It’s that barren time of year when the only thing that grows is the brown ice in your wheel well. But it’s not too soon to think ahead for summer by signing up for classes on developing a neighborhood garden. You can also help sow the seeds of empathy this season by learning how to work an LGBT youth suicide-prevention line. Finally, you won’t want to miss the University of Utah’s kickoff of Martin Luther King Jr. week.
Growing Community Gardens
Saturday, Jan. 15
Saturday is your deadline to commit to a greener future for your community. For a $75 application fee, you can take an eight-week course provided by Wasatch Community Gardens on all the tips and tricks to creating sustainable community gardens. Upon graduating with a community garden green-thumb, some applicants may qualify for as much as $5,000 in financial assistance for developing their community gardens.
Wasatch Community Gardens Office, 824 S. 400 West, 801-359-2658, deadline Jan. 15, WasatchGardens.org
Pride Empathy Line Training
Saturday, Jan. 15
LGBT youth often struggle in households that don’t accept their orientation or identity. Some research shows youth are eight times more likely to attempt suicide in hostile homes. That’s why the Utah Pride Center is calling for compassionate volunteers to train Saturday to operate a new 24/7 empathy line to be available Feb. 1 for LGBT youth who feel isolated and alone simply for being true to themselves.
Training location to be announced, Jan. 15, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., contact Melanie Squire 801-897-9487
MLK Celebration Rally and Marade
Monday, Jan. 17
Martin Luther King Jr. once had a dream and, despite many advances, it is far from realized. This year, join the University of Utah in kicking off its MLK week events with a Monday Marade—a combination march and parade from East High School to the University of Utah Park Building. Other events throughout the week include panel discussions on recent efforts to repeal affirmative action in Utah’s Constitution and issues surrounding the immigration debate.
East High School, 1300 E. 840 South, Jan. 17, 2 p.m., 801-581-4250, Diversity.Utah.edu
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