UNITED WOMEN'S FORUM

2012-01-20T09:13:00.000-08:00

o Hello UWF,
The Davis 9-12 is Hosting a Meet the Candidate Event coming up on Friday January 27. The details are below. ALSO scroll down for more information about Timothy Ballard the author who will be here in Bountiful on January 19th to discuss his amazing book The American Covenant; One Nation Under God. Janet Seamons is hosting this event and you would RSVP to her if you would like to attend, 801-292-8706................thanks Kris K
o Meet the Candidates
o
o Friday, January 27, 2012
o Time
7:00pm until 9:30pm
•
Where 796 S. Mountain Road, Kaysville, Utah 84037
•
Description Come hear from:

* Ken Sumsion (candidate for Governor)
* Dan Liljenquist (candidate for U.S. Senate)
* John Willoughby (candidate for 2nd Congressional District)
... * Jason Buck (candidate for 2nd Congressional District)
* John Swallow (candidate for Attorney General)

Each candidate will be given 10 minutes to speak -followed by 15 minutes Q&A.

Link to map: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=796+S.+Mountain+Rd%2C+Kaysville%2C+UT

________________________________________
The youthfully energetic, Timothy Ballard, accomplished historian and author, will discuss the central premise of his book: “The American Covenant: One Nation Under God” (Asserts the ancient biblical Covenant of Abraham reaches the zenith of its fulfillment in the divine establishment of the United States of America --- and that the founders actually understood that and worked toward the “grand design.”) His remarkable research and writings have triggered a growing dialogue on the topic and has even inspired a major documentary/motion picture targeted for release to a national audience and cable history channels for release next year (2012). Every American needs to learn and understand this.
Tim Ballard will be giving a summary of his full presentation so that people can also hear Cherilyn Eagar and ask questions.

January UWF Meeting

2012-01-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

United Women’s Forum
Join us
January 11, 2012
For our UWF Meeting
American Legion Hall
52 W. 200 S. Bountiful
10:00am -12:00pm
*Decline of Education in our Public Schools w/David Barton
*Special Training on 2012 Legislature w/Dalane England VP of
Eagle Forum How to become a more effective and empowered citizen
through the Legislative Session.
*What is a Caucus? Why is it under attack? W/Kendalyn Harris
Former President of DCRW Learn how to have your voice heard at
your local Caucus Meeting coming up in March
Freedom isn’t Free. To remain a Free People we must learn what our
responsibilities are to secure our personal liberty. Our training this
month will teach you how to be an informed and responsible citizen of
this Covenant Land.
* * *
Light Lunch
* * *

2011-11-28T20:47:00.000-08:00

Hello UWF,

Here is an invite to a Christmas Art Show that features one of our UWF Members; Anne Marie Oborn! It is this coming weekend in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Thanks K

2011-11-22T07:24:00.001-08:00

The Davis County Republican Party is looking for some volunteers to help with our Get Out The Vote Campaign that is going on right now. If you and your family members would like to help please send me back a quick email reply. They need help anywhere from North Salt Lake all the way up to South Weber, so you can choose any area close to home to serve.

Thanks Kris K

2011-11-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

Hello UWF,

Here is a fun fundraising event right here in Bountiful!

Breakfast with Santa in Bountiful! Proceeds go to the Bountiful Food Bank!

When
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Time
8:00am until 11:00am
Description
It is our annual 'Breakfast with Santa' at The Wight House Reception Center! $8.00 per participant or bring in two cans of food and save two dollars. Prizes, games and breakfast with Santa -- what could be better? ALL proceeds go to the Bountiful Food Bank!

In January………..

Many of you have had an opportunity to hear Rep. Lavar Christensen speak at our UWF meeting and love his willingness to stand and protect our families. We are not part of his District, however he loves the support we have shown him and wants to extend an invitation to attend a Concert with Collin Raye here in Utah. To order tickets call 801-572-9878, further details are listed below.

Collin Raye Benefit Concert
o When Friday, January 6, 2012
o Time 7:30pm until 10:30pm
•
Dear Friends,

I am pleased and honored to share with you a very special upcoming event and memorable night of award-winning music.

Please join me as we usher in what is sure to be a very important New Year, 2012. On January 6th at the Jordan High School Auditorium in Sandy, I am hosting a semi-private concert by my friend and platinum recording artist, Collin Raye. Please save the date and join in an enjoyable and patriotic celebration of the spirit of America and the great State of Utah. You will love the show! Over 30 top country pop hits and twenty years of music memories. (Please see the event announcement that I have posted. A larger version is available at www.citizensforprincipledgovernment.com).

As both a fund-raiser and a sincere thank you to all the citizens in our District and throughout Utah, please spread the word and urge others to join in the continuing quest to promote principled government. Tickets average $40 per seat and all contributions are deeply appreciated. Additional sponsor opportunities are also available and more information will be coming as the event draws near. Don't miss this great night of music and help keep our State and Country great.

Thank you for your support and all the good you do. All the best to you.

Sincerely,

Representative LaVar Christensen
www.lavaratutahhouse.com
www.citizensforprincipledgovernment.com
Office 801-572-9878
Cell 801-550-1040
Home 801-571-8603

2011-11-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

Good Morning and Happy Veteran’s Day

We again want to thank American Legion Post 79 of Bountiful Utah for Posting the Colors for us at our Meeting this week. Today that same AL Post 79 is holding a special Veteran’s Day Program at the American Legion Hall 52 W. 200 S. The public is welcome to attend. It will begin at 11:00am.

Tonight at the American Legion Hall a new Constitution Class will begin, this time you will learn about the Constitution itself after this class you will not only be able to read, but you’ll actually understand the language of that amazing document. Most importantly you will learn the Constitution from the original intent. This is a perspective that is no longer taught in our schools universities or even law schools. Constitutional lawyers are taught about the Constitution but only from a perspective of case law, not on the history and founding of the document. When you finish with this course you will be well equipped to ask the important questions to our 2012 group of candidates. The attached flyer has all the details.

Next week for those of you living in the southern Davis County below Cherry Hills; Cherilyn Eager will be speaking and sharing information about her Congressional Race. She is running for the 2nd Congressional District that is currently held by Jim Matheson. Southern Davis; Bountiful Area and such is now in the 2nd Congressional District. Rob Bishop will no longer be representing us. Cherilyn will be at Dalane England’s home 2692 Grand Oak Cir. Bntfl. At 6:30PM on November 16. This is a great way for you to meet Cherilyn up close and personal so you can make a more educated decision when election time comes in 2012.

Have a wonderful Veteran’s Day,

Kris K

2011-11-04T08:32:00.001-07:00

Stop right now and take your red marker and circle November 9th! That is the date of our next UWF Meeting. We have an amazing guest speaker you will not want to miss. Retired Colonel Jack Tueller a Bountiful resident in his 92 year will inspire us with amazing stories from WWII. He will also pleasure us with his expertise as a trumpet player. He truly is a National Treasure.

We have more Treasurers here in Bountiful as 6 year old Eleanor McChesney along with her 4 year old sister Amelia will recite the Gettysburg Address from memory. This will be a wonderful meeting that will help us remember and honor our Veterans who have so willing served and protected our Liberty and Freedoms.

We look forward to seeing you there and as always bring a friend.

Thanks Kris K

2011-10-27T12:47:00.001-07:00

Hello UWF,

Tonight we are hosting a Meet the Candidate Event, we need you to be there with 3 or 4 of your friends and neighbors. We all need to be educated so we make the best choice for our City Council. 7:00PM at City Hall 790 S. 100 E. behind the library. Knowledge is power.

Also tomorrow is the deadline for the Davis County Flag Contest if you have any Jr. High or High School Students who were working towards the honor of creating the first every Republican County Flag and win a $50 iTune Card in the process.

Thanks Kris K

* Location Change for Meet the Candidate Event**

2011-10-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

Please be aware that the Bountiful Meet the Candidate Event is being held in the Bountiful City Chambers 790 S. 100E. (behind the Library) this coming Thursday Night October 27th at 7:00PM. If you have questions for the candidates please submit them to me via email at krisk@sprintmail.com.

Make sure someone from your household attends so that you can make an informed decision on who to vote for in this important municipal race. You can vote for as many as 3 candidates in this race.

Feel free to forward this email to all your Bountiful friends and neighbors.

Thanks Kris Kimball
801-299-9597

Meet the Candidates Night (Bountiful City Council)

2011-10-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

Send this to your friends and family in Bountiful!

MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT
October 27, 2011
7 p.m.
American Legion Hall
52 West 200 South
Bountiful
This is an opportunity to meet all of the candidates who are
running for
Bountiful City Council

The election is set for November 8, 2011.
This is a great chance to vet the candidates!

If you have any questions, please call!
See you there!

--
Dalane M England
801-298-5309

"A nation of well informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the region of ignorance that tyranny begins." Benjamin Franklin

2011-10-19T14:12:00.001-07:00

UNITED WOMEN'S FORUM
Minutes

Date: October 12, 2011
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Place: American Legion Hall, 52 W. 200 S., Bountiful, Utah

Topic: The ABC's of Common Core Curriculum: The New Nationwide Curriculum and Assessments

Presenters Dalane England and Pamela Smith

Common Core has been renamed Utah Core. On the surface it looks wonderful; it is essentially about raising and setting standards, which is a universal goal. The presenters said that they don's have as much of an issue with the standards as they do with the curriculum and assessments that are tied to the standards.

Although Utah Core is being touted as an effort by the individual States to improve education, and that States are not required to participate, it is being funded through consortiums that are federally funded, which are providing the writing assessments and curriculum, and it is being designed by UNESCO--the United Nations. It is seen by conservatives as a backdoor strategy to give greater control of education to the Federal Government.

Governor Herbert has signed an agreement on behalf of the State of Utah to adopt Common Core/Utah Core. The Common Core curriculum is still being written, but Utah's teachers are being prepared to implement it at this time. If any of the curriculum does not meet the standards and values of Utah, our children will still be required to be taught those standards/values.

The math assessments that have been written to date have totally reconstructed math and the way it is taught. Educators are concerned because this method will be a big step backward. Geometry and Algebra won't be taught categorically, with new math skills being built upon previous learning, but will be integrated into basic math. Teachers report that it is very difficult for students to understand, and that only the very mathematically adept will be able to grasp it. Also, assessments are different than tests because the answers are subjective. The educator does not see the questions and answers, only the final score, so the students' needs cannot be determined and addressed. The presenters report that one of the questions has to do with how many kittens a cat can produce in a specified amount of time--which has no correct answer, but will be determined by the computer program whether or not it is 'correct'. Also, the child's future vocation will be determined by the outcome of the testing by as early as 7th grade, according to the testing evaluation, not according to the teacher's evaluation, nor the child's and the parents' understanding and inclinations.

Pres. Obama's administration is offering the States who sign on to Common Core to be relieved of the No Child Left Behind requirements. The presenters state that now is the time to act. Once a lot of money and effort have been invest in CCSS/UC, it will be difficult to back out. They are asking that the following:

1. Contact a school board member to discuss this issue one-to-one. They note that a power point presentation will be made available to you via e-mail to assist in your discussion.
2. Write a letter to the Governor addressing your concerns and asking him to withdraw Utah's participation in this program immediately.
3. Talk to your friends and family and educate them on the consequences.

For information and documentation of all of our information, please go to:

http://truthinamericaneducation.com/ and,
NCE website: 1992, NCEE invited the University of Pittsburgh, 23 states, 6 cities and three national foundations to join with it in creating New Standards - http://www.ncee.org/about-ncee/history/ and,
NCEE math standards questioned: http://wgquirk.com/NCEESV.html

Many more sources are available. For more, contact Dalane England.

Upcoming Events

2011-10-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hello UWF,

October is here and there are some events you will want to get on your calendar. First our monthly October UWF Meeting will be held on Oct.12th 10:00-12:00pm at The American Legion Hall in Bountiful. We will be discussing the new Common Core State Standards that have been adopted into all the Public and Charter Schools. Come and get educated on the concerns with this unproven "One Size Fits All" standards, curriculum, and assessments and how it can effect your children.

UWF of Salt Lake will be hosting Kevin Freeman the author of "Econimic Warfare; Risks and Responses" this event is open to teeh public and so if you are interested in hearing his facinating story that has been shared on Glenn Beck and Fox News you will want to make sure you call Sue and RSVP so she can reserve you a seat. Details of this event are on the attatched flyer.

Thanks Kris K

2011-09-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who attended our 1st meeting of the new year, we were excited to see so many of you attend. There has been many inquires in regards to the DVD we showed at our meeting; The Problem with Same Sex Marriage. If you would like to order your personal copy to have on hand to educate your family and friends you can buy one at this link for 14.95.
We will also have a copy that we will keep in our Library for loaning out.

http://www.frc.org/dvdvideo/the-problem-with-same-sex-marriage-30-minute-dvd

With the start of our new year it is time for our UWF $10.00 Membership Renewal
(There was a $10.00 cash membership received at our last meeting, but no form for me to know who it belongs to. Please let me know if you paid without turning in a membership form).

We had many sign up to help with our luncheon assignments, right now we are looking for someone who can help with a salad in March and a salad in May.

This week we have a Patriot’s Assembly in Bountiful on Friday Night with Dr. Glenn Kimber, he along with his father in law Dr. Cleon Skousen conducted many Making of America Seminars and have written over 100 books on the Constitution and Freedom. We will also be pleased to hear from Representative Curt Oda that same evening. If you are a Patriot and love America you will want to come and listen to Dr. Kimber and The Tale of Two Constitutions. It is important for us to be effective citizens by learning how our Constitution has changed since it was given to us by the Founders. Friday night at the American Legion Hall in Bountiful 52 W. 200 S. 7:00PM.

If Friday Night doesn’t work in your schedule, we have another Patriot’s Assembly on Thursday Night, the 29th up at the Layton Christian Academy on HWY193 in Layton. Complete details for both of these events are found in the attachments.

Last but not least the Davis County Republican Party is sponsoring a Contest for the Youth in Davis County. They want a new flag designed to represent the DCRP at State and County Conventions. They want the youth of Davis County to be involved and come up with a design for this 1st of it’s kind flag. All the details are on the attached flyer any students that are in Jr, High or High School living in Davis County may participate. The winner will receive recognition for having designed the 1st Republican Party Flag in the state as well as a $50.00 iTunes Card. So let your kids know so they can participate in this fun contest.

Thanks Kris K

GANG TASK FORCE EVENT - April 1, 2011

2011-03-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

United Women's Forum is hosting an important community event coming up on Friday Night April 1st. The North Salt Lake Gang Task Force Officer would like to get the public educated especially those of you with students in Jr. High and High School about the Gang Troubles that are being seen in Davis County.

Location: Bountiful City Hall
Time: 7:00 pm

Everyone is invited to attend. This will be a helpful and informative meeting to teach us what is going on with gangs around us.

United Women’s Forum Minutes - March 16, 2011

2011-03-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

Conducting: Diane Prince
Prayer: Edith Baker
Pledge: Laura Dixon

Announcements: Kris Kimball
South Davis Gang Awareness Night April 1,2011 at 7:00PM Bountiful City Hall Constitution Classes Tuesday 22nd 9:30-11:30am 187 N. 300 E. Centerville .
Raising money to add a cistern to our school in Miguneni. Purchase Sprite or Coke earrings for 10.00 to help raise money.
State School Board Meeting April 8th 8:00am 250 E. 500 S. Free Parking behind the USSB building.
The maturation program will be brought up for discussion.
UWF Library; books and DVD’s are available to loan for paid members of the UWF. Yearly membership is $10.00.
Gun Safety/Concealed Weapons Class will be scheduled soon on a Saturday with Rep. Curt Oda.
Next Meeting will be on Wednesday April 13th 10:00-12:00. Salad Assignments: Esther Anderton and Leilani Numbers. Guest Speaker is Senator Margaret Dayton.

Principle is #6 All Men are Created Equal.
Principle #25/UN Report - Principle #25 refers to avoiding entangles alliances. Many of our Founding Fathers spoke out against entangling alliances with foreign countries and the dangers it would bring. Even as recent as 1939 J. Reuben Clark spoke out against America being involved in World Wars.
He felt we should be a Nation of Neutrality, his speech is found under Principle #25.

Four of our United Women Forum Members traveled to New York earlier this month to attend the UN Conference on the Status of Women. Dalane England, Kris Kimball, Anne Marie Oborn and Janet Seamons. They each took a few minutes to share some of their experiences at the UN. Some of their report will follow.

Special Guest Rep. Jim Nielson: Jim shared some of his inside insights as a new Freshman Legislator. He also made comments on controversial bills like immigration and the GRAMA HB477. He talked about the bills that he especially found interesting to work on. He did oppose any of the bills that were going to increase the sales tax on food. He also is looking into exactly what is happening to the school trust land money. He explained the GRAMA bill and his vote for the bill. He also talked about bills that he liked and supported that got voted down. Like Carl Wimmer’s Bill to have a Super Majority approval for any tax increase of any kind, that bill never made it out of committee. It is a long 45 day Session and we appreciate the time and work Jim put into the session. Jim’s cell number is 801-425-1737 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 801-425-1737 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 801-425-1737
and his website is www.jim4utah.com

Report from UN Meeting

2011-03-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

Family Watch International

In This Issue:
President’s Message:
Multiple Pro-Family Victories
at CSW!
News Items of Interest
Abortion
Homosexuality Related
Marriage Related
News Items of General Interest
Have We Gone Mad?

www.familywatchinternational.org

March 14, 2011

Multiple Pro-Family Victories at CSW!

Nations Stand Strong on Family Issues

Probably the single most exciting thing to emerge from this year’s CSW was witnessing the great unity that existed on critical family issues among a loose coalition of pro-family nations which included the African, Islamic, and Caribbean voting blocs, Russia, and the Holy See (the Vatican). The Vatican holds UN observer status and aggressively defends the family in UN negotiations.

On several critical family issues, this loose coalition of UN member states and the Holy See refused to succumb to the pressure to ram through anti-family provisions that was exerted on them by the European Union (EU), the United States, and several other developed nations, as well as from UN agencies such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

In all the UN conferences I have attended, I have never seen the pro-family delegations better prepared and more resolute in defending the family.

Negotiations on the Agreed Conclusions document often continued late into the night, and on some nights even into the wee morning hours. Delegates debated language regarding “negative gender stereotypes,” the definition of “gender,” “comprehensive sexuality education,” “sex education,” parental rights to guide the sex education of their children, and many other controversial terms and phrases intended to advance the liberal sexual rights agenda in subtle and deceptive ways.

A Major Victory: Reference to HIV/AIDS Guidelines Deleted

One of the major victories was defeating very bad language in another CSW document being negotiated simultaneously which addresses the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

For the last several years at CSW the European Union (EU) has proposed an amendment to this HIV/AIDS resolution aimed at endorsing a controversial version of a document called “The International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights.”

Sounds like a great document right?

Not so fast.

Among other things of concern, these HIV/AIDS Guidelines call for the legalization of same-sex marriage, legalized prostitution, protections for “men having sex with men,” mandatory and graphic sexuality education for children and penalties for people who criticize homosexuality.

Our primary goal at each CSW conference is to ensure that there is no reference endorsing these dangerous guidelines. One of the key things we did to get the reference to the Guidelines deleted was to distribute the controversial excerpts to pro-family delegations with an analysis of our concerns. We also provided delegations with our new policy brief entitled, “Wrongheaded UN HIV/AIDS Policies Versus Evidence-Based Approaches” which contains emerging research showing that many of the things the HIV/AIDS Guidelines promote actually fuel the AIDS pandemic.

In addition we presented this brief in a PowerPoint presentation at one of the CSW Family Rights Caucus meetings we organized.

So what happened?

With critical last minute help from Russia, the Islamic and African delegates joined the Holy See in successfully deleting the reference to the Guidelines once again!

FWI Presentations and Events

FWI organized and led a total of three Family Rights Caucus meetings, and two “side events” (seminars for delegates and NGO representatives) and participated on two other important panels. We also presented our new policy brief “Myths and Facts About Maternal Mortality and Abortion” at a side event we co-sponsored.

And finally, in addition to consulting with UN Member States on the CSW documents that were under negotiations, (the most important work we do at the UN), we met with UN delegates and Ambassadors on a number of upcoming family issues.

Link to Our More Detailed, Revealing and Insightful Reports

I do not have room in this president’s message to do more than hit some of the highlights of our many successes. For interesting details and to get a real feel for what happens at CSW for good and for bad, click here. We hope you will take the time to read this as it describes some of the specific threats to the family we dealt with and includes revealing statements from our opposition that were heard at a number of CSW events.

This report also includes some of our personal experiences. One is my encounter with a discouraged delegate who after we talked for a while told me that she was convinced that God intended that we meet at CSW. Another recounts how one of our panel presentations brought a UN Ambassador and others in the audience to tears. One particularly interesting report is of a conversation that one of our young male volunteers had with a young woman who was attending specifically, she said, to promote premarital sex and sexual pleasure. As you will see, that conversation was an eye-opening experience for both of them, but it also capsulizes what we confront at these UN meetings.

Many readers will also no doubt be interested in the comic book presented at two CSW events that uses the infamous “Yogyakarta Principles” to encourage youth to assert their “rights” to enter into same-sex relationships with their peers.

Finally, I want to recognize our amazing CSW team of dedicated volunteers led by Family Watch’s Director of UN Activities, Annie Franklin. Our team consisted of 18 representatives from the U.S., Canada, Nigeria, Mexico, Uruguay, Spain, and the UK. Without them we would not have been able to accomplish all the many things we did. I summarize in more detail the important contributions our team members made in my more detailed report.

Once again I want to thank all of you who support FWI financially. We could not accomplish what we do without your financial support. Unfortunately, we have several more critical UN meetings coming up in the next few months and, frankly, we do not have the funds we need to adequately cover them.

If you can support us financially, I invite you do so. Even small amounts are helpful, and because FWI is a 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code, contributions are tax deductible for U.S. taxpayers. Click here to contribute.

Sincerely,
Sharon Slater
Sharon Slater
President

We Urgently Need Your Help!

We have never faced greater challenges to the family and family values than we do now and there is no doubt these challenges will only increase in the months ahead. Not only do we face more threats at the UN than ever before but at the national level we are fighting to defend marriage in the U.S., prevent the liberalization of abortion and dealing with other issues as well. As a result, our budget is stretched to the breaking point.

Please help in this effort to defend the family and family values by making the most generous contribution you can. Contributions are tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers and any amount you contribute will be used effectively and efficiently. You can easily make a secure contribution on line here or print out a form to mail in a contribution.

News Items of Interest
Abortion

U.S. Abortions Declined in 2007. Data on abortion statistics for 2007 released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control show that abortions were nearly at a 10-year low that year. The figure is the second lowest since 1998. The statistics also showed that New York had the most abortions of any U.S. state, and among racial and ethnic groups, black women had the highest abortion rate. Read more here.

New Planned Parenthood Report Shows It Performed Record Number of Abortions. According to a fact sheet published by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, 332,278 abortions were performed in 2009, an increase of 2.5 percent from the previous year. The organization also distributed over 1.5 million emergency contraception kits. Read more here.

Homosexuality Related

U.S. Judge Rules Anti-gay Shirts Worn by Students OK. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of appeals ruled that students at Neuqua Valley High School in Illinois are allowed to wear T-shirts that say “Be Happy, Not Gay.” School officials prohibited students from wearing the shirts to prevent hurt feelings. The ruling stated that a “school that permits advocacy of the rights of homosexual students cannot be allowed to stifle criticism of homosexuality.” Read more here.

UK High Court Rules Foster Parents Must Affirm Homosexuality. A Christian couple has been banned from being foster parents because according to the court, homosexual rights “should take precedence” over religious beliefs. Owen and Eunice Johns were told that their Christian beliefs could conflict with homosexual children who might be placed in their care, although the couple has stated that they would accept and love any child in their care regardless of their sexual orientation. Read more here.

Marriage Related

Facebook Adds Civil Unions Option to Profiles. The world’s largest online social networking Web site has added civil unions and domestic partnerships to the list of relationships that individuals can choose to describe their status. The nonprofit organization Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has been working with Facebook on the changes. Read more here.

Same-sex Couple Files Discrimination Complaint. The homosexual couple is claiming they were subjected to discrimination by the owners of two Illinois bed and breakfast establishments that refused to rent out their facilities for a ceremony and reception. Illinois recently passed legislation legalizing civil unions. The complaints were filed with the Illinois Attorney General’s office and the Department of Human Rights. Read more here.

U.S. House Speaker Boehner to Defend DOMA. Shortly after the Obama administration announced that it would not defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court, Boehner said that the House of Representatives would take action to defend the constitutionality of the legislation. The first step will be to convene a meeting of the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group. Read more here.

Black Americans Concerned About Obama’s DOMA Decision. It is believed that religious African Americans who came out in record numbers to defeat Prop 8 in California also may have helped to elect Barack Obama. With Obama’s announcement that the government will no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) some African Americans are reconsidering their views. Read more here.

UK Catholic Church Will Fight Government on Civil Unions. The church has declared that it will oppose in the “strongest terms” changes in legislation that will allow same-sex couples to hold civil partnership ceremonies in houses of worship. Churches and Christian groups have criticized the decision to lift the ban that previously prohibited such ceremonies. Read more here.

Same-sex Marriage in Mexico City After One Year. Seven hundred same-sex couples have married in Mexico City since same-sex marriage was legalized one year ago. There have been 367 male couples and 333 female couples married. All but 73 individuals were Mexican citizens. Read more here.

“Marriage” No Longer Recorded in Birth Statistics Great Britain. Instead, official statistics will record the number of pregnant women who were in a “legal partnership.” The Labour government decided in 2003 that the word “marriage” should be removed from official documents so as not to discriminate against homosexuals. Read more here.

California Attorney General Seeks Resumption of Same-Sex Marriage. State Attorney General Kamala Harris has requested that the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals consider allowing same-sex marriage to resume immediately. Read more here.

Maryland Homosexual Marriage Bill Unexpectedly Dies. The Maryland House unexpectedly could not muster the votes to pass the homosexual marriage bill that has already been passed by the senate. Passage had been considered certain in the traditionally more liberal House of Delegates. However, strong and growing opposition from black churches and the Catholic Archdiocese stalled the bill and convinced enough legislators, including a number of the actual cosponsors of the bill who withdrew their support, to oppose the bill, killing it. Read more here.

Unusual Gay/Lesbian Marriages Working in Israel. A program to promote marriages between homosexual men and lesbians is showing surprising successes, including some children. Read more here.

News Items of General Interest

Study Finds More U.S. Teens Not Having Sex. The study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that among youth ages 15 to 24, the percentage who said they had never had sex rose from 22 percent to about 28 percent. Interviews were conducted with 5,300 young people, making this survey the largest ever done on sexuality. Read more here.

Teen Pregnancy Rate at 30-year Low in Great Britain. In 2009 there were 38.3 pregnancies per thousand among 15- to 17-year-old teens. This is a 5.9 percent decrease from the previous year. There is concern that funding cuts to teenage pregnancy services could reverse the trend. Read more here.

U. S. Teachers Union Promotes Graphic Sex Ed at UN. The Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute reports that at a parallel event during the Commission on the Status of Women meetings in New York, a representative from the National Education Association, the largest teachers union in the U. S., stated that “oral sex, masturbation and orgasms need to be taught in education.” Read more here.

Pedophilia a Sexual Orientation. In a parliamentary session on Bill C-54, legislation relating to sexual offenses against children, psychology experts stated that pedophilia can be considered a “sexual orientation.” Read more here.

UNAIDS Study Finds Reduction in Zimbabwe HIV Rate due to Abstinence, Fidelity. HIV prevalence has dropped 50 percent in Zimbabwe since the late 1990s, and according to Daniel Halperin, PhD of the Harvard School of Public Health,” partner reduction appears to have played a crucial role in reversing the HIV epidemic.” Read more here.

Have We Gone MAD?

Bizarre, real-life examples that make us wonder. . . Have We Gone MAD?
Weapons of Trash Destruction
by Seymour D. Kaye

It had to happen.

It was just a matter of time.

If you yourself are not a video game player, then you either gave birth to one, married one, live next door to one, work with one, go to school with one, or spend a national holiday with one.

Do not, NOT send this to them.

You will not want them to know about this uber sleazy video game. “We Dare,” manufactured by Ubisoft for the Wii gaming system, is touted as “a sexy, quirky, party game that offers a large variety of hilarious, innovative and physical, sometimes kinky, challenges.”

You will not want them to know that the Wii controller is used “in the most unexpected ways, as you’ve never imagined before.” They aren’t kidding.

You will not want them to know that the game fits into the genre “Sexy Party Game,” and it requires that you “get up-close and personal with your friends” in a “wide variety of naughty and silly challenges.” There are “40 fun and flirtatious games” to be exact. The introductory video showed only a few of the 40, but their suggestion that the game is an “invitation to let yourself go because life is short and what happens in this game . . . stays in the game,” appeared disgustingly accurate.

You will not want them to know that the game includes “a satisfying finish” that “ends in a light hearted, match-making session.” I believe another word for this is . . . orgy.

Ubisoft says the target is men and women 20-35 years old, but the game is rated for age 12+.

THIS IS NOT A TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR!

Nope.

Ages 12 years and up.

The good news for those of us who live in the U.S. is that the game will not be released here. For those of you outside the U.S. this is bad news.

So consider yourself warned. If your 12-year-old child brings home a Wii video game that claims to be suitable for an adolescent his age, take a good look at the cover. If it has women’s underwear and handcuffs on the cover, grab it and run, don’t walk, to the nearest trash can and throw it in.

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Notice to Attend UN Meeting in April

2011-03-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

Many of you who were unable to attend our Meeting this week have been interested in what we saw and heard at the UN CSW. In the correction box below are 2 links with great information put together by Family Watch International on what we saw and heard at this conference. Dalane England, Janet Seamons, Anne Marie Oborn and Kris Kimball attended the UN CSW with the Eagle Forum NGO. While at the UN we helped to support many of the pro-family groups such as The Howard Center, Family First, United Families International and Family Watch International. They is a real need for help at the UN with other like-minded pro-family people. The next conference dealing with Women’s Reproductive Rights is coming up April 11-15th. If you would be interested in attending please call Kris Kimball.

United Women’s Forum Minutes

2010-11-12T08:23:00.000-08:00

November 10, 2010 Meeting
Conducting: Kris Kimball
Prayer: Edith Baker
Pledge: Lori Kinyon
Announcements: Kris Kimball Movie Night Nov. 19th at 7:00PM 1252 Lorien Dr. Bountiful. RSVP 299-9597 “Agenda”
Constitution Classes continues on Tuesday Nights, Seminar 3
Patriot’s Packets available today $17.87
Next Meeting: January 12, 2011 10:00am. @ ALH Have a Merry Christmas!!
Senator Dan Liljenquist: Medicaid or go Broke? Jan. 7th 7:00pm @ City Hall in Bntfl.
School Board Report: Barbara Derricott The State School Board is very entrenched with the idea of All Day Kindergarten and trying to see if they can get the Legislature to approve the 7.5M needed to fund the program. They also are looking into grading schools A-F, similar to what Florida did to raise their education performance with their students. The meetings are on the 1st Friday of each month. We need others who would be willing to attend, either morning or afternoon to help Barb cover the 3 different committee hearings.
David County Update: Davis County District Attorney Troy Rawlings was there to report on a community decency ordinance that is being violated by Victoria Secrets and Spencer Gifts. There will be a meeting for this issue in January and it will be very important for us to show up and show support for our Community Decency Standards. Troy has received over 400 emails in the last 3 weeks about this issue and he is very committed to doing what he can to protect Davis County from the influence of soft porn and the effect it has on our children.
Troy also spoke about the need for a Gang Task Force here in Davis County to help curtail a growing problem that he is seeing with gang activity. Right now 20% of the individuals in our county jails are known gang members. A gang task force would be ideal in being proactive with the different agencies in Davis County to deal with this issue. If you are in support of Davis County forming a County Wide Gang Task Force, the most important thing we can do is let our Mayors, City Council Members and Mayors know that we support this idea.
Due to time restraints, Troy was unable to report in detail on the gang activity in Davis County so we will have him back in January to discuss that issue with us in more detail. Davis County is still a safe place to be living, however we want to be pro-active to keep it that way. The following is contact information for the Bountiful Community:
Mayor Joe Johnson jjohnson@bountifulutah.gov
Councilman Tom Tolman tomsgrafix@aol.com
Councilman Fred Moss fred@dominioneng.net
Councilman John Marc Knight John.knight@us,army.mil
Councilwoman Beth Holbrook sandrus@bountifulutah.gov
Councilman Scott Myers sandrus@bountifulutah.gov
Police Chief Tom Ross ross@bountifulutah.gov
Special Guest Speaker: Newly Elected LaVar Christensen We were excited to learn LaVar had been re-elected to the State Legislature as a Representative from Bountiful. He was able to hear Troy Rawlings speak and was familiar with the Miller Case that Troy had talked about with Community Decency Standards. LaVar is willing to help Troy in any way he can from the legislative angle. LaVar also spoke about Principle #4 from the 5,000 Year Leap, religion in government. He did a wonderful job sharing all the different ways religion and morality were woven into the daily fabric of our Founding Fathers. The wall of separation between Church and State that Thomas Jefferson referred to was only Contained in a writtenletter to the Danbury Baptist Church in 1803. It is not found anywhere in the Constitution, the Bill of Rights or the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson had been referring to the Federal Government not having any say in any religious matters; that was left up to the states.
LaVar also shared with us the spiritual influence he received when he was writing Amendment 3 of the Utah Constitution and how critical each and every word was that he was crafting. This Amendment protects Traditional Marriage here in Utah, so we don’t end up with the same nightmare that we see happening in California with Prop 8.
We are excited to have LaVar’s wisdom and expertise this year in the Legislature to help protect families here in Utah.
Special Thanks to Marilyn Nielson and Diane Prince for providing soup and rolls for our luncheon.
Our next Meeting will be on January 12th 10:00-12:00pm at the Bountiful American Legion Hall 52 W. 200 S. Have a Merry Christmas!

2010-10-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

*** We had a wonderful meeting yesterday with Rep. Sandstrom and learned the real facts behind the illegal immigration problem. Minutes to the meeting will follow so you can read about what was discussed. KJZZ TV was interested in filming a story about our UWF and will air on KJZZ Channel 14 this coming Sunday morning, October 17, @ 9:30am - the Utah Matters Program. Both Debra Poulsen and Kris Kimball are in the 30 minute segment, so give it a watch.

*** This coming Tuesday the 19th there is a Cottage Meeting for Nicole Toomey Davis from 9:30am-10:30am at Kris Kimball's home 1252 Lorien Dr. Come and bring your questions and a friend.

*** Below is the audio link to the Education Forum that we sponsored back on September 29th with Kim Burningham and Nicole Toomey Davis, please take time to listen in so you can hear what both candidates have to say.

https://www.yousendit.com/download/WTNLak8wQXBrUmswTVE9PQ

*** Next UWF General Meeting - November 10th 10:00-12:00pm at the American Legion Hall, 52 W. 200 S. in Bountiful. Special Guest Speaker Rep. LaVarr Christensen Principle #4 from the 5,000 Year Leap “The Role of Religion”.

October 2010 UWF General Meeting

2010-10-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

Conducting: Diane Prince
Prayer: Laura Dixon
Pledge: Marilyn Nielsen
Announcements: Kris Kimball
KJAZZ is looking to do a show highlighting our United Women’s Forum. It would air on a Sunday
morning; details will be provided later on, if it ends up going on TV. A signup sheet was passed around to
handle luncheon assignments for the rest of our calendar year. Thank you to all of those who signed up
to help. It is renewal time for the UWF; the yearly membership fee is $10.00 and can be mailed to Kris
Kimball 1252 Lorien Dr. Bountiful, UT. 84010, make check out to UWF. TJC Monthly Patriots Package was
introduced; it is a monthly lesson plan including a DVD to teach Constitutional Principles to your family.
A Lesson plan for all ages; adult, teens and children is provided. Cost is $17.87/packet. Petitions were
passed out from the Family Watch International Group. The petitions are a pledge to support traditional
families. Sharon Slater’s wonderful book; Stand for the Family is available for only $10.00. Contact Kris
Kimball if you want your own copy for your home. Kris Kimball and Barb Derricott are hosting a Cottage
Meeting for Nicole Toomey Davis at Kris’ home on October 19th at 9:30am-10:30am 1252 Lorien Dr.
Bountiful, UT
Education Update: Nicole Toomey Davis reported for Barb Derricott. Nicole attended the
School Board Meeting in September. She reported how there was a real lack of learning and acceptance
of looking at new ideas in education. The extended day Kindergarten Plan was talked about that
contained a budget increase of 7M dollars; the attitude of the board was to just ask for the money from
the Legislature (or us the tax payers) without any talk or consideration on how they could find the
money themselves within their own budget. The information that Florida Gov. Jeb Bush shared about
the “Florida Miracle” was dismissed and not really given any consideration. She found the state school
board to be more defensive of new ideas instead of looking to see what they can learn from others.
State School Board Meetings are held on the 1st Friday of the month, anyone is welcome to go up and
help sit in and hear what is going on. If you decide you want to go be sure to give Barb Derricott a call
801-298-1891 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 801-298-1891 end_of_the_skype_highlighting to coordinate what meetings you would like to listen in on.

Minutes of General Meeting - May 12, 2010

2010-06-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

Bella Vida Clubhouse, North Salt Lake, Utah

Conducting: Diane Prince
Prayer: Jennifer Bertin
Pledge of Allegiance: Julie Hattabaugh
Announcements: Kris Kimball
• May 19 – Interim Session of the Utah State Legislature (contact Kris if you want to carpool)
• June 18 – Patrick Henry Caucus Picnic for Davis & Weber counties
• June 22 – Primary Election here – possibility of a United Women’s Forum sponsored candidate debate (District 19 & 20) – watch for notification
• July 17 Glenn Beck ‘American Revival’ at Energy Solutions Arena (10 am to 4 pm) – contact Kris immediately if you would like to go with UWF members
• Please donate, if you can, to the Koins for Kenya School fundraiser – we have just $700 needed to make the $10,000 amount needed for the Miguneni School; Kris and her daughter will be going there this summer! Thanks to everyone!

Principle #2 from The 5000 Year Leap: Hillary Diven
“A Free People Cannot Survive Under a Republican Constitution
Unless They Remain Virtuous and Morally Strong”
Hillary presented this in a very engaging way, acting as a spokesman recognizing individuals for acts and attributes of a virtuous nature and the way they positively affect our society. She passionately mentioned statesmen from the past for contributions they have made as well handing out ‘good citizen’ awards to members of the audience. In this chapter we are reminded that, “…each man must somehow be persuaded to submerge his personal wants into the greater good of the whole. Thanks Hillary!

Special Guest Speaker intro by: Nancy Peterson
Mr. LaVar Christensen
LaVar Christensen comes from a long line of public servants. He received his B.A. degree from Brigham Young University and his Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He served in the Utah State Legislature from 2002-06 from District 48 (Sandy/Draper). Christensen was instrumental in the campaign for implementing Utah's successful Constitutional Amendment in support of traditional marriage.

Mr. Christensen prefaced his remarks by telling us of an experience he had as a 10-year-old where he realized he had an over-whelming love of his country and its history; indeed he said that the founding fathers were his boyhood heroes. As an adult, pursuing his law degree continued his awareness of the wonderful founding principles of our country. Much of what Mr. Christensen covered concerned the topic related to our principle today, that of ‘public virtue’. Some of his many points were:
• Our founding fathers did not want an all-powerful government similar to the monarchy they had just overthrown
• Posed the question of what is ‘public virtue’ – our rights come from our Creator and our Constitution was written for a moral people
• Virtue demands us to subordinate selfish, personal wants for the greater good of the people as a whole
• He challenged us to be a bold voice of morality
• He told of Pres. Lincoln’s warning to “beware of the silent artillery of time” --- hasn’t God been pushed into a closet and the door has been locked --- people can’t even mention him, it seems; many have turned their back on religion of any kind
• He said he does not like to be labeled a politician; rather he truly sees himself as a ‘public servant’
• In referencing current government, he said, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.”
• He told of Pres. Lincoln being berated and called ‘unfashionable’ as he expressed his belief in divine providence
• He told us the story of the phrase “separation of church and state” coming from an obscure letter written once by Jefferson --- this phrase is NOT in our Constitution or Bill of Rights
• He cited many examples of religious affiliation that have been ruled unconstitutional and said we should expect more of that in the future
• He spoke of the ACLU being in the business of dismantling religion
• He cited a quote by Chesterton saying, “Tolerance is the virtue of those who no longer believe in anything.”
He then took questions from the audience on several different topics.
We thank him for a most interesting hour!

September 8th is our next regular United Women’s Forum Meeting! Have a great summer.

Meet the Candidate Event April 23, 2010 House Seat District 20

2010-04-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

Candidate Responses from The United Women’s Forum

1. SB77 Prohibits Education Union Representatives Taxpayer paid “release time” to lobby the State
Legislature or be in the State Legislature. How did you vote or how would you have voted for this
bill? DJ Schanz YES B. Edwards NO C. Loftis (needed more education)

2. A bill to amend the State Constitution and exempt Utah from the Federal Affirmative Action
program was debated this last Legislative Session. How would you have voted/or how did you
vote on this bill? DJ Schanz YES B. Edwards NO C. Loftis YES

3. How would you have voted/or did vote on SB251 E-Verify Bill?
DJ Schanz YES B. Edwards YES C. Loftis YES

4. How important is Republican Party loyalty to you? Have you ever voted for anyone other than a
Republican Candidate and if so whom? It was determined in that:
DJ Schanz voted for Ron Paul in Primary; didn’t vote in General Election due to an emergence
Business Trip to New York. B. Edwards voted in the Primaries for Barack Obama C. Loftis voted
for Barack Obama in the General Election

5. Ethics Initiative Petition; were you for or against this petition?
DJ Schanz AGAINST B. Edwards FOR C. Loftu AGAINST

6. There was a bill to allow citizens an easier process to remove their name off of any petition that
they sign. A process that no longer involves a Notary Public. How did/or would you have voted
for this bill? DJ Schanz FOR B. Edwards AGAINST C. Loftis FOR

7. Do you feel Government at any level should designate special rights to specific groups of people?
Examples were the Salt Lake City Discrimination Ordinance in regards to employment and
housing for homosexuals and the Common Ground Initiatives from the previous legislative
session. DJ. Schanz NO B. Edwards YES C. Loftis NO

There were other questions asked about the education budget and what their 3 highest priorities were
facing the state of Utah. However their answers were longer and therefore will not be reported for the
sake of not leaving out something important from their answer

UNITED WOMEN’S FORUM Minutes - March 17, 2010

2010-03-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

Conducting: Diane Prince
Prayer: Laura Dickson
Pledge of Allegiance: Sue Mercer
Announcements: Kris Kimball
• Caucus Meetings: Tuesday, March 23, 7 pm; locations by District and Party, available online
• US Healthcare – current tactic to circumvent Senate vote – discussion of ways to contact Rep. Jim Matheson who is undecided
• April 9 UWF-sponsored Forum of Utah US Senatorial candidates; 7 pm at the Bountiful City Council chambers

Guest introduction of Utah District 20 candidate for House seat, DJ Schanz—he was given a few minutes to introduce himself and tell of his views.

Principle #3 from The 5000 Year Leap: Tenna Hartman
“The Most Promising Method of Securing a Virtuous and Morally
Stable People is to Elect Virtuous Leaders”
This is a very timely topic with caucus meetings next week. She began with a quote by A. Maslow and then went on to tell of his hierarchy of needs model. This pyramid includes: basic biological & physiological needs, safety & security needs, belonging and love needs and finally at the top, esteem. Once a person reaches that level, they are able to share with others. These people can serve others in public position. It is incumbent upon us to elect those with high ideals. Samuel Adams said, “He therefore is the truest friend to liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man.” He goes on to say that public officials should have experience, training, proven virtue and demonstrated wisdom. Tenna challenged us to study this chapter and be involved in the upcoming grass-roots process in our community.

Special Guest Speaker: intro by Diane Prince
Utah Senator Dan Liljenquist
Dan is married to Brooke Davies, father of 5 and #6 due in May. He has a degree in Economics from Brigham Young University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Chicago. He is a business owner and former strategy consultant. He was elected to the Utah Senate in 2008. He is the vice-chair of the House Appropriations Committee and is highly respected on Utah’s Capitol Hill.

He began with some comments on the recent downfall of two fellow legislators, Killpack and Garn. It is very unfortunate as both of these men have worked hard of difficult problems facing the citizens of Utah. Without passing judgment he explained that politics can be ‘intoxicating’ including being able to handle power and pride; it can sometimes alter an individual’s sense of reality. He said as constituents we must be vigilant when it comes to those we have elected.

His main topic was a summary or legislative session ‘wrap-up’. Topics included ethics reform, pensions for government employees, budget issues, Utah’s rainy-day fund, education funding (public and charter schools), federal vs. state land issues, etc. Much of his focus, because of his assignment on the Appropriations Committee, was on the good resolution of the state budget in these terrible economic times. He said that Utah is only 1 of 3 states that even has any savings; the Legislature did not touch the ‘rainy-day’ funds. He also pointed out that 95% of what the Legislature does has to do with money and that is what impacts people’s lives. Overall, he is pleased with the results of this session given the current economic problems

He believes in smaller federal government and strong state government---that Utah needs to make sure it is self-sufficient.

He was asked about his future public service but said he does not know what the time frame will be, but said, “Make your life count.” He ended with a quote by Adam Lindsey Gordon: “Life is mostly froth and bubble, Two things stand like stone, Kindness in another’s trouble, Courage in your own.”

Luncheon provided by:
Jyl Marsden, Julie Hattabaugh and Kris Kimball

Next UWF Meeting April 14th
Special Screening in honor of Earth Week “Not Evil Just Wrong” and Principle 7 from The 5,000 Year Leap “The Proper Role of Government is to Protect Equal Rights, not Provide Equal Things.”

2010-02-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

United Women’s Forum February 2010 Minutes

2010-02-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

Conducting: Diane Prince

Prayer: Janet Seamons

Pledge: Jyl Marsden

Announcements: Kris Kimball; update from the Legislature on the abortion bill and states’ rights bills. Upcoming events Constitution Seminar Feb 19 and 20, Lunch with the Legislators Feb. 17

Jim Nielson introduced himself as a candidate; he is in the same race with Kris Kimball, along with Ben Horsley and John Pitt. They are running for District 19 House Seat currently held by Sheryl Allen

5 Minute Principle: #16 Tammy Hulse

Speaker Cherilyn Eagar (submitted from notes Tammy Hulse provided from her newsletter.)

I had an opportunity to listen to Cherilyn Eager last week as she spoke to the United Women’s Forum in North Salt Lake. This was a unique opportunity, for she was not speaking as a candidate, but as a woman to other women who wanted to preserve liberty. She shared an observation made by a government leader in Washington. “When a conservative woman walks in the room, it neutralizes the effect of her liberal counterparts” When one conservative woman speaks out it has a great effect. The liberals recognize the threat and have responded with attacks on women like Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann. Good women across the country must not underestimate the power of influence they hold! Cherilyn talked about the great women who have influenced her life and said that they have three characteristics in common.
1. They do not quit
2. They speak out on principles
3. They are “magnanimous” in meeting adversity and opposition.

The definition of magnanimous is to be courageously noble in mind and heart. A magnanimous woman possesses a loftiness of spirit which enables her to bear trouble calmly, to disdain meanness and pettiness, and to display a noble generosity and forgiveness of others. A woman of such a character has a powerful influence on her community.
Mothers who have sacrificed so much to bear and nurture children have developed such a character. Women who have defended correct principles and high moral standards in the work place and community have displayed magnanimous leadership. I know that our state and nation has many, many women of such character.

Lunch provided by Diane Prince, Marge Clayton, and Kris Kimball

March United Women’s Forum meeting will be March 17th a week later than normal. Our guest speaker will be Senator Dan Liljenquist, He will be telling us what happened in the Legislative Session and that is why the week delay. We will also be covering Principle #3 of the 5,000 Year Leap.

United Women's Forum January 13, 2010

2010-01-19T15:49:00.001-08:00

UNITED WOMEN’S FORUM Minutes of General Meeting held Jan. 13, 2010
Bella Vida Clubhouse, North Salt Lake

Conducting: Kris Kimball

Prayer: Marilyn Nelson

Pledge of Allegiance: Celestia Himstreet

Announcements: Kris Kimball

· 14 Jan. (Thurs.) – Sutherland Institues hosting a Forum on the Ethics Initiative; call 801 355-1271 or visit www.sutherland.org for details.

· 15 Jan. (Friday) – Independence Caucus Constitutional Evening ; see www.independencecaucus.org for details to register.

· 16 Jan. (Saturday) – Eagle Forum Convention, 9 am to 9 pm.; see www.utaheagleforum.com to register

· 23 Jan. (Saturday) – Common Sense Rally, 5 pm in the Pinnacle Building in Orem; free event with 3 speakers, live patriotic music, delegate training and Constitutional class.

· 30 Jan. (Saturday) – Free Concert at the Capitol rotunda with the Millennium Choir and 500 singers from state high school choirs. Speakers, music, with the concert called, “One Nation Under God”. This 1 hour and 15 minute event will focus on God being the author of our rights, and not the government.

· 31 Jan. – Sunday evening fireside by Dr. Glenn Kimber regarding family organizations, family finances, missions, and community; from 6-8 pm, tentative location is the American Legion Hall in Bountiful at 52 W. 200 South.

· 19 & 20 Feb. (Fri. & Sat.) – Constitution Class begins again ‘God’s Hand in the Building of America’. All 4 sessions will be covered in this 2-day event. Cost is $39.00 and includes your workbook. Friday night hours 6:30-9:30 pm; Saturday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Must sign up and pay in advance. Seminar to be held in the American Legion Hall in Bountiful, 52 W. 200 So.

Training: Kris Kimball

· Democracy or Republic – showed a short YouTube video on this subject. This was a great civics review lessons. Highlights include 1)Explanation of the different forms of government, with ‘oligarchy’ being the most common one in the world; 2)the proper amount of government makes everyone more free; 3)Democracy is the rule of the people, can include at its worst, ‘mob rule’; 4)the word ‘democracy’ does not appear in any of our country’s founding documents; 5)Republic is government by the Law and is how our country was founded; 6)the “essence of freedom is the proper limitation of government” It can be viewed by going to YouTube and entering ‘democracy vs republic’.

· Current Ethics Initiative signature campaign – Kris gave us a handout to explain this to us and the pitfalls of it. Some sites to visit to become more educated about it include www.le.Utah.gov and www.strengthendemocracy.org and www.utahnsforethicalgovernment.org It is vital that people do not sign this petition without knowing what they are signing. It is found in some local businesses.

Training: Dalane England

Dalane’s handout was titled “How to have fun LOBBYING your Legislature”! With the Utah State Legislative session scheduled to begin on January 25, 2010, she presented a wonderful starter course for citizens like us to become involved. One of her main points was to let us know it is not difficult or scary to be involved, either from home or going to the Capitol in person. For starters, of course, the website to bookmark is www.le.utah.gov

Some things covered were:

· Sending Emails: Put the title and number of bill in the ‘subject’ line; include YES or NO on the subject line too; when mailing several legislators, send ‘BCC’ using a generic greeting, i.e. ‘Dear Representative’ or ‘Dear Senator’; if mailing separately, cut and paste and add their name.

· Check your email for all Representative and Senator addresses – they will be sent; then cut and paste into your contact list.

· Park in the northeast parking lot or on the street where not prohibited; if you arrive before 7:30 a.m., you can usually get a spot in the east parking lot.

· UWF members can meet at the Eagle Forum spot in the southeast corner of the Cafeteria, which is in the East building.

· For locations of meetings, the East Building is the Senate Building and will have ‘S Rm#; the West Building is the House Building and will have ‘H Rm#’ and rooms in the Capitol itself will say ‘C Rm#’.

· In Committee meetings, take notes then go back and share information. They are from 8:00 to Noon and 2:00 to 4:00.

· Floor time – take notes then share information. They are 10:00 to Noon and 2:00 to 4:00.

· Website has tons of information and is user-friendly. Video and audio feeds are available for many events.

· There is a ‘Tracking’ service on the site that allows you to list bills that you want email reminders about and updated information on that will alert you in your email.

· There is also a ‘What’s Happening Today’ feature that can be very valuable.

· Phone calls and written notes are also valuable to do

Kris and Dalane will be there throughout the session on many days and are happy to meet you or even carpool. Sometimes going with someone else may make you feel more comfortable going when it is unfamiliar at first. Kris also will only email lots of information during the session to those who request it. If you want to be included in that, just let her know.

Lunch: provided by Jennifer Bertin, Hillary Diven and Janet Seamons

Next Meeting: February 10, 2010 at the Bella Vida Clubhouse, North Salt Lake

MINUTES - November 2009

2009-11-16T15:11:00.000-08:00

UWF General Meeting

Conducting: Kris Kimball welcomed all on this Veteran’s Day

Prayer: Celestia Himstreet

Pledge of Allegiance: Kris Kimball

Announcements by Kris Kimball:
• Thanks to Kaylma Rohrer, who has had to step down as Treasurer of UWF
• Introduced Jyl Marsden, new UWF Treasurer
• Nov. 12 Meet US Senate candidate Cherilyn Eager, 6-9 pm, Joy Luck Restaurant in Bountiful, (buy your own food)
• Nov. 13 ‘Freedom Rally’ at State Capitol, 10 am to Noon, training to be a state delegate
• Nov. 18 (Wednesday) Interim Legislative Session, 12:30-1:30 ‘Joe the Plumber’ as guest speaker
• Nov. 19 Candidate Cherilyn Eager and guest ‘Joe the Plumber’, 7:30-9:30 again at Joy Luck Restaurant, Bountiful

Call to Action: Marge Clayton
Mentioned recent passage of Health Care Bill in the US House of Representatives to remind us to be informed and to take time to let your views be known to your Senators about this important legislation. This is not the time to be apathetic!

Special Guest: Anthony Yama, from Mnyenzeni, Kenya --- Koins for Kenya Board of Directors
Mr. Yama expressed thanks to the forum for allowing him to take a few minutes. He thanked us for being members of a women’s forum, which would not be common in his country of Kenya; indeed, many women have no voice at all in political events. He is the father of 3 children; he said it is difficult to raise children in Africa, for many reasons: as an example, 60% die before the age of 6 and 50% of women die in childbirth. Even clean water is rare and daily life is difficult for the majority of people. The hardships of their ailing economy is helped by US aid.
Mr. Yama is a schoolteacher and principal of a village school. He volunteers for Koins for Kenya, a non-profit organization that builds schools in rural Kenya. He has seen first-hand the results of their efforts in helping to build schools where educational aid is desperately needed. The village shares in the responsibility for 10% of the cost of a school and also provides many of the materials and much of the manpower. Kris Kimball hopes we can be aware of this organization and then perhaps individuals will want to contribute. She and her daughter recently returned from a Koins for Kenya trip and would like to help raise money for a school. The amount needed would be about $10,000.

Guest Speaker: Gayle Ruzicka, President of the Utah Eagle Forum
Gayle was introduced by Dalane England as a woman who has been involved in Eagle Forum for 35 years and president for 20 years! She praised her as being articulate and courageous in standing for conservative principles. She also said she has a wonderful, supportive husband and is the mother of 12 outstanding children.

Gayle’s subject was the 21st Principle from The 5000 Year Leap: that “Strong Local Self-Government is the Keystone to Preserving Human Freedom”. She quoted Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers, who was one who espoused the importance of the states retaining their right to govern.
This is an important principle that Gayle Ruzicka works at and sees first-hand with her many years of experience with our Utah’s legislature. It is at the local and state government level that we can make changes, make a difference and see results. She noted that state law truly affects citizens directly and quickly. She explained also that the Utah Eagle Forum consists of volunteer citizen lobbyists, who along with any citizens have voices that can influence legislators. She said that aside from face to face contact, that telephoning a legislator may be the best way, texting them is good, and emails are good too. However, emails from their constituents carry the most weight. She also recommended to us that in contacting them regarding a bill that we should always reference the name of the bill and not just the number.
The remainder of the time she discussed local issues, primarily the passing by Salt Lake City just the day before of a new housing and employment discrimination ordinance; this is aimed at anti-gay discrimination.

Luncheon provided by: Janet Seamons, Ali Bell, Debra Poulsen, & Kris Kimball.

NEXT UWF Meeting: January 13, 2010 at the Bella Vida Clubhouse

MINUTES – October 14, 2009

2009-10-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

CONDUCTING: Debra Poulsen

PRAYER: Dalane England

PLEDGE: Evelyn Neville

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Debra Poulsen reminded those present of the weekly Constitution classes held on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm at the American Legion Building in Bountiful. She said they are excellent!

Dalane England encouraged us to be aware, educated and active in our communities, especially with upcoming elections. She cited a couple of recent issues in Bountiful and said she has a more detailed list if anyone wants to contact her.

PRINCIPLE of FREEDOM: Jyl Marsden presented Principle #22 from The 5000 Year Leap on a free people being governed by law and not the whims of men. Without law, our rights are not secure and we are actually less free because we are not protected. She also shared the fact that she was a little hesitant about reading this book, but since doing so, she loves it. She said because it was out in their home, even her 17-year-old son picked it up and read it! Thank you for the great endorsement, Jyl.

GUEST SPEAKER: Nancy Peterson introduced our guest speaker, Mr. Alexander Dushku. He is a graduate of the BYU Law School and has been a partner in the Salt Lake City law firm of Kirton & McConkie since 1996. In 2007, he and former Solicitor General Kenneth W. Starr coauthored a brief to the California Supreme Court in the Marriage Cases on behalf of major faith groups. The brief demonstrated the importance of traditional marriage and its vital role in society.

Mr. Dushku very eloquently expanded on the topic of law in a democratic society. He began by reminding us that even our great country will have ups and downs, but that it is always essential for people to keep ‘fighting for what is right. He commended the United Women’s Forum for being one on those “small groups that are the underpinnings of democracy.”

He talked about the meaning of law and said that the ‘rule of law’ exists to resolve conflicts. He said that one of his main points today would be for us to know that the law is not made or enforced by God or machines but by men and women like us. That is why it is so vital that we help elect good, moral representatives in government.

He told us the history of the gay marriage issue in California from its earliest beginnings to the most recent Proposition 8 results in the last election. He told of the series of progressive rights extended in that state that has been one of the things that led to the current ‘conflict’ there. As noted in his introduction, he has been to the California Supreme Court on this issue.

He taught us of the different kinds of laws and who those are that end up interpreting and administering laws that are made. He emphasized once again that “we cannot escape the rule of man on this earth.” He brought us full circle to his opening point about the importance of good, moral people working to elect good, moral and righteous leaders. He also said “there is no escape from the hard work of democracy.” Be open, educated and involved!

SALADS & ROLLS were provided by Janet Seamons and Julie Hattabaugh.

NEXT MEETING: November 14, 2009 at the Bella Vida Clubhouse at 10:00 a.m. Our guest speaker will be Gayle Ruzicka, President of the Utah Eagle Forum.

MINUTES - September 9, 2009

2009-09-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

Conducting: Kris Kimball

Prayer: Jyl Marsden

Pledge: Kris Kimball

Announcements: Freedom’s Light Foundation presents A Celebration of the Constitution September 17, @ Northridge High School 7:00pm. September 18^th and 19^th @ Bountiful City Park from 10:00-10:00PM. Great event to attend with the whole family and it’s free. Thanks to Dalane England and all her work in putting this together this year.

Constitution Classes are still available on Tuesday Evenings at the American Legion Hall at 52 W. 200 S. in Bountiful. Classes presented through the Thomas Jefferson Center.

Don’t forget to vote this coming Tuesday September 15^th. Jennifer Brown and her husband are attending the Freedom Rally in Washington D.C. this weekend. 9-12 Rally will be up at the State Capitol from 10:00-2:00PM on September 12^th.

Principle of Freedom: Our Vice President Diane Prince presented the 18^th Principle from the 5,000 Year Leap.

Guest Speaker: Jeff Allen gave a great lesson through Key Word Analysis on the 18^th Principle which is: The unalienable rights of the people are most likely to be preserved if the principles of government are set forth in a written Constitution” We learned that a weakness of the Anglo-Saxon Common Law was that it was not written down. The tradition of written constitutions in modern times is entirely of American origin. Something else we can be proud of as Americans!

Salads were provided by; Marge Clayton and Celestia Himstreet

Next Meeting:

October 14^th at 10:00am at the Bella Vida Clubhouse in North Salt Lake. Our guest speaker will be Alexander Dushku Attorney and authority on Constitutional Law. We will be studying the 22 Principle; A Free People should be governed by law and not by the whims of men.

INVITATION

2009-06-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

We invite you join us at our FIRST fundraiser event! Featuring guest speakers Congressman Jason Chaffetz
and Bob Lonsberry, this casual attire dinner event will be a night you don't want to miss! Join us Friday,
June 5th at the Butterfield Park Pavilion in Herriman, Utah beginning at 7 p.m. Click here for the location.

Please RSVP today and let us know you will be here to support Freedom and The Patrick Henry Caucus!

Are you unable to attend? You can still show your support by making your donation today!

The Patrick Henry Caucus is dedicated to the ideals established by our Founding Fathers as enshrined in the
Declaration of Independence and in the Constitution. The Caucus believes the Constitution is an inspired
document and should be adhered to strictly, as the Founders intended.
For more information, please visit www.thepatrickhenrycaucus.org

MAY MINUTES

2009-05-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

United Women’s Forum Minutes

May 13, 2009 - Bella Vida Clubhouse, North Salt Lake, Utah.

Our new president, Kris Kimball welcomed us and outlined the format of today’s meeting. She thanked the Bella Vida people for allowing us the use of their beautiful facility. She recognized our hostess, Annette for preparing things for us. An opening prayer was offered by Barbra Spuhler and we were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Jyl Marsden.

Given the current political climate, Vicki Harbertson presented the timely Principle of Freedom to us. It is Principle #19 from Cleon Skousen’s book, “The 5000 Year Leap”. The subject is “Only Limited and Carefully Defined Powers should be Delegated to Government, all Others Being Retained in the People.” She said that the limiting power of the federal government was one of the most hotly contested issues among the founding fathers. The writers of the Constitution carefully crafted the writing of it to protect the rights of states and the rights of citizens. The adversary of these protected rights has always been the love of power by an individual or groups of individuals. Thankfully, these writers of our Constitution included an elaborate system of checks and balances; however, as citizens we must watch closely those who would try to destroy these protections.

Dalane England then presented a couple of announcements. Her first was her idea of starting a “Constitution Day” to be held in Bountiful on or around September 17^th, which was the day the U.S. Constitution was signed. This is a mandated subject of instruction in the public schools, but is often given insufficient attention. Her concept is to have a community ‘festival’ patterned after the successful Colonial Days held in the summer in Provo, Utah. She would want to include people from our forum and the surrounding community as a whole, as well as the youth from the local schools, first-person dramatizations, costumes, speakers, etc. She is looking for interest level and volunteers right now. She also has a quote from President Brigham Young, second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the first Governor of Utah which is still timely concerning our stewardship over the earth that we live on. She has a few copies available and will email it to anyone who is interested in reading it.

Laura Bunker of United Families International gave some brief comments about a local issue. She made us aware again of an experience at a public hearing in Bountiful some months ago concerning an alcohol variance for a restaurant. A group of citizens were treated with inappropriate disrespect by city leaders as they raised their voice of opposition on this variance; it was later made known that the granting of this variance was a “deal behind closed doors”. In any case, there is a high level of interest among many citizens for a change in public officials. There are already two candidates, Jeff Novak and Phil Wright. She encouraged members of our forum to be actively involved in being involved in this in any way that they can give support. She made us aware of a public meeting to be held the evening of June 18 at the Bountiful Library for any citizens of this city.

Kris Kimball made two quick announcements before beginning the DVD presentation. First, she made us aware of a news conference at noon on Wednesday, May 20 at the Capitol building in conjunction with the Patrick Henry Caucus (States’ Rights). Secondly, she referenced something to watch for this October—a film called “Not Evil, Just Wrong” based on scientific evidence of climate change. This was a good lead-in to the DVD of a speech presented by Dr. John R. Christy, a climatologist from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. This talk contained his scientific evidence of normal cyclical climate change which is an attempt to challenge the current “gloom & doom” frenzy of so-called ‘Global Warming’ that is dominating the media right now. He began by offering a quote that says, ‘Some people will do anything to save the earth, except take a science course!’ He continued by pointing out that we simply cannot change climate and that many things we see occurring are consistent with the variations seen in world climate patterns when followed for extended periods of time. He posed the question then, ‘Why is climate alarmism succeeding?’ He then answered that it is the politicians, bureaucrats, celebrities and others with economic agendas that are using this hysteria to their advantage. His talk showed interesting climatic scientific evidence to oppose the idea of “global warming”; in addition, he showed much evidence of the importance of energy growth on improved quality of life, improved health, and longevity of life. He strongly supports proper stewardship of the earth and its resources. It was a valuable viewpoint to be exposed to for all of those in attendance.

Our next Forum Meeting will be September 9^th at 10:00-12:00PM at Bella Vida in North Salt Lake. The next Interim Session up at The Capitol is June 17^th, put that on your calendars so you can come up and watch. Have a great summer and we’ll see you in the fall. Be sure to visit www.unitedwomensforumblogspot.com and become a fan of our Forum on Facebook. It’s a great way to stay informed with important events that happen during the summer.

Salads

Eileen Gardner

Becky Nelson

Kris Kimball

UWF 2 Year Celebration April 8, 2009

2009-05-24T18:53:00.000-07:00

2009-04-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

United Women’s Forum

2 Year Birthday Celebration

April 8^th, 2009

On April 8, 2009, the United Women’s Forum celebrated its second birthday with a special General Meeting hosted at the Bella Vida Clubhouse, thanks to Steven Smoot, in North Salt Lake. Our out-going President, Debra Poulsen conducted the meeting. The prayer was offered by Diane Bachman, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by Susie Heaton.

Debra Poulsen gave some remarks concerning the evolvement of the organization. She said that our logo of many different hands captured the essence of our organization as we bring women together to reach out in service. She reminded us of our organization’s 3-fold mission:

To educate, motivate, and inspire
To strengthen family, faith, and freedom
To study the principles of our divinely inspired Founding Fathers—who did not invent these principles, but rather who loved and lived them

She said it is especially important in an increasingly Godless, secular world that people of faith need to stand firm in defending their values. She expressed gratitude for what she, and hopefully many of us, have learned and have pushed ourselves to become involved in. She also hopes that we can continue to support these precious and enduring principles.

Debra invited steering committee members to come forward and then thanked them for their service in their different responsibilities. She presented each woman with a small gift. She said that a healthy organization can and should move forward with new leadership; this will bring new enthusiasm, ideas, and creativity. She formally introduced our new president, Kris Kimball. Debra promised continued support and full confidence in Kris!

Kris Kimball then thanked Debra for her amazing contribution to this organization; indeed Debra’s initiative in seeing the need for a women’s forum as a new resident of Utah two years ago and being behind its original formation. Kris then introduced the new Steering Committee, which will be comprised of the following women:

Vice President Issues & Education: Diane Prince

Vice-President Speakers & Membership: Nancy Peterson

Secretary: Jennifer Bertin

Treasurer: Kaylma Rohrer

Publicist: Janet Seamons

Membership: Becky Nelson

Blog Assistant: Marge Clayton

Advisors: Laura Bunker, Dalane England and Debra Poulsen

Kris noted that as women, we are inherently drawn to the preservation of life and that when women are educated about and are armed with true principles, they can move forward in positive ways. She presented Debra with a beautiful basket of many different growing plants, which she said can represent the diversity of women in our organization.

Debra Poulsen introduced our host and special guest speaker, Mr. Steven Smoot. He is the president and founder of the Family First Foundation, which has helped address family policy in worldwide efforts. He is also the owner and manager of Eaglewood Development here in Utah. Mr. Smoot is the Executive Producer of the documentary that we viewed later called “Demographic Winter—the decline of the human family”.

He gave some brief remarks to preface the film by discussing declining birthrates in many countries throughout the world and the enormous effect that will have on their futures. He stressed how important it is to educate and inform people and governments on the need to view children as a blessing, and not a burden. He says that many view children as more “carbon footprints” to spoil the world. He citied a few examples of countries (that will be citied in the documentary) who have ignored their ‘human capital’; this in turn has led to serious economic and social decline. It is the hope of him and all those who have contributed to and collaborated on this film that they can educate many and hopefully stop these alarming and serious trends.

We viewed the film “Demographic Winter – the decline of the human family”.

Following that was a delicious lunch for all, provided by Linda Hess, salad; Ali Bell, salad; Paulette Bierwolf, salad; and Celestia Himstreet, rolls.

All attending could participate in a silent auction of items generously donated to benefit the United Women’s Forum. These included:

Seth Thomas Clock by Janet Seamons
Hampton Inn Hotel (coupon for one-night downtown SLC) by Kris Kimball
Kathy Van Zeeland purse by Kris Kimball
Mary Kay Gift Basket by Kris Kimball
Hand-made Note Cards (4 sets) by Nancy Peterson
Dinner coupons for Olive Garden by Debra Poulsen
1-hour Massage Coupon by Debra Poulsen
Book, “The Divine Truth” by author Diane Prince
Book, “What Men & Women Ought to Know about Each Other, by author Diane Prince
Oil Painting by artist Anne Marie Oborn

There were also copies of the book, “The 5000 Year Leap” and the DVD of “Demographic Winter” available for purchase. A portion of those funds will also go to the forum.

Our next general meeting, the final one until September, will be held on May 13, 2009.

Prayer: Marcie Alley

Pledge: Jyl Marsden

MINUTES - March 11, 2009

2009-03-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

Marge Clayton welcomed members of the forum at the Bountiful City Library at 10:15 am. the invocation was given by Marva Lyman and the pledge of Allegiance was led by Laurie Cutler.

Marge expressed gratitude for all of those attending and who have attended and are interested in a focus on the founding principles of our Constitution. Especially, in the troubled times we are living in, she said it is important to step up and take a stand on important matters. She referred to the book, "The 5000 Year Leap" by W. Cleon Skousen, from which we take our Principles of Freedom that are presented at our forum meetings. This book can greatly enhance our understanding of our country's founding principles and is available to anyone who does not yet have a copy.

The Principle of Freedom for this month was taught by Becky Nelson. The subject was "The Highest Level of Prosperity Occurs when there is a Free-market Economy and a Minimum of Government regulations." She began by reading us the 'Dedication' page at the front of the book which reminded us of our great Founding Fathers and the inspired Constitution they wrote. Today's principle deals with the creation of our free-market economy, its history and its contribution to the early prosperity of our country, in part due to a "minimum of governments regulations. She mentioned the 4 laws of Economic Freedom: to try, to buy, to sell, to fail. Then, in relating this principle to today's meeting topic, she taught us that one area of legitimate responsibility which belongs to government includes efforts to prevent "debauchery of the culteral standards and moral fiber of society by commercial exploitation of vice" which includes the distribution of pornography ---clearly a threat we are facing in our country today.

Marge Clayton thanked Becky and then asked us to think, 'What do I do now regarding this principle and how can I make a difference?' She also recognized a visitor, Fred Behrmann, whose specialty includes treating addiction with EFT. His pamphlets were available on the table for anyone interested.

Debra Poulsen gave us a report on the Legislature, shich is still in session. She also expressed appreciation for our inspired Founding Fathers. She then expressed enthusiastic and genuine thanks to many women of the forum who have become educated about and active in our state's legislative process. She is excited to see more women participating---some stepping out of their 'comfort zone'! She applauds women who have taken the initiative to get involved whether they attended meetings, testified to committees, wrote emails or called their Legislators. By raise of hand, many in attendance have been active in this cause! She specifically thanked Laura Bunker, Daland England and our President-elect Kris Kimball. It has made a difference for our forum to be recognized as a group who has had influence on pro0family issues. Some of the bills mentioned were: HB90, HB114, HB222, HB 353, HB 337, SB 187. You can visit the website: www.le.state.ut.us for details on these and other bills.

Diane Prince introduced our guest speaker, Mark Chamberlain, PhD. He is a Salt Lake City-based clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of sexual addiction. He is in private practice and the author of several books, including "Confronting Pornography."

Dr. Chamberlain began by telling of a very early introduction to the world of psychology. As a young boy he was part of a study by the well-known Victor B. Cline, PhD, that was looking at TV viewing and desensitization to violence, excitment, etc. He told us that his current work is primarily with individaul clients. He reference John Harmer and his work with the terrible effects of and addiction of pronography; he agrees with Mr. Harmer's views that the commercial exploitation of pornographic materials is one of the greatest threats to individuals and to our society as a whole. Dr. Chamberlain says people may have the view that his work is depressing; on the contrary he sees many of his clients enjoy a good outcome and being "freed" from this addiction of pornography.

Pornography is a huge problem in our society; from an economic standpoint, its income annually is over $80 billion, surpassing revenues of all professional sports and related businesses. Concerning the nature of the problem, he sited sudied done using rhesus monkeys that translate into comparable behavior in humans. Sexuality as a motivator is very strong; even stronger in males. Dr. Chamberlain also explained the role of emotions in those seeking pornography. Very stron human emotions including depression, anger, grustration, anxiety have been shown to be linked to compulsive behavior, such as involvement with pornography. Of course, expression of strong emotions in humans is natural in important, but must be redirected and not suppressed. He said often, if a person cannot talk it out, then sometimes they act it out in a less desirable way. He cited anonymous experiences and situations people he has treated to illustrate many of these points.

There were questions from the forum members throughout his remarks which he tried to answer. Many are concerned about family members, expecially children and grandchildren, and their exposure to this medium. Dr. Chamberlain encouraged us to pay attention to what our kids are doing on the computer and watch for changes in their behavior. Some behavioral changes he said to watch for include: DETACHMENT, MOODINESS, BEING IMPATIENT, BEING RECLUSIVE OR OVERLY JUDGEMENTAL. In addressing some of the concerns expressed, he said of great importance is an open communicative family environment. Young people who can talk to their parents, be involved in service, or who have a good spiritual support group, etc. can all help with prevention of pornography addiction.

Most importantly, he urged us to become educated and take time to warn and teach your family about pornography and what to do about it if they mistakenly come across it - before it happens to them.

To hear Dr. Chamberlain's complete talk you can click on the audio link here on our blog.

March 11, 2009 Forum Meeting with Dr. Mark Chamberlain

2009-03-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

Click to download Dr. Mark Chamberlian's Forum Meeting Audio.
http://www.zshare.net/audio/57346659e678e49e/

Next Meeting March 11, 2009

2009-03-02T22:27:00.000-08:00

United Women's Forum

Newsletter

March 2, 2009 Volume 14

MESSAGE FROM DEBRA POULSEN: I have had some “time out” with my computer because it has been down for a few weeks and so that is why you haven’t received a Newsletter for awhile. I’ve also experienced some “down time” with sickness and other concerns in my life. But as I have thought about the words: “time out” and “down time”, I have realized that it’s all ok. Especially in these times we really need to keep a healthy outlook about our circumstances and our experiences. If any of you have had some challenges that has slowed you down or necessitated some “time out, or down time”, I hope you will keep smiling and hang in there. Everything’s really ok.

On morning wings how active springs the mind

That leaves the load of yesterday behind!

…..Alexander Pope

Next United Women's Forum Meeting will be April 8th! Come to our Birthday Celebration; our Forum is 2 years old!

10:00am-12:00pm at the Bella Vida Club House in North Salt Lake off of Eaglewood Dr.

You will have the opportunity to view a Demographic Winter produced by Steve Smoot, participate in a Silent Auction and enjoy a light lunch complete with Birthday Cake. We will be honoring past Board Members as well as introduce new Board Members for the 2009-2010 year.

Seating is limited so RSVP to Kris Kimball @ 801-299-9597 to reserve your spot

UWF Minutes 2-11-2009

2009-02-13T18:57:00.001-08:00

Minutes February 11, 2009

Diane Prince welcomed the Forum at the Bountiful City Library at 10:15 am. Invocation was offered by Janet Seamons and Allie Bell led the Pledge of Allegiance.

This month’s Principle of Freedom was taught by Joan Heslop. The subject was “A Constitution Should be Structured to Protect the People from the Human Frailties of their Leaders.” Joan stated that “People in positions of trust must remain beyond reproach.” We were taught by our founders that leaders must have integrity and honesty rather than self interest and self advancement. The Constitution was designed to the control human frailties of our leaders.

President Debra Poulsen gave brief comments regarding the roles leaders. “Leaders” she stated, “need to be changed for good and fresh representation.” Deb announced our new President Elect – Kris Kimball who will take over UWF responsibilities at our April Forum meeting. The April meeting will be held at the Bella Vida Clubhouse in Eaglewood, North Salt Lake. Our host and speaker at the April birthday celebration will be Steve Smoot and we will view a short movie called Demographic Winner. Deb also invited all to attend a press conference at the Utah State Capitol today at 1:00 pm regarding the “Common Values Initiative” which is an initiative to maintain family values and traditional marriage in our state.

Kris Kimball invited us to each send pictures to Glen Beck if we agree with 7 of his 9 principles that she was passing around on a clipboard. The pictures will be shown on the Glen Beck show on Fox at the end of the month and it is designed to be like a petition of support for conservative values.

Southerland Institute just announced and kicked off their “Sacred Ground Initiative” which was designed to strengthen the traditional family.

Linda Hess told us about two new House Bills (160 and 267) involving inheritance taxes, housing and employment and invited us to attend any committee meetings or sessions that we could while the legislature is in session.

Linda Bunker introduced our guest speaker Jeff Novak, President CEAG Utah (Coalition for Ethics and Accountability in Government).

Jeff began his remarks telling us that “we are sovereign individuals with rights granted by God. We have certain things in common to protect and support each other from our enemies. We started out as a confederacy but when there were too many of us, the Confederate form of government was not sufficient and we then moved to a Constitution instead where individuals would participate (invest) in laws that would be difficult to change. For protection of the laws and the people, we formed the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branch of government.”

Our founding fathers were concerned that we have virtuous leaders and they established 4 Pillars of Conduct which were the essence of character.

The 4 Pillars are:

1) Private Virtue (personal moral code); applying morality to daily governance.

2) Public Virtue (desire for the good of others); personal values are transferred to sacrifice for the good of all; foster success of others; philanthropy.

3) Classical Education (broad thought regarding concepts, principles and philosophies); requirement to learn languages.

4) Auxiliary Forms of Government (separation of powers, written constitution); elections; Electoral College). The Founders wanted the constitution to be structured to be a protection against the human frailties of greed, power and temptations of leaders.

“We have protections to help us guard against corruption in government” noted Jeff. “They are: Impeachment, right to vote and getting involved in the political process.” Jeff said that “we are the power behind government and the failure in our leaders lies in our own frailties to engage. We have to shift our paradigm from the notion that people exist because of government to: government exists because of people.”

Jeff’s organization CEAG is set up to encourage ethics in government. “We all have the right to be heard and to be treated properly.” There are several bills before the legislature now promoting ethics in government. To manage this properly, Jeff encouraged appointments to an ethics commission from each branch of government.

A light lunch was served and the meeting was adjourned till March11, 2009.

UWF Meeting 2-11-2009 Speaker: Jeff Novak

2009-02-13T17:38:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY FORUM MEETING

2009-02-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

February Forum Meeting

February 11, 2009

Bountiful Library: 10:15

Guest Speaker/ Jeff Novak

Principle of Freedom: A Constitution Should be Structured to Permanently Protect the People from the Human Frailties of their Rulers

United Women's Forum Meeting 1-14-2009 Speakers: Representative Becky Edwards & Senator Dan Liljenquist

2009-02-01T21:31:00.000-08:00

Minutes from the United Women's Forum
January 14, 2009

Welcome: Debra Poulsen
Prayer: Nancy Peterson
Pledge of Allegiance: Cecilee Price Huish
A Principle of Freedom: Diane Bachman
"To Protect Man's Rights, God has Revealed Principles of Divine Law"
Diane spoke of our rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness from the Declaration of Independence and how traditionally
these rights have been seen as sacred. Thus the importance of
protecting them. Down through the ages, history has proven that a
nation with higher morals enjoys more freedom. Maintaining a high
moral standard as a people plays an important role in protecting our
freedoms, but how can that be done? Freedoms can be lost when
government takes on more power over the people. An excellent
presentation on this subject was given by Dr. Robert George at Brigham
Young University on October 28. His topic was "The Moral Purposes of
Law and Government ." Diane stressed that our rights can be taken
away when government fails to protect them. Government derives their
power from the consent of the governed.

Laura Bunker of United Families Utah encouraged us to compare the
internet sites of united families.org and equalityutah.org. She gave
an excellent presentation entitled "When Gay Rights and Religious
Liberties Clash" and encouraged us to study the difference and become
educated in what is really at the heart of our differences, and what
is at stake if we do not let our voices be heard in protecting our
freedoms.
Dalane England rallied us to get involved and encouraged each of us to
spend at least a half a day a week at the State Legislative Session.
It only lasts for six weeks and our voices need to be heard. There is
a special training session on "How to be an Effective Lobbyist" with
guest speaker Gayle Ruzicka on Wednesday, January 21st at 10:00 am at
the Utah State Capital in Multi-Purpose Room Room #130. This is an
invitation to get involved and let our voices be heard. They will
train us and help us feel comfortable to do so.
Kris Kimball encouraged us to boycott all Pepsi Products as they are
supporting the Gay Rights agenda . We are doing this not to ask them
to oppose gay rights, but to stay neutral.

Special Guest: Becky Edwards, Utah House District 20
Rep. Edwards was happy to be with us and said that it was invigorating
to see people come together advocating things that they believe in.
She quoted Thomas Jefferson as saying, "Every difference of opinion,
does not necessarily mean a difference of principles."
As she has thought about all of the laws of society, she has found
that they actually fall under the two greatest laws given by Jesus
Christ when questioned by the Saducees and the Pharisees . These laws
were to love God and to love our fellow men. Any group or law that
infringes on these laws is doomed for failure.
She shared two stories with us that illustrate the importance of these
laws. The first was of a trip that she took with her parents and
family on the Trans Siberian Railroad. On this trip they crossed
through nine time zones as well as through Estonia, Russia and
Helsinki, Finland. She was amazed at what she saw as they crossed
this great span of country and governments. Estonia had only been
under communist reign for 50 years, and Russia, of course has been
under that reign for much longer. Helsinki, Finland has never been a
part of Communist Russia. The comparison of what they found in those
countries was amazing in the spirit of the people and the villages and
cities that they passed through. It demonstrated so vividly that
where there is an absence in the belief and love of God, there is a
stark difference in the spirit of hope and freedom and love in the
people.
The second story occurred with her parents who were serving a
humanitarian mission in Romania. The only directions they were given
as they arrived were to "Help the People". It soon became very
apparent of how greatly that was needed. What was a vivid reality was
of the great needs of the disabled. They were basically outlawed in
this country and had no rights. They were to stay unheard and unseen.
Through the great compassion and determination of the Price's they
were able to help this group of people. They even organized a
"Special Olympics" which is an almost impossible task, but with divine
intervention and the rallying of many good people this took place and
blessed the lives of countless people, including those of special
needs as well as the citizens of Romania that came to their aid in
volunteering. It was an excellent example of loving our fellow men
and becoming strong advocates wherever we are and however we can.
Special Guest: Dan Liljenquist, Utah Senate District 23
One of Sen. Liljenquist's favorite quotes is of Teddy Roosevelt, "Do
what you can with what you have, where you are."
He spoke of Divine Law and Neurosis in Government. Personal morality
is a foundation of freedom. In the book "The 5000 Year Leap" it
states that government built on personal morality cannot ignore the
consequences of the breakdown of these principles. Divine Law is
truth. It does not change for it is. Ralph Waldo Emerson said,
"Truth is the treasure of all men." In our government today, things
have become left verses right instead of right verses wrong.
In comparing divine law and neurosis in government Sen. Liljenquist
quoted Carl Young who said, "Neurosis is always a substitute of
legitimate suffering." M. Scott Peck in his book, "The Road Less
Traveled" said that there are four things that when not done send a
person into a neurosis. They are:
l. when someone can't delay immediate gratification
2. When one cannot accept responsibility for one's actions
3. when one cannot see reality for what it is
4. when one becomes unbalanced

We are experiencing a neurosis in our government and there are many
example of this from the economic downfall that we have just
experienced in the immediate self gratification of bailing ourselves
out of debt to our nation not seeing something for what it is in the
problems and solutions we are facing with our national healthcare.
We have become an unbalanced nation. Sen. Liljenquist sited the
example of the Governor of Illinois and his lack of private morality
that has become the norm among many of those governing and who have
governed in that state, as well as President Clinton and his private
actions while serving as President. There has become no clear line
between the private actions and the public actions of these men and
those like them. They have no private morality.
He quoted Winston Churchill who said, "Truth is incontrovertible.
Malice may attack and may deride it , but in the end there it is. "
Sen. Liljenquist said that it is imperative that we keep a dedication
to reality at all costs in government. Truth doesn't change from
election to election. We must keep neurosis out of government.

Thank you to the wonderful and motivating addresses of these two great
public leaders!

United Women's Forum Meeting 1-14-2009/ Senator Dan Liljenquist & Representative Rebecca P. Edwards

2009-01-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

Next UWF Meeting January 14, 2009 10:15 a.m.

2009-01-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

MESSAGE FROM DEBRA POULSEN

Here we are facing another year of adventure. We will be greeting a new President of the United States. We have new representatives to meet and work with at the State level. Some of our local leaders will be replaced this year and civic life will continue forward with or without our involvement. As the United Women's Forum has tried to fulfill our mission over the last two years we hope one message has come through loud and clear: You are needed!! Our voices are needed, our input is valuable and our efforts can make a big difference. Please come and join with us as we learn together and encourage one another in our civic responsibilities. We look forward to joining with you again as we greet this new year of 2009.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS: January Forum Meeting Wednesday - January 14^th - 10:15am - Bountiful Library

Special Guests

Dan Liljenquist

Becky Edwards

Our newly elected Senator and Representative

Principle of Discussion

To Protect Man's rights God has revealed certain principles of Divine Law

Looking Ahead:

Gayle Ruzika

Teaching Lobbying Skills

January 21^st at the State Capital

(more details to follow at our meeting)

Minutes: United Women's Forum Meeting December 10, 2008 (Dina & Richard Wells)

2008-12-11T23:27:00.000-08:00

Minutes for United Women’s Forum

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Welcome: Diane Prince

Prayer: Erin Perkins

Pledge of Allegiance: Joan Heslop

A Principle of Freedom: “The Role of the Creator” Shelly Davies Shelly spoke of being in post Gorbachev Russia waiting in a food line for bread and noticing the garbage that was scattered everywhere around the city of Moscow. A week later in St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad) Olga (a 50+ tour guide) drove past a building that she referred to as The Museum of Atheism. When Shelly inquired what it was, the woman replied that it housed all of the things men had put there that denied their creator. As they spoke with Olga that day, it was evident that the country had become the way it was, because the people had denied their creator. As she studied about this principle, the following truths emerged for her:
If government exists to protect human beings, then we need to look to the creator of human beings for solutions.
· We are endowed with inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
What are the other gifts we have been endowed with by our creator?
1. Our nation 2. The Creator set aside this country as a land of freedom. 3. God is the great captain over the head of it and by his hand we have been preserved. 4. The Creator established or created all truth and principles that govern this land. 5. The Creator is the source of our strength.

Our responsibility as citizens is to be involved, active and have a voice. We must understand that our creator can heal our country’s ills – whatever He creates, He can fix. We must do our part in speaking out and standing up. Shelly suggested that we look up a wonderful talk entitled, “The Moral Purposes of Law and Government” that was given at a BYU Forum on October 28, 2008. by Princeton Professor, Robert P George.

Dalane England gave us a “Look Ahead” at the 2009 Legislative Session and encouraged each of us to take a day a week attending the session between Monday, January 26^th and Wednesday, March 12. Some of the proposed bills of interest are:

Wrongful death “Merry Christmas by retailers” Abortion – 5 bill

Ethics Healthcare Alcoholic Beverage Control Reform

Education – Performance based compensation for teachers Singapore Math

Real ID Immigration – requirements to work as an illegal immigrant

If you would like to volunteer to be involved in the 2009 Legislative process please contact Dalane. There will be a special meeting on January 21, 2009 at 10:00 am at the Utah State Capital on “How to be an Effective Lobbyist” with guest speaker Gayle Ruzicka.

Debra Poulsen introduced our guest speaker Mr. Richard Wells who is a man of great capacity and leadership abilities. He strives to live a life of happiness and works for the National Write Your Congressman Foundation and is currently pursuing his Masters in Political Economy.

Mr. Wells spoke of “The Role of the Creator in a Free Society”

He emphasized the importance of the separation of powers in our government, but also the importance of a vertical separation between State Government and the local community or families. He recommended reading the book, “Laddie” by Jean Stratton Porter concerning the impact of family on our communities. His main goal in the work that he is about is to encourage responsible citizens to get involved and use their right to preserve freedoms set forth by the Founding Fathers.

Mr. Wells has observed that people are clamoring for answers and solutions that the constitution already guarantees us. There is a lack of education in society about our rights. We are not teaching this principal to our youth.

In order to achieve order there must be balance between accountability and agency. Authority is what helps keep that balance. To much accountability creates a tyranny (rulers law). Too much agency creates an Anarchy (no law at all).

He suggested reading a book called, “Roots of American Order” by Russell Kirks, and suggests that there is little enjoyment in life if there is no order. Before we can know justice and freedom we must have order.

“All forms of government destroy themselves by carrying their basic principles to excess. The democracies become too free, in politics and economics, in morals, even in literature and art, until at last even the puppy dogs in our homes rise up on their hind legs and demand thier rights…disorder grows to such a point that a society will then abandon all its liberty to anyone who can restore order.” (Plato on Fate of Government)

Going back to a philosophical reasoning, Mr. Wells returned to Skousen in his book, “The 5000 Year Leap” who sums up Locke’s suppositions about God as follows:

“The Creator would also reflect a fine sense of right and wrong, and also a sense of indignation or even anger with those who violate the laws of ‘right’ action. In other words, God has a strong sense of ‘justice.’ Remorse for wrong also arouses a sense of compassion in the Creator, just as it does in human beings whom he designed. He goes on to say, “The American Founding Fathers agreed with Locke. They considered the existence of the Creator as the most fundamental premise underlying All self-evident truth…every single self-evident truth enunciated by the Founders is rooted in the presupposition of a divine Creator”. (pp.96-97)

Peggy Noonan, in her October 27, 2005 article for the Wall Street Journal attempts to discover why our elites today (or those who are in a position to lead) are not leading in “troubling times”. She wrote:

“Our elites, our educated and successful professionals, are the ones who are supposed to dig us out and lead us. I refer specifically to the elites of journalism and politics…the elites of our state capitals, the rich and accomplished and successful of Washington, and elsewhere. I have a nagging sense, and think I have accurately observed that many of these people have made a separate peace. That they’re living their lives and taking their pleasures and pursuing their agendas; that they’re going forward each day with the knowledge, which they hold more securely and with greater reason than non-elites, that the wheels are off the trolley and the trolley is off the tracks, and with a conviction, a certainty that there is nothing they can do about it. “

Contrast this attitude with that of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. They accompanied their signatures with the statement,

“And for the support of this declaration with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” These men were the “elite’s” of that time period. They all had more to lose by signing the declaration than they had to gain personally.

Of these men:

9 were wounded in war

5 captured or imprisoned

Several lost wives

17 lost every thing

12 had homes completely burned

Several lost wives/children

1 lost all thirteen children

All were subject to manhunts

These men were of the mind that they would hang together or they would hang separately. Not one of them went back on their word of what they pledged and signed to.

The solution to our ills is education. We must educate our youth. The constitution enables us to have peaceful repair . Mr. Wells admonished us to take a roll in getting this message out to a nation that is pleading for answers. If we can again instill in our youth this resolve and passion, then a new generation of leaders equal to our founders will be poised to return order that was once won at a priceless cost.

What a wonderful, inspiring and motivating forum! Thanks to all who contributed.

Soup and rolls were served at the conclusion of the forum.

United Women's Forum Meeting 12-10-2008 Speaker: Richard Wells

2008-12-10T16:06:00.000-08:00

December 10, 2008 Meeting: "The Role of the Creator" Richard Wells

2008-12-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

December 10, 2008 10:15 a.m. Bountiful City Library: Richard Wells graduated from BYU with a BS in Facilities Management and a minor in Business Management. He worked as a project manager and director of Facilities on several college campuses in New York, and Arizona. Over 3 years ago, he dramatically changed his career path because of his deep concern for the strength of our nation. He worried that his children would not enjoy the same freedoms and opportunities we have enjoyed as a country in the past as too many of us remain uninformed and uninvolved. He joined forces with a 50 year old legislative research firm called National Write Your Congressman. The firm specialized in empowering individuals with timely information and effective response systems to communicate effectively with State and Federal officials. The aim was to put power directly back into the hands of the people where it belongs. Richard is now a Division Manager for NWYC and is responsible for their efforts in multiple mountain west states. He is formerly a returned missionary for the LDS Church, is involved in the community as a State Delegate, coach for youth sports, past scoutmaster, and leadership in his church. He and his wife, Dina Wells are the parents of five children.

UWF Meeting 11-12-08 Colonel Jay C. Hess

2008-11-13T22:05:00.000-08:00

Marge Clayton welcomed us all out to our forum meeting today and invited the new people to stand and introduce themselves. There were quite a few who were new and expressed their enthusiasm for coming to hear Colonel Hess speak of his experiences in the war. The prayer was offered by Heather Ross, and Marian Sellers lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Changing things up a bit we began our meeting with our forum business first.

...... Laura Bunker as the president of "United Families Utah" extended a warm welcome to all of us to come and spend time with them tomorrow for "A Day at the Capital". While there we would have the opportunity to meet with many of our legislators and share with them our concerns and desires to hold on to traditional family values. Those attending would receive the new "Family Issues Guide" put out by United Families International. They would also be taking a tour of the newly remodeled Capital and have lunch together for all those who had the time to stay. This would be a wonderful chance to get to know our legislators and establish a rapport with them.

......Adrienne Buckley our chairman over decency and pornography gave a very fine presentation on the importance of addressing the concerns of decency over our national airwaves. On Tuesday, November the 4th while we were all involved in the election, the US Supreme Court stepped back into the issue of profanity. The major Networks had challenged the rulings of the FCC to protect the airwaves from fleeting expletives. This is a very important issue and there are many leading conservatives who strongly support the standards of the FCC . She quoted Tim Winters the president of Parents TV Counsel. "The networks must take responsibility to protect the airwaves from harsh profanity and violence. It is unacceptable to continue current trends." She encouraged us to look at the Parents TV Counsel website and respond to the e-mails that come through. In this way we can do our part to uphold the standards of decency that are so needed in our society today.

.......Linda Hess gave us an update on Proposition 8. She said that although this important legislation was passed in California, many on the opposite side of this issue have already shown their disregard for the voice of the people by filing lawsuits to the courts asking that the new law be declared unconstitutional. She told us that thirty states now have Constitutional Amendments protecting the definition of marriage as "between a man and a woman." with the only two States that do not reflect this belief being Massachusetts and Connecticut. She encouraged us to stay tune to the many social issues that will now be attacked with our new President and a more liberal Congress. The concerns she mentioned were: the overturning of the laws regarding stem cell research, the challenging of DOMA laws, the introduction of the "Freedom of Choice Act" (which would have the effect of making an overturn of Roe VS Wade impossible,) and the re-introduction of The Fairness Doctrine, which would have a tremendous impact on conservative talk shows.

.....Cynthia Peterson the chairman over "Mom's for Kids Coalition" encouraged us to speak up and let our voices be heard concerning problems that are being encountered in the schools. Coming from other areas she has had an exposure to other school districts where better methods and ways of doing things have been implemented for the educating of the children. She says "many voices need to come together to help create the changes that are needed." She mentioned three areas of concern that she and her committee have isolated that will bring needed changes to our district.

I. We must support the teachers that teach but raise the bar. She mentioned how many of the IB teachers are also needed to perform duties for the sports program. It has been noted by her and many other mothers that often these teachers leave their teaching assignment to perform extra curricular activities and leave the classroom without a teacher. Of course, for them the priority is the students in the classroom, not the sports program. They feel a need for others to help speak out on this issue to see if they can have an impact in changing this situation.

II. The restructuring of the Spectrum Program ... and

III. Organizing Ability Groups

Her last comment was that "we must advocate for our children, we are their stewards."

...... Janet Seamons gave an excellent presentation on the topic of "The Advantages of a Republic." Going back into history she spoke of two notable personalities that helped pave the way for the American perspective of a Republic. One such figure was a man by the name of Algernon Sidney. In 1683 he was beheaded by King Charles II for saying that there is no divine right of kings to rule over the people. Sidney insisted that the right to rule is actually in the people and therefore no person can rightfully rule the people without their consent. His advocated the cause of freemen who think it for their convenience to join together , and to establish such laws and rules as they oblige themselves to observe.

Another prominent figure of the day was John Locke. He also believed that the power of governance should lie in the people He stated that society would best be served by recognizing the voice of the majority. He said, "there is no right of revolt in an individual, a group or a minority. Only in the majority.

She explained that a Republic is different than a Democracy. A true democracy would need the voice of all the people, whereas a Republic allows the voice of the people to be represented by a representative form of government. Our current misuse of the word Democracy as it refers to our "Republic", came about partially because of a movement that was set up in the early 1900's which was originally called the Intercollegiate Socialist Society, or ISS. One of it's members, Thomas Laidler explained that the ISS was set up to "throw light on the world-wide movement of industrial Democracy known as Socialism". The American people have come to think of themselves as a Democracy mainly because the word has been used interchangeably so much with Republic that there is a basic misunderstanding of it's true meaning. Madison said of our Republic, "We may define a republic to be... a government which derives all it’s powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people and is administered by persons holding their offices during (this people's ) pleasure for a limited period , or during good behavior. It is good that we have the opportunity to know the true meaning of a Republic and we can thank Janet for helping us in this matter. Great Job Janet!

...... Colonel Jay Hess gave a very special message on his time in Vietnam as a prisoner of war. He began his thoughts with thanking the people and town of Bountiful for being so good to his family while he was away. He was very grateful for the kindness and care that was shown to them. One of the good memories of the time as a prisoner of war was being in the company for two years of other soldiers who never used a swear word. He felt that was remarkable. He mentioned that his first experience in democracy came when he was at Brigham Young University. The football team had won a major playoff and because they had done so well they ganged up and insisted they be given a day off of school. He said they became unruly and somewhat like a Mob. He felt like it was an unsafe place to be.

He mentioned that he knew John McCain and actually came home with him. He pointed out that there was quite a difference in the way he was treated being the son of a farmer and the way John McCain was treated being the son of the commanding general of the US forces. He remembered when they came home that John McCain was limping and struggled to get on the airplane.

In thinking back on his time there he recalled that at least 300 Air Force pilots were shot down and lived through the experience of a plane crash as well as being captured; 150 Navy pilots and a few marines. A man by the name of Elbert Alvarez was held for 9 years. Another man by the name of Thompson was detained in South Vietnam for 10 years, but it was significant to note that a man by the name of John Downing was released the day before he was. He had been held hostage for 20 years in Korea. He was a CIA agent.

After spending 2 months of torture and time in solitary confinement, he was put in a cell with 3 Air Force pilots and 2 Naval pilots. (I think they were the ones he mentioned that didn't swear?) For the first little while it was like a Slumber Party and they would stay up and talk all night to each other.

After some time he was moved to another cell. He was with a Navy pilot named Mike who had been hurt very badly when he was captured. He had broken one leg, and knock the knee cay off of the other. They had to learn ways to communicate other than speaking. For this reason they made up hand signals and tapping sounds that would represent letters of the alphabet. They would have little couplets that would help them such as HH for "Happy Hour" or CC for "Church Call" . He said that one good thing that he did was have perfect church attendance while there and they always observed to do the Pledge of Allegiance. Sometimes the inmates would create poetry and tap it to each other. One such poem is listed below. He said that these thoughts really helped the inmates to keep their moral up and to feel the love for their country.

We dream that we'll return some day

to that land we cherish true

And when we reach that golden shore

we'll start our lives anew.

We long to be in America

to resume a happy life

away from the misery of war

the separation and the strife.

To walk again in healthy air

in a real democracy

away from this evil social form

with its lies and hypocracy.

Back where there is truth and dignity

where a man can stand to tall

back in my America

The greatest land of all.

Yes we close our eyes and listen

to that sound across the sea

It's the sound of freedom ringing

in the land of liberty.

Wearing their pajamas they would stand up and say the Lord's Prayer.

they would often go for 2 months not combing their hair and 4 months without brushing their teeth.

Colonel Hess spoke of how the Vietnamese would use them to propagandize the War. Once they came in with an article from back home written by a woman in Michigan who's son had enlisted and was now in Vietnam. Her comments were hostile towards the War and wanted her son back home. They brought the article in and asked them to write what they thought about it. They wanted to do anything they could to help with the anti war effort. He said that he was about to write something like in America we each have the right to think or say what we feel, when his inmate Mike told him to put on the sheet "no comments." He followed as well as everyone else. The guard came in and picked up the papers. They all thought they had done just great when in just a bit they came in with machine guns and said "hands over your head." So they put their hands over their head. When the guard left they took them down. In just a few minutes they came in again and with the machine guns pointing right on them they said, "hands over your head for 2 weeks." He said it was simple but very effective torture.

When they returned home they were taken blindfolded to another camp. They didn't know where they were going, but they were treated with roughness, pushed around and shoved around, people were throwing up, there was nauseating gas smells etc. Then after awhile they began to notice that they were being treated differently. People were opening the door for them and talking nicely. They knew something was different and then began to realize that they were being released. They were so grateful to be out of Vietnam

When he left Utah his son was in 6th Grade and when he got back he was graduating from High School. When they got off the plane they were asked to comment to a reporter of their experience. Jeremiah Dalton spoke for the group and said, "it has been an honor to serve this country under difficult circumstances in difficult times. God bless America." He said that once when he was walking down main street in Bountiful he noticed the inscription on a flag by the tabernacle, ... the law, government... liberty... the way." The words touched him and the tears kept coming. He felt it such a blessing to be an American. His last comment was from a woman who had written a book which included many stories from the POW's. She said, " Freedom is ... for those willing to defend it."

We were all very blessed to be there and to feel the spirit of this wonderful man who gave so much to our Country. Celestia brought soup for all of us and Janet had some rolls. We all enjoyed time chatting and expressing our thanks to Colonel Hess for his remarks and for his sacrifice. It was a wonderful forum.

United Women's Forum Meeting 11-12-08 Colonel Jay C. Hess

2008-11-12T20:37:00.001-08:00

Pumpkin & Ham Soup

2008-11-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

1 medium onion
2 Tablespoons of butter or margarine
2 (14.5 ounce) cans of chicken broth
2 cups of sliced peeled potatoes
1 Large can of cooked pumpkin
2 cups milk (I used canned milk)
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
*I added ham to the soup and eliminated the garnish
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
In a large saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Add the broth, potatoes and pumpkin; cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Puree the half of the mixture at a time in a blender or food processor until smooth; return all to the pan. Add the mild, nutmeg, salt and pepper; heat through. Meanwhile, combine the sour cream and parsley. Spoon soup into bowls; top each with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with bacon.

Taco Soup

2008-11-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

Brown 1 pound hamburger meat with 1 large diced onion
Add 2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can beef consume
2-3 cans red kidney beans
1 can hominy
1 can tomato sauce
1 pound fresh carrots peeled and cut
2 cups chopped celery
2 cans Cream of Potato Soup
1 cup diced potato
1 package of Taco seasoning
Simmer for 2 hours - May serve with corn chips and garnish with cheese & sour cream

Mark your calendars for November 12, 2008 "Advantages of a Republic"

2008-11-02T19:46:00.000-08:00

November 12, 2008 10:15 at the Bountiful Library we will be pleased to hear from Lt. Colonel Jay C. Hess USAF (RET) who was an Air Force Jr. ROTC Aerospace Science Instructor at Clearfield High School for 22 years. He was born and raised in Utah and educated in Utah and Wright-Petterson AFB, Ohio. He is a former missionary for the LDS Church. As a USAF Captain, he served in Vietnam, completed 31 1/2 missions over No. Vietnam. His F-105 was downed by ground fire near the China border in 1967 and he was held prisoner of war for 5 1/2 years in the Hanoi Hilton. He has been highly decorated as a military officer and has served as a member of many boards, civic groups and associations. He is married to Michelle Martin of Layton, Utah and they are the parents of two daughters. He is also the father of five married children.

Proposition 8: The California Marriage Protection Amendment

2008-10-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

About Proprosition 8

The entire text of Proposition 8 is as follows:

"Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California."

Proposition 8: The California Marriage Protection Amendment

Proposition 8 places into the California Constitution the same language that voters already passed by 61% of the vote in 2000. This is necessary to overturn an outrageous California Supreme Court decision that overturned Proposition 22.

About Proposition 8

Proposition 8 is simple and straightforward. It contains the same 14 words that were previously approved in 2000 by over 61% of California voters: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

Because four activist judges in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people’s vote, we need to pass this measure as a constitutional amendment to restore the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.

Voting YES on Proposition 8 does 3 simple things:

It restores the definition of marriage to what the vast majority of California voters already approved and what Californians agree should be supported, not undermined.

It overturns the outrageous decision of four activist Supreme Court judges who ignored the will of the people.

It protects our children from being taught in public schools that “same-sex marriage” is the same as traditional marriage, and prevents other consequences to Californians who will be forced to not just be tolerant of gay lifestyles, but face mandatory compliance regardless of their personal beliefs.

United Women's Forum Minutes 10-9-2008

2008-10-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

UNITED WOMEN’S FORUM MINUTES – OCTOBER 9, 2008

Debra welcomed everyone and introduced the program.

The prayer was offered by Linda Hess.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Carolyn Inman.

Presentation on “A Principle of Freedom” was given by Kris Kimball entitled “Protecting the Role of the Family”.

Kris referred to the 26^th principle of freedom from the book “The 5000 Year Leap” in which it states,

“The core unit which determines the strength of any society is the family; therefore, the government should foster and protect its integrity.”

She spoke of how the United States has always been respected for the domestic strength of her families as compared to that of the European nations that have been largely impacted by the irregularities of their domestic life. Treason, cowardice, diversion and homosexuality have proved to be the demise of nations. The positive law of God supports man and woman as equal and as stated by Benjamin Franklin, “Marriage (between them) is the most natural state of man”.

Dalane England spoke of proposition 8 in California and the consequences of changing the traditional marriage:

marriage taught in public schools and will be required to teach that homosexuality and traditional marriage are the same.
Churches are currently being sued because they are not allowing same sex marriages in their church buildings, thus violating our 1^st amendment right of Freedom of Religion.
The adoption of a child to a same sex married couple
Married housing at our universities would be required to allow same sex couples in their units.
Ministers have been jailed for teaching from the bible against same six marriages.
The divorce rate is double in same sex marriages thus greatly effecting children in such marriages.
A homosexual society historically has been social suicide and has NEVER survived.

We can go online to find out how to volunteer for Proposition 8. (Dalane will post this information.) PEOPLE MUST VOTE “YES” FOR THE AMMENDMENT TO PASS.

Dalane also expressed the need for people of integrity to be election judges.

Cynthia Peterson of Moms for Kids Coalition encouraged us as parents to speak out with our concerns about public schools. She strongly encouraged ability grouping by testing and for all to get involved and address our school board and public officials concerning the quality of our children’s education.

Valerie Mills introduced our wonderful speaker JoAnn Hibbert Hamilton. Mrs. Hamilton is the Founder of “Citizens for Families” and established The White Ribbon program into the PTA program. She is a champion of issues and environment affecting the family. Her website is www.strengthenthefamily.net where a wealth of information can be downloaded or ordered to join her in this great endeavor of strengthening and protecting our families. Mrs. Hamilton’s talk was so motivating and inspiring that we have included it in its entire form below.

JoAnn Hibbert Hamilton presentation

2008-10-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

Utilizing the Liberty That Our Founding Fathers Gave Us.

I. Warm-up: My privilege to be here. I want to compliment you for being a part of this group and learning more about our Constitution and the freedoms we have. Hopefully I can put forth some ideas that will help you utilize the liberty that the founding fathers gave us. I put a quotation on your outline. If we don’t use the freedoms we have, we will lose them. That is a concern.

II. Our founding Fathers cared that people have a voice. Today I want to give you some examples of how you might want to utilize your first amendment right to speak out. And yes, in case you are wondering, I was really nervous when I first started to do this.

III. We need to remember that our Founding Fathers did a great deal of study before putting the constitution together. They followed Natural Law, i.e., God’s pattern and believed in the family life-style of the American colonies. It was interesting for me to learn that Benjamin Franklin tried to talk a young friend out of having a mistress. He said, “Marriage is the proper remedy. It is the most natural state of man, and therefore the state in which you are most likely to find solid happiness.” That’s true. I just read were a study that was done and 88% of the couples interviewed who were married said they were happy. That’s neat.

According to Skouson in The 5,000 Year Leap, the core unit which determines the strength of any society is the family. The constitution was set up to protect the family.

The American Founders felt that the legal, moral, and social relationships between husband and wife were clearly established by Biblical law. Parents had a responsibility to their children and children to their parents.

IV. Let me explain my concern about what is happening in today’s world:

1. We need to protect our families in a society that is ever more promiscuous. Why is our society becoming more and more morally depraved? Because not enough good people who care are willing to use our first amendment right to speak out. If we do nothing, more and more sexually explicit material moves into our community, on our airwaves and ultimately if we are not careful, into our homes.

2. Another concern and the one I want to spend most of my time today on is establishing decent communities so our children have a good environment to grow up in.

If we don’t use the freedoms we have, we will lose them. The United States Constitution has given us the right to speak up. I have worked with a number of ecclesiastical leaders on a statewide basis as well as local ecclesiastical leaders and they have told us as citizens to “speak up” -- not only to speak out but they have told us how to do it. – in quiet and polite ways. Check with me after if you need sources. (Sept. Ensign, 2004) (Bishop Niederhauer of the Catholic Diocese)

V. To protect our families I have prepared lots of materials, which are in your folder. One sheet contains a checklist. Read it carefully. Parents need to understand that one exposure to Internet pornography with some children can cause instant sexual addiction, according to Dr. Rick Hawks, a psychologist who evaluates juvenile offenders for the State of Utah.

There are two articles concerning video games.

There is a picture that children can color to help open up discussion in your homes. Children need to monitor what goes into their minds. If a child sees an inappropriate picture, it goes into their mind in 3/10 of a second and remains there to influence their thinking for the rest of their life. Children need to be taught to stay away from inappropriate pictures.

Go to www.strengthenthefamily.net and look at the White Ribbon Material. There is a lot of material there that you can use in your home or hopefully in February or March of next year help the PTA sponsor a White Ribbon program for your school. You may copy freely from the web site or these materials.

On my web site, www.strengthenthefamily.net on the left hand side of the home page there is a heading called “A Minute for Parents.” There are a lot of articles on a multitude of family subjects. Again, copy and use whatever you wish.

VI. We can have decent communities if we exercise our God-given rights and our constitution-given rights. I want to explain what a community standard is and teach you how to help establish a wholesome child-appropriate community standard.

1. This is not just my idea. The 1986 Final Report of the Attorney General’s Commission on Pornography states: “To the extent that citizens have concerns about the kinds of sexually explicit material that are available in contemporary America, they should not only recognize that the First Amendment protects and encourages their right to express these concerns loudly and often, but should as well appreciate the fact that in many aspects of our lives to keep quiet is to approve. Every time you say nothing, you have just voted in favor of it. Moreover, communities are made by what people say and by what people approve and what people disapprove, and by what people tolerate and what people reject. For communities, and for the sense of community, community acceptance and community condemnation are central to what a community is.” (End quote) (P. 71) So we can have a child-appropriate community if want it and are willing to speak out.

2. There is a law called the Harmful to Minors Law. You have a copy in your folder. It is a national law. It states that “it is illegal to sell, exhibit or display Harmful to Minor pornography (i.e. soft core) to minors even if it is not unlawful for adults.” It can be written material or pictures. This law is based on three prongs, or rather three criteria. One has to do with if it is artistic. The other two have to do with the contemporary community standard.

3. So what do we do to have to develop a decent community standard? Dr. John Harmer’s group, The Lighted Candle Society, sponsored a community standards symposium a couple of years ago and we learned that it helps to build a community standard if the city council makes a resolution. Bountiful City was the first city in the state of Utah to do so. Currently 35 cities have done this. They are listed on my web site.

4. A resolution is a statement of policy NOT a law, but it is like one big stone in the wall you are building to establish a community standard. Each resolution means that the city council believes that they represent the citizens of their community when they state that they feel that the desire of the citizens is to have all of the stores and community buildings appropriate for children, in other words not displaying sexual images or words that entice sexual interest. Experts say children up to adolescence should not be exposed to sexual concepts and images.

5. What is displayed particularly in grocery stores in a community matters. At this symposium we were delighted when an attorney there pointed out that if he had a law case involving indecent material and wanted to establish the fact that the community standard did not accept what was being prosecuted, that the jury needed to be aware of what the local public permitted to be viewed by their children in their local grocery stores. He pointed out that everyone goes to the grocery store so what is displayed there is indicative of what the community standard is. That’s why the covers on magazines that are inappropriate are important.

5. So what can you do? Those covers are difficult for the managers to keep up because people move them, they get stolen or the person distributing the magazines ignores them. It is important that we thank these stores for having them. Let me share an easy way to do it.

As you get to the clerk to check out your purchases, politely ask her if she would call the manager. She will get on her speaker and ask him to come to her check stand. Then you first of all let him know that your really appreciate the covers that make it so the magazines are appropriate for children. If there are more magazines that need covering you might add, “There are a couple more that need covers. I know it must be difficult for you to keep them covered, but I wanted you to know how much we appreciate it.” I had a situation with our Smiths/Fred Meyers where lots of covers were on but no one said anything. I watched the store get sloppy with them. As it turned out I pleaded with a man who was a counselor in an LDS bishopric to talk to his people about the need to complement and request those covers. He had a short talk to give that Sunday. I don’t know what he said, but the people in his ward reacted and that store was awesome with their covers in a two week period of time.

Being nervous is okay. I surely was and still get a little uncomfortable as I do this, but I feel wonderful as I walk away, knowing I just made a difference.

Anger and threats never work, and even though we have a resolution here in Bountiful you do not wave it in the face of a manager. You might give him a copy just as an indicator of what the desire of the community is.

6. There is a natural tendency for people to get upset at the stores that are most offensive. I know people who have made requests that they remove displays and nothing happens. So how can we handle this? If we first get the grocery stores and any other dominant stores in our city appropriate, i.e. everything is covered that is inappropriate for children, the law says that if we have a community standard, all stores have to meet our standard. These big chain stores understand this but will not react until there is an established community standard and then dropping off a copy of the law and a copy of the city’s community standard is helpful.

a. I can tell you a different story about every store in Bountiful. Let me share a few just so you have some ideas about how to do this.

(1) There was a tanning salon in a strip mall with a picture in the window that was sexual in nature. Children had to pass it to go from their dance studio to buy a taco. One lady went in and threatened the tanning salon. She said, “We have lawyers and you have to take that down.” They said, “We have lawyers and we are not going to.” What did we do? I told the people I was working with to wait a couple of months, then humbly take a little box of Cavanaugh’s candy or something, give it to the manager, apologize in behalf of the other person, explain that she did not belong to our group and then explain how the image in the window was hurtful for the children passing by. The manager covered the image immediately while our people were still there.

(2) I didn’t get to the head manager of Albertsons at first, so the person in charge would move magazines, promise covers and not produce them. Finally I dropped in and the head manager was there. I asked about his family. Yes, he had children under ten years of age. I picked up a copy of Maxim, a copy of Stuff and a copy of FHM that he was selling in his store. I asked him, “Would you want your children to see even the covers of these magazines?” He said, “My children will never see them in my house.” I replied, “No, but the neighbor kids will have them and they will show them to your kids.” That day he went to Kinkos and made covers for magazines he considered inappropriate. It took him a couple of months but he got a district policy to cover 51 stores, all of Utah, Idaho and part of Colorado and Albertsons discontinued selling those three magazines. Why did he do it? Because he understood. Education is the key to many managers.

(3) But what of the store where the manager is not convinced? I had a group of people make polite requests for weeks in one local grocery store. Finally I went in to see why there was no response. I found the head manager. As we talked, he picked up a magazine, opened it to a very sexual page and said, “I don’t care if my eight year old boy sees and reads this.” Then I knew the problem. This manager was never going to make a change in his store.

I found out where the area manager was located, made an appointment with the public relations person and made a request. I was not convinced she was going to do anything, so as I gave talks I asked my audience to sign a paper. The paper said, “I am going to avoid shopping at Smiths because they do not cover magazines that are inappropriate for children.” About every 10 days I duplicated perhaps 80-100 names and sent a copy to the public relations lady and a copy to the president of Smiths, whose name I didn’t even know. I did this for about six weeks. I also telephoned the State Attorney General and asked him to make a phone call to the company, which I think he did. The covers went on.

(4) How about gas stations? Many don’t sell magazines. Those I thank. Sometimes I scribble a note and see that it is left on his desk. One time the manager of our local Common Cents gas station had no interest in covering the 10 magazines he had on display that were very sexual in nature even though I explained the damage they did to children and the growing community standard that we had. I gave him a copy of our resolution and a copy of the law. He was not pleased, so I gathered up one each of six or seven of his magazines and proceeded to purchase them. He was watching me and asked me why I was purchasing them. I said, “I really think these are prosecutable. I’m going to see.” He said, “I’d like to meet with you next week at 1 o’clock. Would that be all right.” He really had a change in attitude. I met with him the next week and he designed his cover. He was so very nice. Let me show it to you.

(5) What about television commercials/programs? I am aware of a television show that was to be broadcast in this area a number of years ago that contained full frontal nudity. Three or four women met with the station manager, and it was cancelled.

There was a television commercial that I found offensive. I called the local company and they said they had no power to change it. They gave me a national number to call. I called it and asked if I could speak to the highest person possible to deal with a problem with the commercials. The lady assured me that she was the right person. Then I started with a positive comment and, by the way, that is one important thing to do. I said, “You are such a good company. Your commercials are usually appropriate for families and we appreciate it. I was surprised when you used a sexual commercial. I am a member of an organization of 4,000 families and I wondered how many phone calls you needed to get that commercial changed. Do you need 500 or would 50 be enough? We talked for a few more minutes and then I repeated my request. Do you need 500 calls or would 50 be enough. She assured me that my one call was enough. In this case Valerie Mills also called. A week and a half later that commercial was no longer aired, and now two or three years later, they still have appropriate commercials. Just think what this group could do if each of you called on a commercial, perhaps once a week or even once a month.

Sometimes nothing happens as a result of a phone call, but usually it does. One time I went into a place that sold phones. There was an inappropriate poster and I said to the young man behind the counter. That poster makes me uncomfortable. He said, “What’s wrong with it?” I said, “Well, do you really think its appropriate for children to see?” (I always talk about children because then people more readily understand.) He looked at it again said, “Well, I guess it isn’t.” Then I said, “Why don’t you take it down?” He said, “I can’t. It’s company policy to display it. Then I asked for his corporate number.

It was probably 11 p.m before I got around to calling. I was surprised that anyone answered the phone. I said, “You are a wonderful company, but today I saw a poster in your office and it just wasn’t appropriate for children to see.” I was so surprised when she said, “Oh, I’m glad you called. There have been so many complaints about our TV ads that we are changing them. I am sure I can get the poster changed, too.” And it got changed.

All of you can us your first amendment right to make comments wherever you shop. You can hank the managers or make requests. Perhaps you can just leave a note or circle the money you just spent in the store and write a note on the receipt. Remember to be polite. Ask the manager to decide what is good for a six or eight year old boy to read and see. Make these managers your friend.

You might get together as a group and go after a commercial.

You might want to join the American Family Association in their boycott of McDonalds. (See the handout.) American Family Association encourages us to call the local manager and ask them as a corporation to stay neutral on the gay and lesbian issues rather than give them financial support.

Remember: Silence means acceptance – and our Founding Fathers allowed us liberty to exercise our first amendment right to speak up and establish the community standard we wanted. We must not sacrifice the moral values of our children because we are nervous about saying something in a positive way that will help us establish child-appropriate community standards.

In closing let’s remember that silence means acceptance. We need to utilize the liberty that our founding fathers gave us. Thank you.

JoAnn Hibbert Hamilton Outline

2008-10-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

Utilizing the Liberty That Our Founding Fathers Gave Us

If we don’t use the freedoms we have, we will lose them.

“The Core Unit Which Determines the Strength of Any Society is the family: Therefore, the Government Should Foster and Protect Its Integrity.” (The 5000 Year Leap, p. 281)

A. We need to Protect our Families in a promiscuous society:

1. Movies

2. Videos

3. Television

4. Video Games

5. Internet

6. Cell Phones

7. Books, etc.

Helps: White Ribbon Program on www.strengthenthefamily.net

Checklist

A Minute for Parents from www.strengthenthefamily.net

B. We need to establish child-appropriate community standards:

1. Remember: to keep quiet is to approve.

2. Understand the Harmful to Minors Law

3. Understand HOW to establish a child-appropriate community standard

1. Have a resolution passed by the City Council

2. Be a part of covering everything in stores that are inappropriate for children to see.

3. Help remove inappropriate commercials from television.

4. Stand up for your values.

5. Try to find honest political people who will represent your views and not be tied to other politicians and the political groups that form

A Solution: Thank managers when you shop.

Politely request that inappropriate magazines be covered.

Join the American Family Association to keep informed. (www.afa.net)

Protect your family.

Speak up on other issues, i.e. loosening of liquor laws

Remember: Silence means acceptance.

Utilize your first amendment rights or you will lose them.

United Women's Forum Meeting 10-8-08 Slide Show

2008-10-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

October 8, 2008 "Protecting the Role of the Family"

2008-09-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

JoAnn Hibbert Hamilton is a strong family advocate and she has worked tirelessly to protect families by helping community governments establish child-appropriate standards in Utah and across the U.S. so that the "harmful to minors" law can be enforced. As Founder and Director of Citizens for Families, with a membership of 4,000 families, her ideas on protecting the family have been aired on Canadian talk shows and the BYU Worldwide Education Week Broadcast. She feels one of her most important accomplishments is getting the White Ribbon Week program, which educates students against pornography, into our public schools. She has published three books, twelve CDs and has a website, www.strengthenthefamily.net. She also writes a column, A Minute For Parents, for the Davis County Clipper and a California newspaper. She has a large family and has served as the wife of a mission president for the LDS church.

"Patriots and Petticoats" September 10, 2008

2008-09-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

Minutes of United Women’s Forum General Meeting

September 10, 2008 at the Bountiful City Library

Diane Prince welcomed those in attendance; the prayer was given by April Hatch. Dalane England led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Paulette Bierwolf taught us “A Principle of Freedom” with today’s topic as The Importance of an Educated Electorate. She told us a personal experience she had as a child of thinking the world was flat and the difficulty she had of being educated otherwise. After finally accepting that it opened up a whole new way of thinking about things! She then told us how our Founding Fathers knew that if the populace was educated, they would choose better leaders. She continued by pointing out that one way a dictator retains power is by controlling what people read and are taught. Therefore we must always remember that education is vital to the preservation of freedom. She urged us to be educated in everything possible.

Debra Poulsen referred to the handout given to all the women of internet sites which will help us be knowledgeable and informed and that are important tools for us in our fight for what we believe in. She told how she has become familiar with them and urged us to do the same; each of us should be able to find some way to participate.

Dalane England reminded us of September 17^th being the day that our Constitution was signed. She said that it is essential that as citizens that we know and understand it so that we make sure our leaders are held accountable. It is even more of a concern that it is taught to our children. The schools are mandated to teach it between Sept. 17 & 23. She made a plea for help in making sure this is happening in the schools—asking for volunteers for this year and next.

Linda Hess updated us on Proposition 8 in California (the marriage amendment). She said it is vital that we do everything to make sure this passes there as it will impact every other state. She cited many implications of things that could happen if this fails to pass. Handouts were given to the women to fill out and return to the ‘marriage protection’ groups in California.

Finally we were treated to vignettes from “Patriots in Petticoats” by Jaynann M. Payne and her daughter Nancy Herrera. This play was written by Mrs. Payne, who has many credentials of family-related service throughout the years, as well as being the mother of 12. This play was performed at the Colonial Days Celebration on July 2, 3, 4, and 5, 2008 at the Crandall Historical Museum in Provo, Utah. It brings to life the exciting experiences of women who played vital roles in the American Revolution. We enjoyed the presentation of these women who are so passionate about the role we have in this time that we are alive. They thanked us for attending today and being part of this forum and urged us to contribute now just as these colonial women who left such a valuable legacy from the past.

UWF Meeting 9-10-2008 Slide Show

2008-09-10T21:46:00.001-07:00

2008 FALL NEWSLETTER

2008-09-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

CLICK IMAGE TO READ AND PRINT

Mark your Calendar! September 10, 2008 United Forum Meeting 10:15 a.m. Bountiful Library

2008-09-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

"The Importance of an Educated Electorate" Jaynann M. Payne and her daughter, Nancy Herrera will be performing a few scenes from "Patriots in Petticoats,"a play that brings to life the exciting adventures of the intrepid 1776 women of the American Revolution. Some women fought the war with their pen, other actually took up arms, but all dreamed the seemingly impossible dream of freedom and independence. Written by Jaynann Payne, the cast of 2 women performed at the Colonial Days 4th of July Celebration in Provo. Nancy is a talented musician and mother of 5 sons. Jaynann is the mother of 12 children, 71 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren. Jaynann served as the National Director of the Center for Family Studies of the Freemen Institute for 4 years. In 1977, she was a Utah Delegate to the International Women's Year Conference.
We look forward to seeing you there!

United Women's Forum

2008-09-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

UNITED WOMEN'S FORUM by Diane Prince
I was intrigued last summer when a small booklet was handed to me, and an invitation was given by a friend to attend a group called the "United Women's Forum." Like many women, my time seemed to be so busy that I wasn't sure how I could possibly fit one more thing into my already over scheduled life. I decided to peruse the booklet, and to my surprise, found that I was immediately impressed with the mission statement of this group. Further, I wanted to show respect to my friend, and so I decided to attend a meeting. All I can say is "wow," am I glad that I did. It definitely exceeded my expectations and has become something that I look forward to each month.
The United Women's Forum is made up of women primarily from Davis County who care about our community, state and country and want to be informed about what is happening in our government. This is an organization of women who are moral and have a firm faith in Jesus Christ and believe that it is His right to rule in the affairs of men. In the forum, not only do we learn what is currently going on in government by those who have taken the time to be informed, but in the process we are given ideas of even small ways that we can make a difference. As an added bonus, each month a dynamic speaker is invited. We have been enlightened by such speakers as; Congressman Bishop (United States Congress), Stephen Studdert (former senior White House Advisor to three U.S. Presidents), Dan Jones (popular pollster) Judge David Sam (Senior Judge of the District of Utah for the United States District Court), Ardeth Kapp (former LDS Church Young Women's President) Jill Stevens (Miss Utah who has been serving in the Utah National Guard and was stationed in Afghanistan), and others. One of the things I have really enjoyed is the opportunity for questions and answers with our guest speaker at the end of their talk. We have truly been taught. Each meeting has been most interest and informative.
As well as being enlightened, I think one of the things that has impressed me the most at the United Women's Forum is the caliber of women who attend. I have loved getting to know many of these women. It has been pleasing to see that in spite of their busy lives, they have made it a priority to take this 1 1/2 hours a month to be informed and where possible to make their voices heard.
The United Women's Forum is open to anyone who would like to attend. You will find it is very much, worth the time.

UWF Meeting May 14, 2008 The Honorable Judge David Sam

2008-05-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

United Women’s Forum Minutes – May, 2008

The United Women Forum convened their monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at the Bountiful City Library at 10:15 am. Debra Poulsen welcomed everyone new guests to the meeting. Opening prayer was offered by Kris Kimball and Teresa Crapo led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Debra announced that the Davis County Republican Women have scheduled a pre-Primary Election debate on June 3, 2008, at Bountiful City Hall. The public is invited to attend to hear the candidates. The Primary election will be held on June 24.

Barbara Derricott was introduced to present to the forum, the role of religion in a free society. Barbara is a wife, mother and devoted member of our community who has volunteered in schools in Bountiful for many years. She and her family lived for several years in Japan but she loves America and is very patriotic.

Barbara taught that a government of free people, without religion cannot be maintained – principle #4 from the book: A Miracle That Changed the World – the 5000 Year Leap. “Our founders” she stated, “felt that the role of religion would be as important in our day as it was in theirs.”

The Northwest Ordinance, written in 1787, the same year as the Constitution, emphasized the essential need to teach religion and morality in the schools. Article 3 states: “Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.”

National morality can prevail and virtue is a necessity in government. Ben Franklin summarized five fundamental points that were to be taught in schools. They are:

1. There is a Creator who made all things and mankind should recognize and worship Him.
2. The Creator has revealed a moral code of behavior for happy living which distinguishes right from wrong.
3. The Creator holds mankind responsible for the way they treat each other.
4. All mankind live beyond this life.
5. In the next life, mankind is judged for their conduct in this one.

In America, we sometimes put religious traits behind issues of government.
In the 1700-1800’s, the clergy were anxious to maintain separation of church and state but they had great influence on the morals and customs of public life. They did not want religion to become involved in partisan politics but believed that it was their duty to keep a message of religious principles and moral values flowing to the people to safeguard America.

The First Amendment provides that “Congress shall make NO law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” The First Amendment was designed to eliminate the interference of the federal government in any religious matters with the states. The federal judicial system was also prohibited from intermeddling with religious matters within the states.

Jefferson and Madison were anxious that states intervene in religious matters so that all religions would be treated equally. In recent years, the U.S. Supreme Court has taken an extremely inflexible and rigid position regarding the state governments and religion which creates tension and litigation throughout the land. Non religious people litigate any matter where they feel there is mention of anything religious – such as display of the 10 Commandments in a federal building or having a Christian display at Christmas time in a public park.

As citizens, we need to study the Constitution and understand our rights as citizens, stand up for them and elect representatives who also support the Constitution.

Diane Prince reminded us about an organization called: Write Your Congressman where we can send opinion ballots to our Congressmen regarding our feelings about any issue in congress. She said that our representatives will listen to our opinions and sincerely desire to represent their constituency. We can get these opinion ballots monthly and can get more information on their website.

Debra announced that the Bountiful recycling program will be held on Tuesday, May 27th at 7:00 pm at the City Hall – for any who wish to attend.

Adrienne Buckley told us about the Barnes and Noble issue re: decency in displaying literature. She said that the B&N response to our many letters was that there are no enforceable laws and the store is in compliance with the law. She was appreciative of the huge amount of support from the community on this issue and she felt that it was somewhat effective. Adrienne said that there will be a Summit Meeting for the Community on Decency at BYU on May 31st. She suggested carpooling for any who might want to attend that meeting.

Dalane England urged us to support the effort to inform public schools about Constitution Day (week) - September 17th – 23rd. This week is set aside to teach the Constitution in the schools. She said that there is a lot of information already out there to use but she wants to make sure that this program in implemented in the schools this year. Contact Dalane, Deborah Poulsen or Kaylma Rohwer if interested.

Laura Bunker needs a committee of volunteers to help with a fall event for United Families Utah. She will welcome your help. Laura also told us of the recent variance which El Matador restaurant was given to allow the sale of beer at their restaurant. The city council voted 3/2 to grant the variance and it was determined that this vote was not an oversite by the council but a pre-arranged deal when urging the El Matador to relocate. Promises were made to them to help them get the variance. She urged us to start a Bountiful citizens group, run for city council and mayor offices.

Linda Hess told us that McDonalds recently donated $20,000 to gay rights. While only about 2.9% of the population is gay/lesbian, they have a huge voice because they are funded by large organizations such as McDonalds and Ford Motor Co. Some of these organizations just want to be politically correct – as do our politicians and they are always in the spotlight. She urged us to contact our representatives to vote AGAINST ENDA which is supposed to be a non-discrimination bill but actually does discriminate against the rights of some to choose to hire homosexuals, have them as scout leaders and so forth. Gays have no tolerance for Christians but expect tolerance from themselves.

Our guest speaker was introduced by Marva Lyman. The Honorable David Sam was our speaker today. Judge Sam is from Indiana. He was born of Romanian immigrant parents. He received degrees from BYU and U of U. Judge Sam served in the US Air Force where he was a Captain. He lived and practiced law in Duchene County. He was also a County attorney there. He has served on many boards and as a bishop, stake president and mission president for his church. In 1985, he was appointed US District Judge of the 4th District, by President Ronald Regan. Marva stated that she honors him as a good neighbor and friend most of all. “He is a charitable, good man.”

Judge Sam expressed that he felt it an honor to be in this group and he complimented us for our interest in the Constitution. He stated “I am your humble servant” and we felt that from his remarks. He told us that it is so important for each of us to be a good citizen. He spoke fondly of his wife Bennie, who was named after her father who was killed as an American hero in WWII. He also stated that his 3 brothers felt that it was such an honor for them to serve their country in the military. He said “A few people make things happen; a lot of people watch things happen and the overwhelming majority of people do nothing.”

Judge Sam felt that it was a miracle for his family to get out of Romania. His family had the gift of life in Romania but they found the gift of freedom in America. Freedom is not free. It requires something of all people who benefit from it. He told us of a case he had involving the American Atheist Society of America. They were suing the state of Utah for erecting crosses at the location where highway patrolmen lost their lives in the line of duty. The AAS stated that it was a violation of the 1st Amendment and that the government cannot get involved in religious symbols. Judge Sam researched the case and discovered that in the early 70’s, the Lennon case made a decision on symbols. He determined that the law had been defined by the Supreme Court which stated that the government does not violate if secular purposes do not advance religious purposes. Erecting the crosses does not cross that line.

Judge Sam stated that we are the watchdog at the grass roots level. We need to make sure our voices are heard. Our founders put power in the federal judiciary based on righteous principles. He issued an invitation for us to visit his chambers. It was a privilege to listen to his good man.

UWF was encouraged to attend the legislature meeting held on the 3rd Wednesday of June and July. We need to all help shape the laws for our next legislative session.

UWF Meeting May 14, 2008 The Honorable Judge David Sam

2008-05-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

Public Hearing for the El Matador alcohol variance

2008-04-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

2008-04-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

UNITED WOMEN’S FORUM MINUTES – APRIL 9, 2008

Diane Prince welcomed everyone and introduced the program.

The prayer was offered by Linda Reeves.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vicki Harbertson.

Presentation on “A Principle of Freedom” was given by Rebecca Bierwolf entitled, “All Men Are Created Equal”.

Rebecca gave an inspiring message of the ways we are and are not equal as a people. The ways we are equal are in the sight of God, under the law and by how the laws protect us. Some of the ways in which we are not equal are seen in our personal lives and within our families. We all are blessed with different talents and abilities, but in these ways we are not equal. She expressed that the breakdown of inequality happens through the minorities. Rebecca is in the minority in that she has been disabled since being hit by a car at 18 months of age. Her parents raised her with no barriers or boundaries. She was chosen to be Miss Wheelchair Utah and then Runner-up to National Miss Wheelchair. It was at the National competition that she realized that there are many who cannot do as much as she can do, and that she wanted to do something to protect their rights and make sure that they were being adequately helped and protected through the laws of our land. She discussed the ADA laws and has learned much about them. In doing so she has realized how important those laws are to those less abled. She encouraged us to celebrate our differences but in so doing, also be aware that inequality becomes exposed with the more freedom and differences that we share. We have a responsibility to protect the minorities, by making sure that the laws of our land that were made to enable them, are being upheld.

Debra Poulsen led us in a wonderful forum activity that helped us recognize the great accomplishments of The United Women’s Forum in this first year of organization. She shared a poem that in essence speaks of our efforts within the forum. It is as follows:

Written by Edward Everet Hale:

I am only one

But still I am one

I cannot do everything

But still I can do something

And because I cannot do everything

I will not refuse to do that something I can do

And what I can do

I ought to do,

And with god's help I will do.

Adrienne Buckley spoke of the efforts by Shelly Davies regarding inappropriate magazines being displayed at Barnes and Noble and the support of the forum in that endeavor, as well as the forums success in helping stop VIVID from recruiting young Utah girls into their pornographic movie industry. There will be a letter on our blog that we can cut, copy, sign and send to Barnes and Noble corporate offices to protest the material that they are unlawfully displaying.

Debra Poulsen made a special presentation to Linda Reeves for being a founder of The United Women’s Forum and for her great vision and efforts given in its behalf. We will miss her and wish her well as she serves with her husband for the next three years in California as Mission President. Lauralee Christensen was also recognized for her generosity in providing her home as the meeting place for forum meetings monthly during the past year.

Diane Prince introduced our guest speaker, Mr. Ike Ferguson. Along with his many academic accomplishments and honors, Marge Clayton said that the best way to describe him is as a “hands on person with a heart as big as the universe”.

Mr. Ferguson has been involved with welfare work throughout the world since the 1970’s as a profession and has spent most of his efforts focusing on the poor people of other continents as well here in the United States. In doing so, he has discovered that we in North America have a highly exaggerated expectation for our temporal lives as compared to most other people in the world; that humans are remarkably similar in their basic needs and wants and that though we all live in different settings, have similar challenges, opportunities and duties. Four questions have repeated themselves over and over in his work, both faith-based and in community settings.

l. Who do we help?

2. How do we help?

3. How and how much do we help?

4. When do we help?

He stated that for him the inner conflict has been – “the conflict of a tender, giving heart seeing need and wanting to fix it, struggling with the more objective issues of teaching correct principles and leading the needy person toward a greater level of self-reliance, security and personal peace in his/her life”. He shared five ideas that might be helpful in our coming to understand the needs of people, and how best to give aid to those less-secure in their lives. They are:

l. The sometimes misunderstood meaning of human equality;

2. The influence of Judeo-Christian ethics in the generosity of American society;

3. The role of government as a player in making us all equal;

4. Understanding the culture of poverty and its influence in peoples’ lives; and

5. How we as individuals evaluate inequality and act responsibly in doing our part to

help.

The following are remarks from his talk that were so poignant in helping us understand how we can most effectively help others.

Bill Bonner illustrated this notion of “discovering poverty” using a New England woodsman as an example. I readily relate to this scenario, particularly from my experience in Africa:

“The woodchopper from New Hampshire…discover[s]… that he lives not only in a "substandard" hovel, but that he is "poor." Poverty is always a relative measure, but relative to what? A man may be perfectly happy with his lot in life. He may have no running water, no central heat, and no money. Imagine him tending his garden, feeding his chickens, and fixing his tattered roof…. In fact, by all measures that matter to him, he could have a rich, comfortable and enjoyable life. But as the scale of comparison grows, the details that make his life so agreeable to him disappear in a flush of statistics. He finds that he is below the "poverty line." He discovers that he is "disadvantaged" and "under-privileged." He may even be delighted to realize that he has a "right" to "decent housing." Maybe he will qualify for food stamps.

“The idea of being "poor" may never have occurred to him before. He may live in a part of the world where everyone is about as poor as he is...and all perfectly happy in their poverty. But now that the spell is on him, it sits like a curse. Poverty seems like something he has to escape...something he has to get out of ...something that someone had better to do something about!

“His new scaled-up consciousness has turned him into a malcontent. The poor man, previously happy in his naïve particulars, is now miserable in his role as a poverty-stricken hick.”¹⁶

We who are prosperous often contribute to the woodsman’s woes because of our own thought processes. We eat store-bought processed food—everyone should. We sleep in comfortable bedrooms with carpeted floors and on beds with box springs and mattresses—everyone should. Our children are educated in modern, well-equipped schools—all children should. We have access to the latest in communication and technology—everyone should. The reality is, two-thirds of the world’s population have few, if any, of these luxuries, but are still relatively healthy and happy. These people have their challenges, often temporal; we have ours, as well, often social and/or spiritual. The moral: perhaps we should be less judgmental, sympathetic or pitying, and more interested in understanding the circumstances and priorities of others, from their perspective. I recall a high school educated school teacher in Liberia who walked two hours each way to his $30 per month classroom job at a rural orphanage. He had none of the above-named “basics.” Asked what would be his highest priority for improving life, he remarked that a second-hand bicycle would save him three hours walking each day, allowing him more time with his young family.

Mr. Ferguson encouraged us to understand the “hidden rules” of different of societies. They are the “unspoken cues and habits of a group, and in many cases denote what is most important to them” and how we can best help.

In his concluding remarks he referred to a “landmark” book written by David Landes entitled The Wealth and Poverty of Nations in which Mr. Landes writes:

“History tells us that most cures for poverty come from within. Foreign aid (or any other assistance for that matter) can help, but like windfall wealth, can also hurt. It can discourage effort and plant a crippling sense of incapacity…at bottom, no empowerment is so effective as self-empowerment.”

For Mr. Ferguson’s complete address please refer to the following link:

A special Birthday luncheon was held after the meeting.

Photos: April 9, 2008 "Ike Ferguson" First Annual Anniversay General Meeting

2008-04-09T14:54:00.001-07:00

Recipes from First Annual Anniversary UWF General Meeting

2008-04-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

Spinach, Chicken & Pasta Salad

16 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked al dente

Dressing:

1 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup bottled Teriyaki sauce

2/3 cup white wine vinegar

6 tablespoons sugar

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 (10-ounce) bag fresh spinach

1 (6-ounce) bag craisins

3 (11-ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained

2 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained

½ cup parsley, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

½ cup sesame seeds, toasted

6 ounces honey roasted peanuts

2 cups cooked chicken, cut into small pieces

Blend dressing ingredients together in blender or food processor. Mix dressing and cooked pasta in medium bowl and marinate for two hours. (I marinate the cooked chicken, pasta and water chestnuts over night in refrigerator) Combine rest of salad ingredients in large salad bowl, add pasta and dressing and toss.

Orange Rolls

1 ½ cups hot water

1/4 lb. (1 stick) butter

½ cup shortening

2 T. Yeast (2 packets)

½ cup warm water (to dissolve yeast)

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. baking powder

6 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

Pour hot water over butter and shortening to melt, cool. Add eggs, sugar and dissolved yeast. Sift together baking powder, salt and flour. Add in and mix well. Let stand 1 hour (covered) or put in refrigerator overnight. Roll out 2 hours before baking. Bake at 375 about 12 min or browned. Makes 2 roll outs (24 rolls). Double for 4 dozen rolls (4 roll outs).

Inside; (for 2 roll outs)

½ cup softened butter

1 cup sugar

2 tsp. grated orange rind

1 tsp. orange extract

Glaze;

3 cups powdered sugar

6 Tbsp. Orange juice

First Annual Anniversary General Meeting : Wednesday, April 9, 2008

2008-04-04T11:09:00.001-07:00

United Women's Forum is excited to invite you to attend our FIRST annual Anniversary General Meeting celebration on Wednesday, April 9, 2008. This event will hallmark our fantastic growth and development as an organization over the past year. We strive to keep our forum educated and involved on issues which affect the family, the community and the nation. Won't you join with us the second Wednesday of April, at 10:00 am at the Bountiful Public Library to hear what is going on in our Forum and with community issues?

Our guest speaker this month will be Ike Ferguson who is well known in the field of Humanitarian Service. For the past 7 years, Ike and his wife Gloria have lived in West Africa where Ike was responsible for multi-faceted community humanitarian relief and the development of programs in up to ten West African nations for the LDS Church. Additionally, he has had a lifetime of service in welfare and humanitarian related fields. The topic he will address is: "All Men are Created Equal" and he will help us understand what kind of service is most beneficial to those in need.

Because this is our Anniversary Meeting, we plan to serve a light lunch and also have a "donation" fund raiser to help with some of our expenses. We have not previously asked for any donations from the forum and guests but since our numbers are growing so quickly, our expenses are growing too. We have miscellaneous costs which have been funded by the Steering Committee but we intend to be a "not for profit" organization and spend out our expenses each year. Your "free-will" donation will be appreciated but is not mandatory for your attendance.

Please join us at this wonderful event!

2008-03-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND

MEET THE CANDIDATE NIGHT

England Residence
2692 S. Grand Oaks Circle
Bountiful
Map: http://www.mapquest.com/mq/9-oovDq8m7
Wed, April 2nd 7:00pm to 9:00pm

All candidates running for Senate Seat 23 are invited and will be given 15 min each to talk, then you will have a chance to ask your own questions of each candidate.

The schedule for each candidate is as follows:
7:00 Dan Liljenquist
7:20 Jim Nielson
7:40 Beth Beck
8:00 Ron Mortensen
8:20 Lamont Peterson
8:40 Kent Parry
8:55 Lisa Watts Baski

Sponsored by Dalane England, local citizen and delegate.
Please call with any questions 298-5319.

United Women’s Forum Meeting – Minutes, March 19, 2008

2008-03-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Debra Poulsen welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the program.

Invocation was offered by Karen Tucker
Pledge of Allegiance led by Jennifer Bertin

Debra Poulsen introduced United Women’s Forum new board members: Janet Seamons, Becky Nelson, Jennifer Bertin and Diane Prince.

Presentation on “A Principle of Freedom” – Electing Virtuous Leaders: Diane Prince
Diane gave us an inspiring message with many thoughts taken from the book, “Learning From the 5000 Year Leap”. She said that in our Pledge of Allegiance we say “one nation under God” and that we must do all that we can to honor and serve that God for our nation to flourish. In doing so, we mush elect virtuous leaders. To be a virtuous leader one must be guided by the source of true virtue – God. She also quoted Proverbs 29:2 as the Founding Fathers favorite scripture:

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”

Diane reiterated that when the righteous are in authority great things happen. The Founding Fathers wanted leaders to be elected who:

1. Were not after office for the love of power or money.
2. To have modest pay or no pay at all, so that money was not the motivator.

Leaders who serve with all of their might, raise people to a higher level. We need to serve God with all of our hearts, might, mind and strength. Diane shared a wonderful personal experience, when as a young mother; she was called by a friend for help fighting a bill before the state legislature that would keep religious music referring to God out of the public schools. She attended the session the day this bill had come up for a vote and listened carefully to the opinions expressed by those supporting both sides of this bill. At the end of the debate there was time for one more opinion and Diane’s name was called. Courageously she spoke up and said that in supporting this bill we are in fact, “afraid of offending an atheist, and in the process we are offending our God.” At the conclusion of her remarks those present stood and applauded, including our state legislature. At that moment she knew that we had elected virtuous leaders.

Thank you Diane for a wonderful and inspiring presentation.

Debra Poulsen recognized Dalane England and Laura Bunker for their countless hours spent with the State Legislature during the Legislative Session.

Report on Utah’s 2008 Legislative Session: Laura Bunker and Dalane England

Laura Bunker enjoyed attending the State Legislative Session and learned so much. She encourages all of us to take the opportunity to attend next year and let our voices be heard. She mentioned a number of bills that were before the legislature including three bills that would forward the gay and lesbian lifestyle:

* B89 – an anti discrimination act that was put on hold and not voted on
*HB318 – allowing unmarried, co-habiting, homo-sexual and lesbian couples to adopt children. This bill did not pass.
*SB73 – Wrongful Death Amendment: allowing co-habiting or same sex partners to sue for death benefits if the partner were killed. This bill did not pass as well.
*SB299 was sponsored by Senator Greg Bell, in the last 4 days of the legislature, with the intent of prohibiting the Salt Lake Domestic Partnership Registry. It included a compromise so that it would pass, allowing adults who live together to name an “adult designee” on their insurance. This included mother-daughter relationships, sister-sister relationships, etc, but also had to include unmarried cohabitants and same-sex partners. However, it did strictly “prohibit a city or county registry from giving legal status or effect to a domestic partnership, civil union, or other domestic cohabitation other than marriage.” It protected the effect of our marriage amendment on all levels of government in Utah. It passed the Senate 21-7, passed the House 61-9, and was signed by the Governor last Friday, March 14

Laura invited us to sign up at unitedfamiliesutah.org to receive e-mails that will keep us informed on issues that affect the family.

Dalane England reported that there were 1100 bills presented during the Legislative Session and 463 were passed. This is during a period of 45 days. Our presence at the legislative session makes a difference and she encouraged us to make our presence known and to be heard. She reiterated that the bills from the gay and lesbian community will be back. They are a very strong force and will not give up. She touched on a number of the bills presented, including:

• A car seat law that means all children under the age of 8 must be in a car seat. This bill passed.
• ID theft – 96% of crimes have to do with ID theft. Many involved in these crimes are going after children.
• Human trafficking
• Waiver of immunity
• Transparency in Government Bill – How money is being spent
• Sex offenders bill
• Child Welfare Amendment - If a child is taken out of the home they must first be allowed to go to family or friends before being sent to foster care.
• Henry’s Law – regarding animal rights. Crimes intentionally torturing pets would be considered as serious as the rape/murder of a child.
• Home Schooling – a bill stating that if a parent does not have a teaching certificate they would not be allowed to teach, patterned after the State of California.

Dalane encouraged us to attend our Caucus meetings to be held this Tuesday, the 25th of March in our neighborhoods. Thank you Laura and Dalane for all of your work at the State Legislature and for educating and inspiring us in the process.

Debra Poulsen spotlighted Richard Wells of “National Write Your Congressman”. Richard mentioned that he could feel the passion present in the hall and applauded the efforts and goals of the United Women’s Forum. He emphasized that we have the potential as a nation to lose our freedom through legislation because of the darkness that we as a people are in. One of the goals of “National Write Your Congressman” is to empower people in every state to be heard by their leaders, that the leaders may know the voice of their constituents. The mission statement of this organization is:

“To encourage Responsible Americans to use their influence in government to preserve the freedoms set forth by our Founding Fathers.”

He encouraged us to communicate with our congressman regularly and to compare his voting record with what he tells you he will vote for.

Leslie Swartwood gave an announcement regarding the first anniversary of The United Women’s Forum coming up in April. We will celebrate with a fundraising event in which Ike Fergusen will be our speaker and a light buffet luncheon will be offered. This will be held at the Bountiful Library on April 9th at 10:15 AM. A donation of $10-15 is encouraged. Please come and contribute to this great organization.

Marge Clayton introduced our special guest and speaker Congressman Rob Bishop. He has spent most of his life in the Utah North area. He graduated from Davis High School and from the University of Utah. He is a resident of both Brigham City and Washington D.C. while he serves us in Congress. Congressman Bishop served 16 years in the State Legislature representing Brigham City and the last two of those years as Speaker of the House. He is currently serving on the House Rules Committee in Congress as well as the Arm Services Committee, Natural Resources, Education and Labor Committees. Marge stated that our political leaders can lift us to a higher level and Congressman Bishop is truly a virtuous leader.

Congressman Bishop began his remarks by stating that a virtuous electorate is necessary to put into office a virtuous leader. He said that the Constitution protects us from our own best intentions. In order for us to understand the Constitution we must understand the history of the time period in which it was written. He stated that there is an abundance of ignorance regarding our history when it comes to understanding the constitution and he strongly encouraged us to read and study the history of the men and the issues facing our government at the time the Constitution was written. There is a book written by Akhil Amir that is very good about the words used in the constitution and their history. He was not sure of the title, but it refers to the words of the constitution and is yellow!

There are some years that the state of Utah sends more money back to the Federal Government than we receive in return. This is money for federal mandates in return for state needs that has nothing to do with what the state needs in the first place. Congressman Bishop feels that we as a state do not need to send as much money to Washington just to get things back. The states are the laborers of the democracy. They have the ability to be creative and cost-effective and empowered to solve the local needs of the people. The federal government tends to be enamored with rules and procedures and to forget the very purpose of why they are there. He feels strongly that the Federal leaders should want to lose power to the states.

A virtuous leader was never intended to do everything for everyone. It starts at the local and state level. His goal as our elected official representing us in Congress is to come back after his service in Washington with less power in National government and more power for the State levels. It is a systemic form of government that he strongly advocates and feels that he has a few back in Washington that are catching on and supporting this as well. He recommended reading the book, “Rebirth of Federalism” by David Walker.

Congressman Bishop addressed many issues in a question and answer session following his speech. Some of these were as follows:

*Candidates for President: You are in good company if you have a problem with all three. Vote for one that will do the least amount of harm.

*Doomsday forecast for our Nation: This would happen only if the people allowed it to happen. A virtuous electorate keeps this from happening.

*Utah is the best state in the union for appropriating money. Congress wants to model this. We need to cut spending!

*Regarding Primary Elections: Congress needs to go to a regional Primary concept.

*Global Poverty Act: He has voted against any funding for the United Nation. The United Nations doesn’t work.

Some of Congressman Bishop’s favorite issues he is working on are a land conveyance issue regarding 1600 acres to be traded between Bountiful and the forest service and the Clean Water Act. He gave an example using the Clean Water Act of how good people are hurt inadvertently by the federal government. He strongly reiterated that an educated electorate needs to get the systemic form of government brought about. He will feel successful at the end of his term in Congress if he has been able to bring this power back to the states.

We appreciate Congressman Bishop for his very motivational speech and are grateful for the virtuous leadership and work that he is doing for his electorates.

PHOTOS FROM UWF 03/19/2008 MEETING

2008-03-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

GUEST SPEAKER ROB BISHOP

2008-03-10T22:41:00.001-07:00

To view image larger click on upper right hand corner of announcement. You can also choose from the dropdown menu titled ipaper to print or e-mail the announcement to a friend.

MINUTES FEB. 13TH 2008

2008-02-14T21:51:00.000-08:00

United Women’s Forum Meeting – Minutes, Feb 13, 2008

Debra Poulsen welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the program.

Invocation was offered by Erin Perkins
Pledge of Allegiance led by Linda Hess

Debra reaffirmed the intent of UWF is to capture the “spirit of liberty which our Founding Fathers had.” She reminded us to check out the websites of Family Research Council and United Families, Community for Decency, and Lighted Candle Society. She encouraged us to “get up, put on our armor and get going!”

Debra introduced Lauralee Christensen who gave a brief presentation about the governing principles of the Constitution. Lauralee taught a principle from a book which was written by Cleon Skousen titled: The 5000 Year Leap – A Miracle That Changed the World. Principle #2, which she discussed, states that a free people must remain virtuous and morally strong to survive in a republican culture. She reminded us that the Founding Fathers began a moral revolution against arrogant views of wealth, leisure and waste which they saw in England. They saw that to have public virtue, people must stand on principle. Their efforts led to the Constitutional Convention and our guiding freedom documents. Principle #3 will be discussed next month and it is about electing virtuous leaders.

Kris Kimball shared her experience of working with the presidential campaign of Mitt Romney. She said that it was wonderful to learn how one person could make a difference. Kris included her children with the volunteer efforts and they enjoyed the experience too. They learned “how” to participate in an election and how a caucus works. Everyone contributed and did a lot of phoning to states which were having Primary elections.

Laura Bunker shared with us a “Letter to the Editor” which she has written to voice her personal concern for the Alcohol Variance which has been granted in Bountiful to El Matador Restaurant. Though the variance has been granted, it application is not yet complete. After the restaurant makes the legal application, there will be another public hearing where the public is invited to attend to make their feelings known. Laura stressed that she feels this is the first Variance given and opens the door to others in our city and state. It sets a precedent and would negatively impact the health, peace, safety and well being of our community. Watch for an email notice of the upcoming hearing and plan to attend. Attendance sends a message to our city council that we will not tolerate this variance acception.

Laura also encouraged us to contact our legislators to oppose the Salt Lake Registry (HB 267) – which registers domestic partners. This bill opens the door for alternative marriages? The Salt Lake City domestic partner registry was passed unanimously by the SL City Council. It gives a measure of legal recognition to domestic partners and cohabiting couples in Salt Lake City . At the very least, the registry sends an incorrect message that alternative relationships are good for society, and at most it could be in violation of the Utah Marriage Amendment.
SB267 prohibits cities from establishing domestic partner registries, and preserves the standing of marriage between a man and a woman as the only legally recognized partner-relationship in Utah .

Celestia Himstreet introduced us to the Bountiful opinion poll and results to determine if the residents of Bountiful are in favor of curbside recycling. She stated that Bountiful was the first city in Utah to have a recycling program and that it is estimated that Bountiful’s landfill has capacity for approximately the next 50 more years. What then? Why not extend it longer than that? Why fill our landfill with compostable and recyclable materials? We need to be better stewards of our land(fill) to make sure it lasts a lot longer than that. Bountiful garbage rates are close to half of what they are in all other Davis communities because we have a valuable asset in our landfill. Other cities in Davis County have to send their trash to a Burn Facility making their rates almost twice what we pay in Bountiful. We probably only have 5% of our community recycling. Currently, Bountiful has bins for residents to take their materials to recycle at the Streets Department 950 S. 200 W. Studies have shown that city wide curbside recycling programs increase the recycling activity of a community, and according to the EPA green waste represents up to 43% of the waste stream, which may be a good place to start when trying to reduce waste stream for community. Bountiful City has a website where we can still vote about a current proposal but there is still more we could do to change the proposal such as using current funds that are used for Bountiful Beautification projects. Go to: www.bountifulutah.gov. Look in the upper left hand corner to vote to have curbside recycling.

Adrian Buckley addressed us about community pornography issues and fighting decency in our community. She said that “to keep quiet is to *approve* and that we define our community by our tolerance.” We should voice our displeasure of pornography on all fronts. Adrian told us that Gov. Huntsman declared February as “White Ribbon Month” in the collective fight in our state against pornography. So far, no one in Bountiful has supported this effort on a group basis but she said that there is still time for us to sign a proclamation voicing our support for the effort against pornography. She will forward us an email with the proclamation to sign.

Debra introduced our guest speaker Davis County Attorney, Troy Rawlings. She said that Troy began his career wanting to be a Defense Attorney but changed his mind when he worked in the system for 5 years. He is now a Prosecuting Attorney and feels like he is contributing more to our society by doing justice to protect our communities from those who are criminals, sexual predators, or law breakers of any kind. He keeps a heavy and active case load.

Troy began his remarks by telling us that over the past 24 hours, he had taken a lot of heat with his aggressive efforts in obtaining a search warrant for the Layton store – Spencer’s. He said that we would be appalled to know of the obscene and pornographic things that were seized at the store which were openly displayed and available for purchase to minors. He has had mixed reaction from the community that his actions were improper. He is concerned about the affect he sees of this type of influence (pornography) in such other crimes as domestic violence and sexual abuse. His experience has taught him that pornography, drugs and alcohol contribute greatly to domestic violence - which destroys men, women and children both physically and psychologically. He stated that “love is replaced with lust and people are desensitized with pornography. This is an uphill battle.”

The subject of his talk was “Hope for America” and he told us that WE are the hope for America. “We were all created equally by a Creator. He gave us time and agency as well as a framework for freedom in the Constitution. We must make daily decisions which will maintain our freedoms.” Troy taught the New Testament story of Mary and Martha who were hosting Jesus at their home. Martha was busy preparing for the visit and Mary was sitting with the Savior – visiting and learning from him. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the better part and that Martha was busy with things that didn’t matter. We need to keep that example in mind and choose the “better part” when we decide when and how to be involved with preserving our freedoms.

Troy told us that we all have many rights such as: right to vote, to worship, to assemble, to have due process, to protest, to communicate freely, etc. To be effective, we must have integrity and be a moral people – just like we were taught earlier from Lauralee Christensen. This responsibility includes electing officials that reflect our lifestyle, getting judges and legislators, city council and school boards who are honest and moral people, who also carry the banner and hope for America. He reminded us that we have a Utah State Constitution which we are responsible for as well as our federal Constitution. We must be accountable for the abuse of these rights.

We should be aware of laws such as Free Speech Coalition vs. Ashcroft which struck down the Supreme Court argument to protect children from pornography. This law says that child pornography is protected by free speech. We have to become involved to protect our children and our free society from evils which will be destructive.

“There are many issues to deal with here in Davis County such as drugs, domestic violence, and pornographic text photos of juveniles – by juveniles – spreading around the community. Youth are becoming desensitized and have a lack of judgment. We must teach standards in the home,” Troy stated.

Troy said that he always appreciates public support and feedback. He is happy to receive email or phone calls. His contact information is: troy@co.davis.ut.us The County Attorney's office is located at 800 S. State, Farmington, Utah 84025. The phone number for his office is 451-4300.

We all appreciated the very motivating and educational talk by Troy Rawlings and the UWF women who participated at our well attended meeting.

Closing prayer was offered by Jill Taylor and refreshments were served by Marva Lyman.

PHOTOS FROM FEB 13TH

2008-02-13T15:27:00.000-08:00

United Women's Forum --- Fabulous February

2008-02-07T22:09:00.000-08:00

Dear Ladies,

PLEASE COME to hear our Davis County Attorney,

TROY RAWLINGS

Former criminal defense attorney and Davis County Public Defender Troy's expertise is in child/family protection and prosecuting pornography and adult sex offenders
("Davis County Elected Official of the Year" in 2007)

Next Wednesday, February 13th at 10:00 a.m. at
Lauralee Christensen's,
1781 Lorien Dr Bountiful

As Davis County Attorney, Troy's office handled over 4,500 cases, including many felonies for Davis County. His office allocated $34,000 to complete the expansion of the Children's Justice Center in Davis County. He assisted in passing the
"jail stay-for-pay" legislation.

UWF SPEAKER 02-13-2008

2008-02-07T21:45:00.001-08:00

Troy Rawlings

Davis County Attorney

Troy Rawlings will be the guest speaker at the United Women's Forum meeting February 13, 2008 10:00 a.m. at Lauralee Christensen's home. Troy was just named the 2008 Elected Public Official of the Year. Read below:Davis County Attorney Troy Rawlings was named the 2008 Elected Public Official of the Year at the third annual Star Spangled Awards Banquet & Fundraiser,hosted by the Davis County Republican Women on Saturday.Rawlings was elected by county officials, legislators and the members of DCRW for his impassioned work prosecuting child sex/abuse cases in the county for the past six years. Rawlings was also honored for allocating $34,500 from the county attorneys budget to help upgrade the Childrens Justice Center. At the dinner, he turned the spotlight to his wife Lisa saying that she and his four children were the inspiration behind his dedicated work. I couldn't do this job without the support of my wife and family Rawlings said, also thanking his father, county Clerk/Auditor Steve Rawlings and Troy's mother Jenell who were both in attendance.

Minutes of United Women’s Forum General Meeting - January 9, 2008

2008-01-12T15:34:00.000-08:00

Twenty five women braved a snowy day to attend the meeting which was conducted by Debra Poulsen. Debra welcomed the group, announced the program and introduced the guest panelists.

Prayer was given by Carolyn Harmer and Pledge of Allegiance was led by Anne Marie Oborn.

Linda Reeves began the meeting announcing this year’s theme of “A Season to be Strong – A Time to Act.” She told us that 28 states now have some sort of legal gambling. They target interactive games to the 21-40 age group and start with seemingly innocent games such as Bingo. Gambling is a 38 billion dollar industry. Pornography is another evil that is flourishing in the world. It contributes greatly to the declining moral standards that surround us. Linda reminded us that we all have an opportunity to make a choice of what we will do and where we will stand. She compared life to a baseball game where we don’t know what the outcome of the game will be beforehand. In the “game of life” we have a chance to choose what team we are going to suit up for. “Battles will be lost but we know who will win the war,” she said. Linda reminded us that we live in a “holy land.” Not THE Holy Land but a land which was preserved to be a blessing to the world. She told us of a prayer said by Ben Franklin before the First Continental Congress where he prayed for protection. He said that “God governs in the affairs of men.” We need His help. We can each make a difference with small actions carrying forth the cause of God. We can win the war!

Next, Debra Poulsen’s remarks were titled “A Picture of Liberty.” She asked us to imagine a canvas and then paint the world as we see it now. Create a painting. Did we see ourselves in that painting? As a girl, Debra spoke of her own experiences of feeling a love for the flag, a love for the country and a joy to be an American. These feelings have continues with her to this day. She said “this is the Spirit of Liberty” – feeling patriotic. “Our founding Fathers recognized the ideal of liberty – living in days that tried men’s souls.” She said that “what we achieve too cheaply, we esteem to lightly.” “There is a price to pay for freedom; it is something to value and protect.” Debra attended the dedication of the Utah State capitol last week and said that it was something of grandeur – “the people’s house.” “It can now withstand earthquakes but it can’t withstand neglect of the people,” she said. “Debra admonished us to learn the constitution and to look for and seek out good people to represent us.”

The Moderator for a Panel Discussion today was Lauralee Christensen. Presenters on the panel were: Dalane England – participating at the state level; Laura Bunker – United Families Utah; Cindy Moreno – Communities for Decency; and Miriam Harmer – Participating in a Presidential campaign. Lauralee said that this panel was there to inform us and give us ideas of how we can participate and help in the community, state, world affairs. She said that “we should seek the Lord to guide us, take what we have and say ‘here I am.’”

Dalane England has a passion for our country. She said that freedom is essential to our lives and to God’s plan. “He wants agency for us.” Dalane enjoys woring at the state legislature expressing views and meeting with legislators and others who are also concerned about issues affecting God, country and family and anything related to those issues. She has learned how to fight and defend our constitutional values and how to take the opportunity to get involved. She suggested that we join a machine that is already in place and work hand in hand with others who are organized. She said that there is strength in numbers and it is more effective belonging to an organization than being alone. The Legislature is only in session for 6 weeks and we can make a difference going there for a day, ½ day or as much time as we can spend. The website for the legislature is: le.state.utah.us. She said that it is very user friendly. We are welcome to attend committee meetings; they are open to the public. We can call Delane for any help at: 298-5319 (H) or 330-0303 (C). She said that there is great synergy attending the meetings and learning about various bills. Currently, there are bills about mandatory health care, property tax, abortion, overview of judges, sex offender bills and more.

Laura Bunker, representing United Families of Utah organization, is working on issues that affect the family. She is new to the organization and she asked for help from anyone who would like to join them. They would like to start a Utah database to be able to link to our legislators. They need help in setting this up and are looking for someone who can help with that. She said that UF is hosting a lobbying training meeting at the Bountiful Library on January 17 at 10:30 am. Ron Mortensen will be there to teach everyone how to approach and talk to legislators. She said that recently UFU met with legislators who felt threatened by UF. They are pro gay marriage and want cohabitation rights acknowledged instead of just traditional marriage. This group also wants a change in sexual orientation materials. Anne Marie Oborn showed us some books with a moral viewpoint written by Richard Wilkinson. These books present a social science perspective but support faith-based positions and are available for $16.95. Rose Marie Murray, who participates with United Families, met with our legislators to introduce UF to the legislators. She noted that there are several issues about consumers taking a stand to strengthen pornography stand and other “decency” issues. She told us that Troy Rawlings, Davis County Attorney, (801-451-4300) is working on a bill which strengthens laws penalizing adults who expose children to pornography. There are currently 800 bills going thru this session and it is impossible for every legislator to know all the facts about each bill. We need to participate to be a voice of the community values and lobby them. They want to meet with us and be our voice for family values and issues. Carolyn Harmer told us that currently, there are pressures put on local Doctors to artificially inseminate gay couples. Some Doctors refuse to do that and have been threatened with removal of their license to practice at particular hospitals.

Cindy Moreno, the next panelist heads up Communities for Decency organization – which is an anti-pornography group striving to maintain high standards in our communities. She said that “there are a lot of voices speaking out and that many voices make a difference.” She told us that there are internet safety classes for young people which are taught by teenagers. It is called the Protect Their Minds program. Cindy cautioned us to take nothing for granted with respect to the availability of pornography. “It is pulling people into its grasp.” She asked us to speak up in our state and districts. We can contact Businesses for Decency to enforce the laws we have in place now. Cindy suggested a couple of websites who sponsor what is going on in the media with pornography: onemillionmoms.com and parentstelevisioncounsel.com

Miriam Harmer has been involved in the political process for years – since age 18. She urged us to attend our caucus meetings which will be coming up in February, go to Washington DC, learn what is going on, and be involved and informed about current issues. Last summer, Miriam was a legal clerk for the Romney campaign with 80 other interns. She said it was a great experience to learn the political process and to make connections with others. She urged us to “be humble enough to start anywhere.” We can donate, make phone calls, travel to areas to knock on doors, work in offices, pass out literature. She stated that “good people make a difference.” The most important part of her message was that “the media filters the message they want us to hear; they are very negative. We should be optimistic, hopeful and believe in the future.”

Marge Clayton

JANUARY 9TH UWF MEETING PHOTO ALBUM

2008-01-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

A SEASON TO BE STRONG

2008-01-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

TO VIEW INVITE, CLICK ON IMAGE. HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!

DECEMBER 5TH MEETING MINUTES

2007-12-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 6, 2007

United Women's Forum Minutes, Dec. 5, 2007

Kaylma Rohrer welcomed everyone to the home of
Lauralee Christensen for our monthly meeting, held
one week early, due to Christmas.

An opening prayer was offered by Jyl Marsden, fol-
lowed by the Pledge of Alligiance, lead by Kaylma.

Lauralee Christensen introduced us to the "Stay Alive"
program as a possible humanitarian project for our fami-
lies this Christmas. There are 12 million AIDS-orphaned
children in Africa. Stay Alive is a powerful and proven
HIV/AIDS prevention education program developed by
United Families International. It targets children ages
9-14 during the critical window before they are sexually
active. $1.25-$1.50 per child provides teacher education
and curriculum materials. The program has been respon-
sible for a 61-75% drop in teen pregnancies. For more
info, please contact Lauralee at 299-9113.
Susan Duke suggested that we involve our children with
volunteer & humanitarian efforts, relating a "soda" story.

Marva Lyman presented a "call to action" for the month
of December, suggesting that we:
1. Pray for the spirit of repentance to come over the
leaders of our country. Pray that they will stand
for truth, righteousness and liberty.
2. Contact friends and relatives in California and ask
them to write to Gov. Schwarznegger regarding his
signing of SB 777, AB 394, AB 102, and AB14
(Senate and Assembly Bills). These require teachers
to promote homosexuality, transexuality, bisexuality
and cross-dressing as part of public school curric-
ulum. Married names are being awarded to homo-
sexual couples and state funding will be discontinue-
ed for any organization that does not promote these
lifestyles.
3. Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)
Opponents say this law creates a protected class that
"promotes" homosexuality and negatively affects
traditional family values. 13 states currently have
policies prohibiting sexual orientation & gender iden-
tity discrimination in employment; 7 more on sexual
orientation only. If ENDA passes, it would force the
other 30 states, including Utah to abide by this law.
4. Senate Bill (S 1780) Protecting Children From
Indecent Programming Act would require the FCC
Federal Communications Commission to maintain
current policy, stating that one word or image may
constitute indecent programming.

Debra Poulsen thanked all of the United Women for their
efforts and testified that Jesus Christ is the author of liberty
and the inalienable rights declared in the Constitution.

Laurie Leishman, Marge Clayton's daughter, introduced
Ardeth Kapp.

Ardeth Kapp told us that she felt great power in the room.
She related an experience with a nephew some years ago
The nephew asked, "Aunt Ardy, how many more birth-
days do you have left? He then wrapped his arms around
her and told her he loved her and didn't want her to die.
Ardeth quoted Helaman 5:12, declaring that it is upon
the rock of our Redeemer that we must build our sure
foundation. She declared that "today we're pioneers
on a new and very challenging frontier, but the concern
for protecting our homes and families is no different."
She read a tender, powerful poem by Vaalite Rail, an
early pioneer.
We cut desire into short lengths
And fed it to the hunger fires of courage.
Long after when the flames had died
Molten gold gleamed in the ashes.
We gathered it with bruised palms
And handed it to our children
And our children's children forever.

Sister Kapp admonished us to be careful not to let our
attention stay focused on world problems, while we let
Satan destroy the moral fiber of our home. Don't be
reluctant to take a stand. There is power in unity.

Sister Kapp found widspread diversity some years ago
while in Washington D.C., attending the National
Council of Women. Immediately following the open-
ing prayer, one woman arose from her sea spontane-
ously and made this brief observation that was felt by
everyone present:

"One woman is helpful,
Ten women influential.
One hundred women powerful.
One thousand women invincible."

President Spencer Kimball declared that today, during the
winding-up scenes, a righteous woman's influence can
be ten times more than what it might be in more tranquil
times. As we plan, we need to ask, "What do we want to
accomplish?" before we ask, "What do we want to do?"
We need to be careful not to get distracted. The adversary
would like to keep us busy with "good things", neglecting
the most important things.

Twenty years ago, Sister Kapp was asked to speak
before the National Committee Against Pornography.
Many organizations, media representatives, and legislators
were in attendance, some for and others against pornography.
There were many television cameras. As soon as Sister
Kapp identified herself with the LDS Church, all the
cameras turned off. ["When we know what is right, we must
speak up," Sister Kapp declared to us. She asked what each
of us would have said, if we had been in her place.] She
continued her story. She told the audience at the National
Committee that when she took the oath to become a U.S.
citizen, having been born a Canadian, she promised that she
would support and defend the Constitution against all enemies.
"Today we face the 'psychological enemy' of pornography,
obscenity and indecency, attacking the traditional family.
We stand at the crossroad," she boldly stated.

Sister Kapp admonished us to establish a pattern with three
important actions: 1)observations, 2) concerns, 3) recom-
mendations. Some years ago, President Packer told Sister
Kapp, "We need women who are…organized…have
executive ability, who can…teach, speak out…receive
inspiration. Sister Kapp told us she rejoices that we support
other organizations that fight for family moral values.
"We need everybody from every camp," she declared.
"When we build our foundation on Christ, we know what
to do."

Ardeth related a touching personal story. She was a
teaching supervisor at BYU when she visited Miss
Nelson's 2nd grade class. The teacher described a
hypothetical scenario, then asked her students to decide
which neighbor they would like to have living by them.
She talked of two older men, Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones.
"Suppose you passed these men on your way home from
school." Mr. Smith made whistles for the children and knew
the names of all the birds. Mr. Jones, on the other hand, would
throw things at the children as the passed by or shake his cane
at them. "Which man would you like as a neighbor?" the teacher
asked. All the children raised their hands in favor of Mr. Smith,
but way in the back of the classroom, one boy slowly began to
raise his hand. The teacher noticed and said, "Jeff, stand up,"
Jeff stood and shyly expressed that he would like to be neighbors
with Mr. Jones. "If I were neighbors with Mr. Jones," he
continued, " then my mother would make him a pie and he
wouldn't be that way anymore." Sister Kapp said she observed
twenty-two second graders, and one boy, true to his convictions,
who stood alone to make a better way. Another child was heard to
say, "I wish I had said that."

Five qualities were illuminated:
1) The obvious answer is not always right. Dare to stand alone.
Logic and reason may not always be reliable, but the Spirit
always is.
2) Believe in people. You cannot change the whole world, but you
can change one person?
3) Go forth with confidence. When you speak truth, the Spirit will
testify.
4) We've got to know Him; not just know about Him
5) President Hinckley said, "There is no power on earth like that of
prayer.

Sister Kapp asked her former Beehive, Becky Nelson, to come up
and stand with her. Sister Kapp related Becky's experience at
Girl's Camp as best as she could remember it. After the testimony
meeting that was held, Sister Kapp told all the girls, "Before you
go back to your places, go out into the trees by yourself and just
"call home". Two weeks later, in Fast and Testimony meeting,
Becky related that when she went into the trees, she looked up
into the sky and asked, "Heavenly Father", do you know I'm here.
She began to feel warm all over and testified, "I knew He knew
that I was there."
Ardeth told us that, in unity, regardless of age, religion, there is
power in an organized group. "I appreciate the countenance of this
group. I pray that the Lord will bless you individually and collectively."

She told us she loves the story of Elisha the Prophet, related in
II Kings, chapter 6, where the eyes of Elisha's servant are opened,
revealing previously unseen horses and chariots of fire. Elisha,
the Prophet states, "They that be with us are greater than they that
be with them." II Kings 6:16.

Sister Kapp made us all laugh hard when she said, "I have a photo-
graphic memory, but not same-day delivery." She asked us for any
questions we might have.

Evelyn Neville asked about legislation regarding single parents, par-
ticularly divorced mothers. We can be part of the ammunition; we
can love, accept and support. Time Out for Women is a great
resource. Barbra Spuhler said it is like an extension of Women's
Conference. It has gone all over the nation and Canada. Now
they offer Husband and Wife, as well as Mother-Daughter.

Paulette requested, "Tell us who you are." "What do you do in your
spare time?" "Who is your favorite author?" Sister Kapp responded,
"Let me tell you who I'm not." She quoted King Benjamin, saying
that we must watch our thoughts. Satan tries to cause us to despair,
to be discouraged, to feel we are inadequate. We need to feel acceptance
within ourselves.
Sister Kapp sits on the Deseret Book editorial board and after reading
a 300-page manuscript, her scriptures are about all she can get to.
What we read and see does affect how we feel about ourselves.

Some thoughts expressed by Sister Kapp:
In Canada, growing up, we learned that "you harvest what you plant".
We must comply with nature. We couldn't control the weather; we
learned to rely on the Lord. We learned that not all prayers are answered.
Hail came and killed all our turkeys, but that year our wheat crop was
better than normal. Some leadership principles are learned by being
involved at a very young age to be very responsible.

JoAnne Poulsen commented that some missionaries that had not have farm
experience felt that a mission was too hard and got sent home. Ardeth
added that "we had to milk cows in the morning, and before we went
to the dance.

I know from my experience with the Utah North Area Youth Confer-
ences in the summer that allowed 9,000 youth in two years to attend
Youth Conference for $50, that youth today are stronger, smarter. I
have confidence in youth today. Young kids are so strong and com-
mitted.

Vaalite Rail's poem is quoted in Sister Kapp's book, Miracles in
Pinafores and Blue Jeans. She said has been out of print for fifteen years,

Kaylma thanked Sister Ardeth Kapp, on behalf of our entire group. She
noted that Jill Stevens, the current Miss Utah, and September speaker with
UWF, needs our help. The national competition will be aired in four episodes
at 8:00 p.m. on TLC, culminating with the finals on January 26, 2008..

PHOTOS FROM DECEMBER 5, 2007

2007-12-07T15:11:00.000-08:00

UNITED WOMEN'S FORUM

January UWF Meeting

*** Location Change for Meet the Candidate Event****

Meet the Candidates Night (Bountiful City Council)

Upcoming Events

GANG TASK FORCE EVENT - April 1, 2011

United Women’s Forum Minutes - March 16, 2011

Report from UN Meeting

Notice to Attend UN Meeting in April

United Women’s Forum Minutes

October 2010 UWF General Meeting

Minutes of General Meeting - May 12, 2010

Meet the Candidate Event April 23, 2010 House Seat District 20

UNITED WOMEN’S FORUM Minutes - March 17, 2010

United Women’s Forum February 2010 Minutes

United Women's Forum January 13, 2010

MINUTES - November 2009

MINUTES – October 14, 2009

MINUTES - September 9, 2009

INVITATION

MAY MINUTES

UWF 2 Year Celebration April 8, 2009

MINUTES - March 11, 2009

March 11, 2009 Forum Meeting with Dr. Mark Chamberlain

Next Meeting March 11, 2009

UWF Minutes 2-11-2009

UWF Meeting 2-11-2009 Speaker: Jeff Novak

FEBRUARY FORUM MEETING

United Women's Forum Meeting 1-14-2009 Speakers: Representative Becky Edwards & Senator Dan Liljenquist

United Women's Forum Meeting 1-14-2009/ Senator Dan Liljenquist & Representative Rebecca P. Edwards

Next UWF Meeting January 14, 2009 10:15 a.m.

Minutes: United Women's Forum Meeting December 10, 2008 (Dina & Richard Wells)

United Women's Forum Meeting 12-10-2008 Speaker: Richard Wells

December 10, 2008 Meeting: "The Role of the Creator" Richard Wells

UWF Meeting 11-12-08 Colonel Jay C. Hess

United Women's Forum Meeting 11-12-08 Colonel Jay C. Hess

Pumpkin & Ham Soup

Taco Soup

Mark your calendars for November 12, 2008 "Advantages of a Republic"

Proposition 8: The California Marriage Protection Amendment

About Proprosition 8

Proposition 8: The California Marriage Protection Amendment

United Women's Forum Minutes 10-9-2008

JoAnn Hibbert Hamilton presentation

Utilizing the Liberty That Our Founding Fathers Gave Us.

JoAnn Hibbert Hamilton Outline

Utilizing the Liberty That Our Founding Fathers Gave Us

United Women's Forum Meeting 10-8-08 Slide Show

October 8, 2008 "Protecting the Role of the Family"

"Patriots and Petticoats" September 10, 2008

UWF Meeting 9-10-2008 Slide Show

2008 FALL NEWSLETTER

Mark your Calendar! September 10, 2008 United Forum Meeting 10:15 a.m. Bountiful Library

United Women's Forum

UWF Meeting May 14, 2008 The Honorable Judge David Sam

UWF Meeting May 14, 2008 The Honorable Judge David Sam

Public Hearing for the El Matador alcohol variance

Photos: April 9, 2008 "Ike Ferguson" First Annual Anniversay General Meeting

Recipes from First Annual Anniversary UWF General Meeting

First Annual Anniversary General Meeting : Wednesday, April 9, 2008

United Women’s Forum Meeting – Minutes, March 19, 2008

PHOTOS FROM UWF 03/19/2008 MEETING

GUEST SPEAKER ROB BISHOP

MINUTES FEB. 13TH 2008

PHOTOS FROM FEB 13TH

United Women's Forum --- Fabulous February

UWF SPEAKER 02-13-2008

Minutes of United Women’s Forum General Meeting - January 9, 2008

JANUARY 9TH UWF MEETING PHOTO ALBUM

A SEASON TO BE STRONG

DECEMBER 5TH MEETING MINUTES

PHOTOS FROM DECEMBER 5, 2007

* Location Change for Meet the Candidate Event**