What is “engagement,” and what does it mean in the context of BYU? Webster’s New World College Dictionary defines it as “emotional involvement or commitment.” BYU defines it by providing a whole minor that “provides students and faculty with the appropriate skills and meaningful opportunities to become engaged in their respective communities. We seek to promote civic service and to encourage everyone to find ways to solve the problems around them.” In short, we, as a university and an FHSS college, want you to get involved emotionally involved in your community. Why? Because there are so many things to care about, and so many ways to be engaged in addressing them.

If you care about family integrity, the state of the roads in front of your house or on your way to work or school, or being able to find or keep a great job, you are emotionally involved. Find out how to be engaged in positive actions regarding those things, or learn of other topics about which you might want to get involved, at a talk given by Provo Mayor John Curtis on October 29th from 4 to 5 p.m. in 270 SWKT on the BYU Campus (on the main floor of the Kimball Tower, the tallest building on campus. He will speak about “the second most important type of engagement at BYU.” Parking is available to the north and east, if you are an off-campus visitor, or to the west and south if you’re a student (see this campus map for details).

Mayor Curtis began his first term in office in 2010. During his first four years, the city of Provo ranked #1 in the nation for business and careers by Forbes as well as #1 for well-being by Gallop, according to the Provo city website. The city also received national recognition for quality of life, family environment, and a rising tech and entrepreneurial environment. With the help of the City Council, employees, and residents, Mayor Curtis’ administration brought Google Fiber to Provo, regularly scheduled air service at the airport, expanded parks and trails, and completed Provo’s state-of-the-art recreation center. Mayor Curtis was a businessman before becoming mayor.