Legislature’s attacks on this merit-based and nonpartisan system must stop if this independent coequal branch of government is to survive. She’ll also address why recent decisions are not the result of “activist” judges but consistent with established principles of adjudication.
~~
August 2 The Power of the PLC in Face of an Onslaught of Attacks on Utah’s Environment
Alma Baste, Public Lands Policy Associate at Stewardship Utah (+ panelists TBA)
Alma will present the work of the Public Lands Coalition that works to protect the land, air, and water for all people in Utah through elections, policy, and democracy.
~~
August 9 Protecting a Critical Artery to Great Salt Lake: the Jordan River Commission
Soren Simonsen, Executive Director, Jordan River Commission.
Soren Simonsen will share new initiatives the Jordan River Commission is planning in conjunction with America 250 that encourage participation in maintaining a healthy River. The Jordan River Commission is charged by legislation to protect this critical waterway and habitat that flows into Great Salt Lake.
~~
August 16 Strategies for Developing Affordable Housing in Salt Lake City
Dejan Eskic, Senior Research Fellow, Kem C Gardner Policy Institute, University of Utah
Dejan is involved in housing, construction and real estate research, fiscal impact studies and economic and demographic analysis. He will provide insight into strategies that have potential to ease the housing shortages in Salt Lake City, particularly for low-income households.
~~
August 23 Status of the ICE Detention Warehouse –- PENDING
Presenters TBA
*Due to construction in the Chapel over the summer, Summer Forum will be held in Eliot Hall or outdoors in the Playground area. Look for signage indicating which entrance to use