Elevate’s Mission to Make Politics Less Intimidating, More Optimistic & Impactful

Utah politics can feel inaccessible, and that’s deliberate. In an effort to make politics more accessible to the public, Optimistic Political Missionaries, Internet Persons and Senior Partners at Elevate Strategies Gabi Finlayson and Jackie Morgan create videos breaking down legislation so that all of us can understand the legalese, host meaningful events to talk about how legislation impacts our communities and support local candidates looking to make a difference. Finlayson says, “The process is intentionally difficult to follow, and people disengaging is exactly what allows bad policies and actions to continue.”

That disengagement, they argue, allows for several troubling trends that deserve more public attention, especially the steady erosion of local control and attempts to weaken the Utah judiciary in favor of those in power over the public they represent. While state leaders often champion “small government” and local decision-making, that sentiment disappears when cities, counties or judges take actions the legislature doesn’t agree with. Bills targeting the courts have been fast-tracked early in this year’s legislative session, including proposals to expand the Utah Supreme Court and create an entirely new “constitutional court.” The result, Morgan and Finlayson say, is a dangerous conflict of interest: lawmakers passing potentially unconstitutional laws while also reshaping the very system meant to check them. “These aren’t short-term decisions, and they have really long-term consequences,” Morgan emphasizes.

“When marginalized communities are constantly targeted by those in power, it gives others permission to discriminate, to have hateful feelings.”

On top of that are the continued legislative attacks on voting access, immigrant rights, LGBTQ rights and communities of color. While many of these bills may appear small or technical on their own, their cumulative effect is profound, not just in policy but in culture.

“People in power don’t just pass laws,” Finlayson notes. “They also legitimize narratives. When marginalized communities are constantly targeted by those in power, it gives others permission to discriminate, to have hateful feelings.”

For many Utahns, this environment has led to exhaustion, fear and disillusionment. With more than 700 bills already introduced in the first two weeks of the 2026 session, an unprecedented number, it’s hard to know where to focus or whether speaking up even matters. Elevate’s answer is simple: You don’t have to do everything. You just have to do what you can. “Pick one issue. One bill. One action,” they suggest. “Follow it. Talk about it. Write one email. That’s enough, and it matters.”

“They make this process hard on purpose. So we wanted to make it part of people’s everyday lives, something digestible, human and hopeful.”

This philosophy is at the heart of why Elevate exists. Founded by longtime political organizers who returned to Utah believing the state deserves better, the organization works to demystify politics and rebuild civic connection. Their videos, events and online presence are designed to make engagement feel accessible, social and even joyful.

“They make this process hard on purpose,” they say. “So we wanted to make it

part of people’s everyday lives, something digestible, human and hopeful.”

Hope, in fact, is their organizing principle. They point to history as proof that change rarely feels inevitable until it suddenly happens — having hope and believing everything will work out, until it does.

Utah, they argue, is uniquely positioned for that kind of shift. It’s the youngest state in the country, one of the fastest growing and among the most urbanized Republican states. Young voters, including young Latter-day Saints, are increasingly open to change, making Utah “gettable” in ways many people underestimate.

What gives Finlayson and Morgan the most hope, though, is people; it’s us. Hundreds of Utahns, many new to politics, are showing up to Elevate events eager to learn, connect and participate. And their advice for staying grounded through it all? Reject the idea that constant anger is a prerequisite for commitment. “You are no less committed if you still find joy,” they say. “Community, rest, celebration — those aren’t distractions. They’re how we stay in the fight.”

And the belief that every person belongs in this process may be the most radical thing of all. Learn more at elevatecampaignstrategies.com, and follow them at @elevate_utah.

Read more SLUG coverage of local activism:
Talking Trans Joy & Resistance With Genderbands
The Diplomacy of Belonging With City Council Member Eva López Chávez