Learn to Run for Office
If you're wondering why more women don't run for political office, it might be because they don't know how. You can change that during the monthly interactive and instructive training sessions that teach the essentials of running for public office at any level. The Women's Leadership Institute brings together a cohort of women who, over the course of six months, can hear from a variety of political experts and participate in various workshops. Women ought to run for office "in order to have a seat at the table and have a vote on policy," the WLI Political Development Series emphasizes. Salt Lake Chamber Offices, 175 E. 400 South, Ste. 600, 801-328-5085, Thursday, Sept. 21-Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $125 for 6 sessions, wliut.com
Queer Continuum Conference
Come explore what it means to be sexually fluid in our society. That's the call from the third annual Queer Continuum Conference that offers a wide variety of panels and workshops. Topics range from health care to asexuality, queer representation in comics and art as a vehicle for radical change, including drag and zines. Local artist and activist Ella Mendoza is the keynote speaker. Donations are being taken online as there's no entrance fee. Salt Lake Public Library, 210 E. 400 South, 801-539-8800, Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., free, bit.ly/2fbKenj
Counter-Protest to Hate Speech
Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro is coming to Utah, and a lot of folks aren't happy. Shapiro will be met by protest when he speaks on the University of Utah campus at a free event sponsored by the Young Americans for Freedom. The former editor of Breitbart News founded The Daily Wire, where he hosts a popular podcast. As someone whose campus presence elicits protests and sometimes violence, he is speaking at the U's Behavioral Sciences Auditorium. Students for a Democratic Society is planning a peaceful Counter Protest to the Hate Speech of Ben Shapiro, but caution, "We believe in self defense only. Do not even show up if you plan to cause violence in any way or plan to destroy any property." University of Utah, 201 Presidents Circle, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 7-10 p.m., free, bit.ly/2y2aW5F