utah suicide hotline

Episode 82 That’s Civolicy, not Civolocity!

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Something great about Utah, no matter the passion, we have people that are willing to fight. Whether it is Kate Kelly, Cat Palmer, Psarah Johnson, and Genevra Prothero.

Now we can add to that list, our episode 82 guest, Alexander Castagno, the president and founder of the Civolicy Lobbyist group.

What is Civolicy you might be asking yourself and why haven’t you heard of it yet? Civolicy is a brand new local grassroots organization focused on changing laws to better the lives of Utahns. Think of it as a lobbyist group for the people. It was founded in May of 2017 Alex wanted to form Civolicy of a lack of political structure that benefits the citizens of Utah directly instead of big business or backroom legislative deals. Their focus is on issue campaigns that will make Utah better. Alex says, “Our goal is for all citizens, young and old, to be involved in pushing for policy that benefit everyone. Our motto is “The power of the people”. Meaning that us, the people, have the real power to make change and must hold our local representatives accountable for our interests.”

What is even more about Civolicy and Alex? The experience that he has at such a young age.


First and foremost he is passionate about politics and policy. Alexander served in the Utah Governor’s Office, and he has also served for a member of the United States Congress. Over his time in these offices he has met advocacy specialists and gained valuable knowledge on how to pursue his own advocacy efforts. Alexander has a B.A. degree in Political Science from the University of Utah and is attending George Washington University for a Masters Degree in Political Management. Alexander is currently the LGBT sub-committee leader and Legislative Policy sub-committee leader for the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition.
One of Alexanders big pushes is teen suicide prevention. We’ve talked about it many times on the show about the frightening teen suicide statistics that exist in Utah. The question is, what can Utah legislators do to help parents, to help kids, and to help any advocates that are willing to help kids that feel so helpless? Civolicy is also working on liquor law repeals and recently had involvement in the opening up of brewing/distilling in South Salt Lake.

You can find Alex and contribute to his group either financially or volunteering on Facebook, Twitter and their website, Civolicy.org.


Also, if you are feeling down, alone, or just need someone to talk to. We are here for you or you can call the Utah Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255

We will ALWAYS love your “likes” BUT don’t forget to click that little SHARE button (or retweet) *sharing IS indeed caring* You can find us and subscribe on Soundcloud, Stitcher, or Itunes, and Google Play and TuneIN. Leave us a review and Follow us on the Twitter @tnupodcast or on Facebook The New Utah Podcast

LISTEN HERE: The New Utah Podcast

Music: Bootleggers Dance by local Utah Band Folk Hogan

Ep 46 Even Sen. Jim Dabakis gets kicked out sometimes.

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The new Utah state motto according to Jim Dabakis: “Don’t Be Scared Off” What do you think?

We pride ourselves on talking about progressive Utah, and who is MORE progressive than Senator Jim Dabakis? The New Utah Podcast was incredibly honored to have Utah Senator Jim Dabakis sit down with us this week. We don’t want to give out any spoiler alerts, let’s just say he has lead an amazing life! It is incredibly fascinating and provocative (for Utahn’s) listening to him talk about why he does politics the way he does! Senator Dabakis is passionate about medicaid, education funding, and equality. Jim Dabakis has created a lot of memories and organizations in Utah that you may not even know he had a hand in! Utah is fortunate to have a Senator that is so transparent, has traveled the world, has created great organizations for Utah and loves life! We had many more questions to ask, so we will have to do a follow up interview! DamnDabakis.com will keep you up to date on his fight, as well as his Facebook and Twitter.

Events happening this week. Yes, it is Easter, but perhaps you can step out of your comfort zone and head over to the Utah Cambodian Community Buhddist Temple in West Valley for the Cambodian New Year celebration. Our friend Chanda will be showing off his dance troupe and there will be delightful food!

Thyme and Place is offering a workshop this weekend on moss/mushroom wreath buildling, the Tulip Festival is in full swing at Thanksgiving Point, and if you want to head to Ogden you can experience a Mountain Man Easter rendezvous at Fort Buenaventura. Oh, and mountain goat watching!! There’s Mountain goat watching at the park and ride in Little Cottonwood Canyon!

The New Utah would like to remind anyone who is in need of an ear that we are here for you.  Utah lost two young Transgender community members over the last couple weeks. We need to be there for our youth. If you need to reach out, please know we are here to listen, you can go to suicide.org or you can call the Utah Suicide hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

We love your “likes” BUT don’t forget to click that little SHARE button (or retweet) *sharing IS indeed caring* and to subscribe on Soundcloud, Stitcher, or Itunes, and Google Play. Follow us on the Twitter @tnupodcast or on Facebook The New Utah Podcast

LISTEN HERE: The New Utah Podcast

Music by bensound.com