I live in SLC Utah, it's been my home since I was born, at 28 years old I have come across feelings of despair, grief, loneliness, of overwhelming anxiety, rejection, self-isolation and much more whether due to memtal.jealth struggles, chronic illness struggles, political fears, or for any other reasons. The only things that have truly helped me overcome or come the closest to overcoming those feelings and situations, has usually been… community.
From bookstores (Under The Umbrella, an LGBTQ specifoc bookstore), to gyms (specifically the State Street Boxing gym owned by my friend David Mario Ramos) to coffee shops (Meztizo Coffee House) and so many more.
Here is a list of more Salt Lake City based organizations, small businesses, and nonprofits working to foster unity, support vulnerable communities, and revive the spirit of community… stick with me to the end, after this list I talk about the importance of community and how we can foster and revive it.
1. The LGBTQ+ Community Center of Utah: A vital resource, providing safe spaces, advocacy, and social services to LGBTQ+ individuals. The Center organizes support groups, workshops, and events, like their weekly youth meet-ups and mental health resources, reinforcing solidarity.
2. Art Access: This nonprofit promotes equality and inclusion through art, working with marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ youth. Their workshops and exhibitions offer creative platforms for underrepresented voices, connecting community members through shared experiences and artistic expression.
3. Mestizo Coffeehouse: This community-focused café is more than a coffee shop; it’s a hub for social justice and activism. They frequently host events for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, such as open mics and art exhibits, emphasizing dialogue and community building.
4. The State Street Boxing Gym: is a unique nonprofit gym, offering more than just physical training. It serves as a supportive, structured environment for youth, including those from challenging backgrounds, teaching them discipline, self-confidence, and emotional resilience. Ramos, a second-generation boxer, mentors his students not only in boxing but also in life skills, providing them with stability and guidance. Many kids here find an outlet for self-expression and emotional growth through boxing, a rare blend of fitness and therapeutic support that Ramos fosters with dedication and compassion. (My husband has instructed karate there several times)
5. Salt Lake City Public Library: Beyond lending books, the library supports community engagement by hosting events and workshops on racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration support. They foster unity by creating spaces for education and open dialogue on social issues.
6. Encircle: A nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and their families, Encircle offers a safe space for connection and healing. Their services include therapy, support groups, and social gatherings, building a sense of belonging in times of political and social uncertainty.
7. Spy Hop Productions: This organization empowers marginalized youth through digital media and music, helping them tell their stories and amplify their voices. Spy Hop’s community-building approach focuses on social justice education, aiming to create future leaders through mentorship and media arts.
8. Vertical Diner: Known for its inclusivity, Vertical Diner frequently hosts fundraisers and events supporting immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights. They encourage an open-door policy, bringing community members together to share meals and foster connections in a safe, welcoming space.
9. Equality Utah: This advocacy organization champions LGBTQ+ rights through political lobbying, educational programs, and community events. By working with local businesses and community members, Equality Utah promotes a society where everyone can live authentically.
10. Craft Lake City: This nonprofit supports local artisans and creators by hosting annual events that celebrate diversity and creativity. Their workshops and festivals bring together people from different backgrounds, cultivating a vibrant, inclusive community in Salt Lake City.
These organizations and businesses collectively contribute to building a resilient, united community within Salt Lake City… fostering inclusivity, and providing spaces where everyone feels welcome and supported. Through their efforts, they empower communities and ensure that solidarity and compassion thrive amidst challenges.
With all that said i'd like to dive deep into something profound here… with the recent election bringing a divisive figure back into the spotlight, many across the nation find themselves grappling with feelings of fear, anger, and uncertainty. For vulnerable communities (including the LGBTQ+ community) people of color, immigrants, individuals living with disabilities, and low-income families… this new political chapter holds the potential for serious challenges. But history shows us that our greatest strength lies in unity and resilience. By joining hands and hearts, and with the support of local businesses, we can create powerful pockets of community strength to sustain us through times of hardship.
Over recent generations, the sense of local community (once the heart and soul of American towns) has decreased and in many places nearly dissappeared. The convenience of digital connections has, paradoxically, made many of us feel more isolated, including myself. Additionally, the economic stressors and social impacts of events like COVID-19 have led many to retreat further, nurturing only personal circles or immediate families. For decades, the deep bonds that once held communities together in times of turmoil have weakened. Now, more than ever, it’s clear we need to rebuild these connections, not only for our mental and emotional well-being but for the sanity and safety of those marginalized by political shifts.
Local businesses, the beating heart of neighborhoods, hold the potential to lead a powerful resurgence of community spirit. Bookstores, gyms, coffee shops, dance studios, art galleries, and even local parks have historically been gathering places, serving as cultural and social hubs where people of all backgrounds and beliefs could come together. In these times of division and uncertainty, these spaces can once again become safe havens… places of healing, empathy, and activism.
It's time to rediscover the power of local business in strengthening these community ties!
Local businesses are more than economic units… they are places where community happens. Small businesses, whether bookstores, bars, gyms, or coffee shops, are often the settings where people connect, share ideas, support one another, and feel seen. For example, bookstores can offer more than just shelves of literature. These spaces could host weekly or monthly gatherings dedicated to various communities… LGBTQ+ support nights, racial justice discussions, or mental health check-ins. By offering a consistent time and space for dialogue, bookstores can provide an ongoing venue for expression and learning.
Gyms and wellness centers, traditionally focused on physical fitness, have a role in mental and emotional wellness as well. These venues could offer classes that emphasize resilience, mindfulness, and trauma recovery. A gym could become a sanctuary where those who feel vulnerable or threatened under new political pressures can focus on their strength (both physical and mental) and connect with a community of others on a journey of healing and empowerment. With a focus on well-being, gyms could extend membership benefits or host free or discounted side classes for marginalized communities, giving everyone a safe space to decompress and find strength in unity.
Bars and music venues, often known for their inclusivity, especially for LGBTQ+ communities, are uniquely positioned to create safe zones in a climate that may feel increasingly hostile. By offering regular LGBTQ+ nights, or events that feature and amplify the voices of those who are lgbtq+, women, people of color, and immigrants, these spaces can provide a protective community atmosphere where people feel free to be themselves without fear of judgment. A bar can be more than a place for socializing… it can be a lifeline for someone needing solidarity and connection, and music venues can offer artists a stage to raise their voices against oppression and injustice.
Coffee shops and bakeries are equally valuable as community anchors. These spaces could host free weekly meet-ups for vulnerable groups… Trans and nonbinary individuals, people of color, and refugees, among others. They could serve as informal centers where people gather to support each other, share resources, and strategize about local activism efforts. It’s here, in the hum of friendly conversations over coffee, that a sense of belonging is restored. These businesses are the perfect settings for fostering open discussions, cultural events, and group initiatives aimed at uplifting those most affected by political shifts.
Nonprofits and local organizations are catalysts for action and support!
Nonprofits, community centers, and faith-based organizations can also play a significant role. By partnering with small businesses, they can extend their reach to host workshops on community organizing, mental health, self-defense, and advocacy for those who may be facing heightened challenges. In times of political strain, many nonprofits will be critical in supporting the needs of those most affected by policies that limit access to healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, or immigration protections.
Community centers can take on a more active role, too. By offering spaces for weekly meetings, educational workshops, and safe social gatherings, they become a refuge for those seeking solace and solidarity. They might consider implementing programs dedicated to civic engagement, ensuring that voices of every background and identity can make a difference, no matter the political climate.
In recent decades, there has been a major decline of community spirit… and there is an urgent need to rebuild!
Reflecting on the past, it’s clear that community bonds once thrived across neighborhoods and cities. In the 1970s and 80s, local groups and clubs were part of daily life. People gathered for picnics, neighborhood clean-ups, block parties, and church functions, and many felt a profound sense of belonging within their communities. However, with the rise of digital technologies, traditional gathering spaces diminished, and genuine connections were often replaced by virtual interactions. While technology has offered new ways to connect, the sense of physical closeness and face-to-face support has been sacrificed. This disconnection was further exacerbated by COVID-19, which required isolation for safety but, in the process, led many to withdraw from community life.
As a result, loneliness, anxiety, and fear have become widespread. For LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, people of color, and others already at risk of marginalization, this disconnection can be isolating and harmful. With a new administration that could heighten these challenges, it’s clear we need a revival of community spirit… a return to gatherings, mutual aid, and the kind of solidarity that transcends political lines.
Im hop8ng this blog post empowers more small businesses to make a bigger impact than they perhaps already are…
Small businesses can make a tangible impact on lives by providing safe spaces for gathering and support. Here are a few ways local businesses can contribute:
1. Monthly Community Events: Bookstores, cafés, and other small businesses could host themed monthly events focusing on specific issues… such as LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, or mental health. These events would foster conversations that increase awareness, empathy, and community engagement.
2. Workshops and Skill-Building Classes: Offering free or discounted workshops on practical skills, such as language classes for immigrants or self-defense classes for women and LGBTQ+ individuals, can help people feel more empowered in a time when they may be feeling vulnerable.
3. Supporting Local Artists and Activists: Art galleries, music venues, and studios can serve as platforms for marginalized voices by organizing exhibitions, performances, or open-Is nights that bring awareness to social justice issues and promote solidarity. This not only amplifies underrepresented voices but also builds a strong, supportive community.
4. Discounts and Specials for Vulnerable Communities: Gyms and wellness centers could offer discounts or “pay-what-you-can” programs to marginalized groups, helping those in financial hardship access crucial self-care resources. During the holiday season, even small gestures, such as free coffee for immigrants or reduced-priced meals for low-income individuals, can foster a spirit of giving and community.
5. Holiday Gatherings and Charitable Events: The holiday season is a perfect time for local businesses to host gatherings centered on togetherness and giving back. Coffee shops, bakeries, and gyms could organize donation drives or holiday meals for those in need. Additionally, holiday events can bring together people from diverse backgrounds, creating a reminder that we are all stronger together.
6. Mental Health Check-Ins: Local wellness centers or cafés might consider offering weekly group therapy sessions or peer-support meetings for those impacted by political shifts. These gatherings can provide much-needed connection and reassurance to those facing anxiety or depression, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and individuals with disabilities.
This is my call for more unity and action…
The challenges we face today are real and significant, but they are not insurmountable. Together, through our shared resilience, compassion, and unity, we can create safe spaces, restore community bonds, and protect those at risk. This moment calls for action from every corner of society, especially small businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations that have always been central to the social fabric of neighborhoods.
To the owners of small businesses, nonprofit leaders, and community members alike… you have the power to shape a new era of community care and support. Let us come together in strength and solidarity to make a meaningful impact, offering safe spaces, lending a hand, and fostering a profound sense of unity.
May we rekindle the spirit of community that once defined our neighborhoods. Let us celebrate our diversity, protect our vulnerable, and build a society where everyone (regardless of background, identity, or circumstance) feels safe, seen, and supported. Through our efforts, we can ensure that even in challenging times, our communities remain beacons of hope, empathy, and resilience.
The journey ahead may be uncertain, but by standing together, we can face whatever comes with courage, compassion, and the unbreakable bonds of community.
"I know we are afraid, tangled in a sea of fear that pulls us under. But if there is a heartbeat within you, even a faint pulse of resilience... seize it. Let that life, that spark, ignite your spirit. Fight fiercely for the light, for the good that deserves to endure. Become the change you envision... let the extraordinary dreams within you breathe into existence. I believe that each of us, no matter our origins, our hardships, or our circumstances, carries the power to shift this world toward something greater. I have faith that our unity, our shared yearning for love to triumph, will be the force that cannot be dimmed. With our collective courage, relentless determination, and unshakable empowerment, we stand together... and together, we will prevail." -Aubs
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