UServeUtah is inviting Utah residents to help shape the future of service in the state by providing feedback for its upcoming three-year strategic plan. The organization is currently accepting survey responses through July 31, 2026, to help guide how community needs are addressed through volunteerism and service.
The initiative follows a period of data collection that included a public listening tour and a survey that gathered 639 responses representing every county in the state. The development process involved sessions held in locations such as St. George, Lehi, Blanding, Tremonton, Vernal, Logan, Salt Lake, Cedar City, and Richfield, as well as virtual meetings and a session at the Native American Summit in Orem.
The current 2024-2026 strategic plan focused on three primary areas: mental health, housing access, and the institutionalization of service throughout the state. These priorities were identified by reviewing public opinion survey results and in-person listening session feedback.
Regarding mental health, the plan aimed to research the benefits of volunteerism and improve physical and behavioral health through service. Strategies included partnering with higher education for research and prioritizing grant funding for programs that promote mental well-being, particularly for youth, young adults, and older adults.
To address housing access, UServeUtah sought to enhance accessibility through collaborative efforts with local partners. Objectives included expanding housing access via programming, supporting nonprofits in serving those facing housing challenges, and utilizing service to assist with housing navigation and stability.
The organization also worked toward institutionalizing service across all stages of life in Utah. This included increasing awareness of AmeriCorps for youth and seniors, supporting service learning in public education, and fostering partnerships with government agencies, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits.
Additional goals involved identifying barriers to participation and increasing the benefits of serving as an AmeriCorps member to diversify and grow the volunteer population in Utah. The strategic planning process is governed by the Serve America Act, which requires all commissions to develop and annually update a statewide plan for service every three years.
