Utah Cultural Alliance (UCA) Advocacy Policies and Procedures

In fulfillment of its mission, the UCA may take a public position on issues affecting the Utah cultural community at large. If it so chooses, the UCA will speak to issues that reflect its constituency and affect the cultural quality of life in Utah. The UCA seeks to advocate on behalf of legislation that has a statewide or regional impact, and is broad-based in nature.

Limitations of UCA Advocacy

The UCA will not act on legislation in a manner that is contrary to our mission and goals or is substantially damaging to one constituent group over another. UCA's position on any issue shall not have been formally determined without a letter on UCA letterhead that is signed by the Administrator or the Chair of the Board of Directors.

Process for Determining UCA Position

To request advocacy assistance or for formal public actions by the Utah Cultural Alliance, download and complete the Endorsement Application Form. All requests must be submitted to the Administrator.

Non-legislative, public policy and community issues will be reviewed within 30 days. The Administrator will complete a UCA Advocacy Staff Report that will include a recommendation that will be forwarded to the UCA Executive Committee. The UCA Executive Committee will review the staff report and recommend an official position for final determination by the Board of Directors.

In order to proactively address pre-session Legislative issues, UCA is open to receiving proposals -- between May 1 and August 31 of any given year -- for the upcoming Legislative session from member organizations seeking UCA support. Two tiers of UCA support are available. Member organizations may submit proposals requesting: 1) general support requiring a simple endorsement by UCA for an issue, or 2) specific support requiring pro-active advocacy by the UCA. Members should indicate in their proposal what type of action they are requesting. The Administrator will complete a UCA Advocacy Staff Report with recommendations to be forwarded to the UCA Executive Committee. Between September 1 and November 15, UCA's Executive Committee will review all proposals and staff reports simultaneously and recommend an official position for final determination by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may limit the number of proposals to act on in any upcoming legislative session.

For legislation or other time-sensitive issues that arise during the Legislative session, a determination by the Board of Directors will be made as quickly as possible. The Administrator will complete a UCA Advocacy Staff Report that will include a recommendation that will be forwarded to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will review the staff report and recommend an official position for final determination by the Board of Directors.

UCA's Administrator or Chair may act on behalf of the organization as long as it is in accordance with UCA's goals and missions. Whenever possible, the Administrator or Chair will provide a summary of the issue and action.

UCA's staff and Executive Committee may consider its own limited resources and risk tolerance when making a determination on a proposed advocacy action or position.