When looking at the world, it often seems like it is a divided one. From countries at war with each other to the political battles within our nation, divisiveness is all around us.

However, even amidst what can be viewed as tumultuous times, there are often overlooked moments where people are coming together to uplift, inspire and make the world a happier place — many of them within our state.

Here are five of those moments that have happened recently.

1. Search for Jon Schmidt’s daughter

In October 2016, Utah musician Jon Schmidt of The Piano Guys learned that his 21-year-old daughter Annie Schmidt was missing. According to reports, she went hiking near her home in Portland, Oregon, and never returned.

Hundreds of locals in the area helped in the search, with even more in our state and across the nation sending prayers and well-wishes for the family in their time of trial.

While her body was found, that didn’t stop the thoughts and prayers on the family’s behalf — prayers that continue to this day.

2. Women’s March at the State Capitol

On the first day of the current legislative session, an estimated 6,000 gathered at the Utah State Capitol for the Women’s March.

While some may have seen the march as divisive, many viewed it as a way for women to have a positive voice. According to Utah Women Unite, the event was organized to address “political, legal and cultural problems faced by Utah women and to elevate the status and dignity of all people.”

Women of all ages created signs not just in protest, but in support of things that mattered to them and what they felt would make a positive difference in the lives of women everywhere.

One such person is Celeste Tholen of Salt Lake City.

“Utah women were one of the first in the nation to receive suffrage and Utah was the first state to elect a female state senator, so it felt like it was honoring our collective history to join with thousands of women, men, and non-binary individuals in political action,” she said. “I was proud to march alongside individuals who want to make Utah and America a better, more fair place. I'm proud, too, that this march resulted in real action and involvement in local politics.”

3. Dancing 'The Wookie' campaign to end text wrecks

Texting and driving is a growing problem in Utah, ranking cellphones as one of the two biggest causes of distracted driving crashes.

In an effort to bring attention to this epidemic, people and organizations from around the state participated in a Star Wars-themed campaign to “End Text Wrecks” by encouraging people to "Dance the Wookie."

Since the campaign began in November 2016, the BYU Cougarettes, Fusion 360, the Unified Police Department, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes and many more have joined together to educate the public, while challenging others to do the same.

4. Outdoor enthusiasts successfully combatting HR621

The natural beauty and appeal of Utah's public lands is something that outdoors enthusiasts both within our state and around the world enjoy, and a bill introduced years ago could have severely affected the use of many of those lands. HR621 would rid our state of certain public lands that former President Bill Clinton deemed as “serving no public purpose.”

On Feb. 1, however, after thousands of calls and emails from concerned citizens, Congressman Jason Chaffetz dropped the bill, showing that the collective voices of community members did not fall on deaf ears.

In a Facebook post regarding the decision, Chaffetz wrote, “I am withdrawing HR621. I'm a proud gun owner, hunter and love our public lands. The bill would have disposed of small parcels of lands Pres. Clinton identified as serving no public purpose, but groups I support and care about fear it sends the wrong message. The bill was originally introduced several years ago. I look forward to working with you. I hear you and HR 621 dies tomorrow.”

5. Combatting bad air quality by running laps up Grandeur Peak

It is no secret that Utah’s air is among the worst. In fact, during an inversion, Utah cities are ranked the worst air quality in the nation.

That’s why Utah runner and infamous Barkley Marathons winner Jared Campbell organized the annual event Running up for Air. This event took place at Grandeur Peak on Feb. 11, where 120 runners attempted as many summits of the 2.9-mile/2,560’ elevation gain course in a 6-hour, 12-hour or 24-hour period — all in the name of air quality.

All the proceeds from this event went to Breathe Utah, an organization that educates and looks for solutions to Utah’s poor air quality.

Robert J. DeBry and Associates is proud to be a Utah firm protecting the rights of injured victims throughout the state.

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