Utah’s “Bolder Way Forward” (BWF) framework is an ambitious and collaborative initiative focused on creating a future where more girls and women can thrive in every aspect of life—whether at home, in the workplace, within their communities, or in leadership roles. Recognizing that current progress is too slow to meet critical needs, BWF sets bold goals to be achieved by 2026 and 2030 to accelerate progress and make a tangible difference.
What is A Bolder Way Forward Framework?
The BWF framework leverages a systemic, networked leadership approach to drive change. It emphasizes collaboration among hundreds of organizations, individuals, and local coalitions across Utah. By fostering strategic partnerships, the framework works to build a cohesive network where everyone contributes to achieving the overarching mission of uplifting women and girls.
At the heart of the initiative is the belief that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and true change requires aligning efforts across communities.
The Wheel of Change:
The road is uphill, and there are currently lots of potholes. Many individuals and groups provide programs, efforts, and initiatives that assist in making the road smoother.
The wheel is the BWF “system” or vehicle of change.
The hub is the overarching BWF mission.
There are 18 BWF areas of focus (spokes), which fall into five broader categories. Each spoke, a key topic area where change needs to occur, is also a movement with a coalition that functions to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts. Effective work within the spokes is needed to create more expansive and cohesive change overall. Each spoke will create bold goals for 2026 and 2030 based on outcomes.
There are issues that permeate across and influence each spoke that will need deeper research and resources, and the UWLP will provide insights on these that can be used to continue the work going on in the spokes: sexism, identity (e.g., race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+, disability, age, socioeconomic, religion), culture, and male allyship.
Why BWF Matters for Utah:
Utah continues to face significant challenges:
High rates of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse.
Persistent gender-based discrimination.
Representation gaps in women’s leadership across politics, business, and other domains.
Ranked last in the U.S. for women’s equality.
Addressing these issues collectively through the BWF framework aims to overcome these systemic challenges and uplift all Utahns.
Grassroots Initiative Across Utah
At the heart of BWF’s strategy is grassroots engagement. Local county coalitions in all 29 Utah counties are essential to spreading the BWF message and implementing solutions. These coalitions, led by co-leads and executive teams, assess existing programs and resources, foster collaboration, and initiate new efforts where needed.
One shining example is the Emery County Coalition. Tied to the region’s unique “Life Energized” brand, Emery County coalition leaders focus on delivering the BWF framework’s goals to every community, business, and family in the region. By identifying and enhancing existing efforts that support women and families, the coalition fosters communication and resources to amplify positive outcomes.
Upcoming Event in Emery County – January 27
The next event in the BWF movement will be hosted by the Emery County BWF Coalition on January 27. One of the highlights of the event will feature Lacy J. Hardman, an accomplished author, who will speak about her journey to becoming an author and how her experience connects with the goals of the 18 spoke framework.
This event is also supported by a partnership with Swell Retreat, further demonstrating the power of collective action within the BWF initiative.
RSVP no later than 3 Jan 2025 and Lacy will provide you with a free book.
RSVP at: swellretreatutah@gmail.com
Join the Movement
A Bolder Way Forward is more than just a framework; it’s a call to action. By working together at local and state levels, Utah can create a future where more girls and women thrive—lifting everyone in the process. For more information on how you can get involved or to learn about actionable steps you can take, check out the "What Can I Do?" report provided by the Emery Coalition.
When women and girls thrive, Utah thrives. Together, we can ensure that uphill roads become smoother and progress accelerates to empower the next generation of Utahns.
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