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Governor urges Utahns to rely on 'social capital' — family, faith and neighbors — over new government programs
Summary
The Governor centered the address on the concept of social capital, arguing Utah's success stems from family unity, civic engagement and volunteering rather than government action, and called on citizens to replicate that community involvement.
A central theme of the address was the Governor’s argument that Utah’s success comes from social capital—ties of family, faith, volunteerism and neighborhood reciprocity—rather than new government programs. "Social capital is measured in categories like family unity and interaction, social support, and institutional effectiveness," he said, adding that "social capital ... is not created by government. It is created in our families, our congregations, our neighborhoods, and our volunteer organizations."
Drawing on personal examples from his upbringing in Fairview, the Governor credited neighbors, teachers and church leaders with shaping his life. He used those anecdotes to argue for a civic model that emphasizes private and community responsibility. While the speech emphasized personal and civic action, it did not propose new state statutes or programs tied to the social capital theme.
