Lobbyists represent all sorts of businesses, unions, groups and associations. But for all the lobbyists taking up air, few who speak on behalf of it. This week, you can attend a green-lobbyist training session and learn how to be a citizen lobbyist for the environment. Later, check out a forum on the importance of boards and commissions in local government. You also will want to start putting together a team now to take part in a charity stair climb to help fight lung cancer.
Green Lobby Night
Tuesday, Feb. 7
Join the environmental activists of HEAL Utah, the Sierra Club and the Utah Rivers Council and become a green advocate against Earth-unfriendly legislation that will be spewing out of the Capitol like smog out of a smokestack. In this free 90-minute session, you can learn how to track bills and effectively talk to your legislator about bills ranging from protecting air quality to stopping the Lake Powell water pipeline. Utah Capitol, 350 N. State, Room 130, Feb. 7, 6 p.m., 801-467-9297, Utah.SierraClub.org/Tracker
The Importance of Boards and Commissions
Wednesday, Feb. 8
Elected officials may make themselves the face of government, but the heart and soul of it are definitely state and local boards and commissions. These entities work incredibly close with citizens and their needs, be they school boards or air-quality boards. Learn more at this free lecture, hosting former Salt Lake County Councilwoman Sidney Fonnesbeck. Hinckley Caucus Room, Orson Spencer Hall, University of Utah, 260 S. Central Campus Drive, Room 255, Feb. 8, 8-9 a.m., 801-581-8501, Hinckley.Utah.edu
Fight for Air Climb
Saturday, Feb. 25
You’ll want to start working out your lungs and getting a team together now for the Utah chapter of the American Lung Association’s 2012 charity Fight for Air climb. Get a team together and register for the race up 23 flights of stairs at the downtown Wells Fargo building at the end of the month, or simply donate to the cause. Proceeds go to help advocate for clean air and lung cancer research. Wells Fargo, 299 S. Main, Feb. 25, 801-484-4456, LungUSA.org/associations/states/utah