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Gov. Cox convenes ‘Why Serve’ Symposium focused on volunteering
Carnegie Foundation commits $1.1 million toward governor’s service initiatives
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SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 8, 2024) – Gov. Spencer Cox brought together thought leaders, philanthropists, educators and nonprofits for a one-day symposium focused on service.
“Service and the commitment to give back are defining features of our state culture and we want to keep it that way,” said Gov. Cox. “Volunteering has benefits for the giver, the receiver and the entire community, and that’s why we’re launching several initiatives that support volunteering. We’re so grateful for the Carnegie Corporation of New York and others who join us in these efforts.”
Panelists shared research on how service benefits both individuals and society, how volunteering prepares youth for the world of work and how Utah initiatives will ensure service remains part of the state’s culture. The day concluded with a service project to benefit students served by the University of Utah’s new in-school mental health clinic at West High School.
Participants in the daylong convening included John Bridgeland, President and CEO, Civic Enterprises; Alan Khazei, Co-Chair and Senior Advisor, More Perfect; Maj. Gen. Joseph Heck, Deputy Surgeon General for Mobilization and Readiness, Office of the Surgeon General; Secretary Paul Monteiro, Maryland Secretary of Service & Civic Innovation; Sonali Nijhawan, Director, AmeriCorps; Jennifer Sirangelo, CEO, Points of Light Foundation; Kaira Esgate, CEO, America’s Service Commissions; Mary Ellen Sprenkel, CEO, The Corps Network; Marie Groark, Managing Director of Special Initiatives, The Schultz Family Foundation; President Taylor Randall, University of Utah; Utah Sen. Ann Millner, Utah Rep. Val Peterson and many others.
During the convening, Dame Louise Richardson, president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, announced $3 million in new funding for state and national service programs, including $1.1 million for initiatives in Utah. The foundation has made finding solutions to political polarization a priority.
Gov. Cox’s proposed fiscal year 2025 budget includes funding for a new service pilot program in several Utah high schools that sets expectations for service hours and facilitates service opportunities for students; a national year of service fellowship program that provides stipends for young adults who complete approved service projects; and tuition assistance and bonuses for those who give back through Utah National Guard service.
Utah consistently ranks as the top state in the nation for volunteering and charitable giving, and Utahns support efforts to increase volunteer opportunities. According to a recent survey, 61% of Utahns support having a community service graduation requirement for high school seniors. Among respondents ages 18-34, 59% support such an effort. When asked about support for young Utahns participating in an optional year of service while receiving a living stipend or educational scholarship, 65% overall said yes; 80% of respondents ages 18-34 support the effort.
“Service and the commitment to give back are defining features of our state culture and we want to keep it that way,” said Gov. Cox. “Volunteering has benefits for the giver, the receiver and the entire community, and that’s why we’re launching several initiatives that support volunteering. We’re so grateful for the Carnegie Corporation of New York and others who join us in these efforts.”
Panelists shared research on how service benefits both individuals and society, how volunteering prepares youth for the world of work and how Utah initiatives will ensure service remains part of the state’s culture. The day concluded with a service project to benefit students served by the University of Utah’s new in-school mental health clinic at West High School.
Participants in the daylong convening included John Bridgeland, President and CEO, Civic Enterprises; Alan Khazei, Co-Chair and Senior Advisor, More Perfect; Maj. Gen. Joseph Heck, Deputy Surgeon General for Mobilization and Readiness, Office of the Surgeon General; Secretary Paul Monteiro, Maryland Secretary of Service & Civic Innovation; Sonali Nijhawan, Director, AmeriCorps; Jennifer Sirangelo, CEO, Points of Light Foundation; Kaira Esgate, CEO, America’s Service Commissions; Mary Ellen Sprenkel, CEO, The Corps Network; Marie Groark, Managing Director of Special Initiatives, The Schultz Family Foundation; President Taylor Randall, University of Utah; Utah Sen. Ann Millner, Utah Rep. Val Peterson and many others.
During the convening, Dame Louise Richardson, president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, announced $3 million in new funding for state and national service programs, including $1.1 million for initiatives in Utah. The foundation has made finding solutions to political polarization a priority.
Gov. Cox’s proposed fiscal year 2025 budget includes funding for a new service pilot program in several Utah high schools that sets expectations for service hours and facilitates service opportunities for students; a national year of service fellowship program that provides stipends for young adults who complete approved service projects; and tuition assistance and bonuses for those who give back through Utah National Guard service.
Utah consistently ranks as the top state in the nation for volunteering and charitable giving, and Utahns support efforts to increase volunteer opportunities. According to a recent survey, 61% of Utahns support having a community service graduation requirement for high school seniors. Among respondents ages 18-34, 59% support such an effort. When asked about support for young Utahns participating in an optional year of service while receiving a living stipend or educational scholarship, 65% overall said yes; 80% of respondents ages 18-34 support the effort.
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